Scott O’Brien
Sports Editor
It’s the most anticipated time of the year, it dominates lunchroom conversation, and is the pinnacle of glory for those who come out on top. It can make just an average high school boy feel like Shaqueill O’Neil. Located in the gym at the YMCA, Y-Ball dominates the heart and soul of the school.
The league is very laid back holding only one game and one practice a week, compared to a high school schedule. “ Y-Ball is not a big commitment at all. During the week you have an hour practice or a scrimmage and on the weekends you have a game on Saturdays. It’s not the end of the world if you miss practice or a game if you have a conflict. Also, you can go away on vacation during breaks which you can’t do in high school sports,” sophomore Tripper Saitta said.
The kids in the league get very competitive among friends. “ Everyone plays as hard as they can. Anyone who doesn’t take it seriously is either benched or reprimanded. We don’t mess around on the hardwood,” senior Alex Geanakos said. “The scrimmages during the week are always talked about and everyone talks up the weekend’s games. There’s always some trash talk being thrown around.”
Teams can opt to have a player or a parent assume the role as coach, however, a lot of students have taken it upon themselves to be coaches in the league. “It’s really not that big of a duty. All I have to do is email our team and let them know when the games and scrimmages are. I also have to make sure everyone gets equal playing time,” senior Will Karl said. “I enjoy being the coach because I am the leader of the team and the younger kids look up to me.”
Right now, Y-Ball allows for players of all skill sets to come together and play. “I love playing basketball, but unfortunately my skill set doesn’t allow me to play for the high school. Luckily for me, there is a less competitive league in Y-Ball, where you can get together with your friends and have fun,” senior Conor Hanratty said.
Senior Kevin Macari enjoys playing Y-Ball in replacement of high school basketball. “Although it is not as competitive as high school basketball, there are a lot of good athletes who come out and compete,” he said. “You would be surprised at how high the level of play is. I really enjoy coming out and playing with my buddies in an organized game.”
Even freshman find themselves having a good time despite the age difference in the league. “Y-Ball is great because there is no pressure on you to do well. You can go out and have fun playing with the older kids and your friends,” freshman Bobby DiRocco said.
