To the Editor:
The Times recently gave extensive coverage lauding the Gloucester YMCA's 18-plus summer basketball league. Encouraged by the article, I attended the four games played last Wednesday evening.

I certainly concur. A lot of the talent was on that floor, and three of the four games were very close and exciting. There was every evidence of real quality play: competent fast breaking, threading-the-needle passing, full team participation, impressive shooting and execution as well as aggressive defense.

I'm 71 years old and still play occasionally. So I've been around basketball for almost six decades. I really enjoy witnessing good basketball. I encourage any other old timers who perhaps harken back to the Cousy-Heinsohn era to come and watch very good basketball at the Y on Monday and Wednesday nights.

I commend Joe Billante, who organizes and runs a league that attracts such good, college-experienced players.

I sat next to Joe and was so impressed with his total command of all four games. He single-handedly recorded scores, fouls, timeouts, on paper while simultaneously operated the electronic scoreboard, keeping accurate score and play time for all four games. This is a man who's in command and knows the game of basketball.

Bob Hope
Curtis Street, Rockport

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