The Siren Call of Rec Ball
The warmth of spring is coming, and with that, people are looking to get outside. Everyone is swarming to the rugby field and golf course. Students are too soon to forget the joys of indoor sports. The most slept-on sport in Brentwood this term might just be recreational basketball.
The first sounds that greet you as you walk into the perfectly climate-controlled Wheaton Gym are the squeaking of shoes and the satisfying swish of a perfect shot. For an hour every day, hoopers transform into Caitlin and Kyrie, battling it out against players of all skill levels in the heat of competition.
Another term of recreational basketball has started. The first week was a little strange, with the senior team still practicing and taking up most of the gym time, but now we are balling in full swing. The class is just as fun as ever. Classes usually start with a quick warm-up followed by gameplay - truly what makes this sport so fun. Around 50 minutes of super-intense basketball is more than enough exercise, especially when you tack on the extra runs and push-ups that Mr Gage gives us as punishment.
“On the whistle!” Mr. Gage reminds us, but there's always one or two who slip up and go early anyway and have to do extra push-ups for it. These extra runs and push-ups do not make the class any worse because adding punishments and rewards like Gatorades just makes us play even harder.
It’s this level of competition and effort that makes the classes so enjoyable. Owen, one of the smoothest hoopers in rec ball, put it perfectly: "It's about being able to play basketball in a low-pressure environment while still playing as hard as I can." There's no one there to judge, and no matter how new you are to the sport, everyone handles the ball and gets to take and make shots.
"It's an inclusive sport where you simply have fun," says Evan. "I can show up every day knowing I’ll enjoy myself and have fun interactions with people I don't usually see around the school." You get to meet people from all over the school, and it's fun getting to know younger students.
Recreational Basketball does not get as much attention as outdoor sports during third term, but for those who are in it, know it's an experience. The perfect mix of all skill levels coming together like a fruit salad in the sweetness of pure competition and camaraderie. So whether you’re an average Antetokounmpo brother or have never touched a basketball before, instead of heading straight to the rugby field, try lacing up your court shoes - because there’s a spot for you in recreational basketball.
Max K, Whittall ‘25