Natick Youth Basketball's Boys 8C squad reached the D6 Championship Game after three straight playoff wins to cap its winter season.
Natick Youth Basketball capped its winter travel season with standout performances across multiple squads: the Boys 8C team reached the Division 6 championship game after three straight playoff wins before falling to Swansea, the Boys 8B team delivered multiple buzzer-beaters against Division 3 competition, and the Girls 8A team advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a 6–5 regular season. On the recreation front, Natick Recreation and Parks has summer Open Gym, a Summer Wellness Series, and Concerts on the Common on the calendar, while Natick Little League's summer baseball and softball programs are open for registration. The All Aboard adaptive cycling program, run with Recreation and Parks along the Cochituate Rail Trail, was praised at the June 24 Select Board meeting and will return in September. ===HEADLINES=== 1. Natick Youth Basketball Boys 8C Falls Just Short in D6 Title Game 2. Three NYB Travel Teams Shine as Winter Season Wraps Up 3. Natick Little League Opens Registration for Summer Baseball, Softball 4. All Aboard Adaptive Cycling Program Praised at Select Board Meeting 5. Natick Recreation Launches Summer Wellness Series, Concerts on the Common
NATICK -- Natick Youth Basketball closed out its winter travel season with several teams earning recognition, highlighted by the Boys 8C squad's run to the Division 6 championship game. The team finished 6–5 in league play before reeling off three consecutive playoff victories. In the title game, the boys fell in a narrow loss to Swansea. Coach Dave F. reflected on the season: "You won't always control the outcome, but you always control how you show up."
The Boys 8B team, competing as a B squad in Division 3 against many A-level opponents, posted multiple buzzer-beating wins throughout the season. Coach Shawn Kelly praised the group heading into high school: "I will always remember this team as truly dedicated and committed."
The Girls 8A team finished 6–5 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, with coaches noting the squad's emphasis on defense, rebounding, and team cohesion.
TOWN -- Natick Recreation and Parks has Open Gym schedules posted for June and July. Upcoming programs include a Summer Wellness Series Pilates session on July 1 and a Yoga session on July 7. Concerts on the Common — Family Concerts begin July 6. Natick Little League has summer baseball and softball programs open for registration; the league notes its financial aid program is available to ensure equal access for all Natick residents.
The June 24 Select Board meeting included mention of the All Aboard adaptive cycling program, run in partnership with the Recreation and Parks Department along the Cochituate Rail Trail. A volunteer and the Friends of Natick Trails president praised Recreation and Parks staff — including Adaptive Programs Director Melissa Carter — for their work at a recent All Aboard event. The program is on summer hiatus and is expected to resume in September.