Basketball Returns to AE/MS With Middle School Program

Mike Jensen, AE/MS Athletic Director and Fifth grade teacher, gives students directions and advice before their game. Caption and photo: Kasey Schoch

On January 26, Andover students from sixth, seventh, and eighth grade hit the basketball courts to kick off this year’s AE/MS 6th-8th grade Intramural Basketball League. Things may look a little different than it did during previous years, but it is a welcome addition to the school year.

Ethan Dukette takes a practice shot while he waits to play in a game against his classmates in the AE/MS basketball program. Caption and photo: Kasey Schoch

This marked the beginning of our first ever “Middle School” Intramural basketball program! Interested middle school boys and girls have been spending their Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons enjoying friendly competition and fine-tuning their basketball skills. In all, 23 students have been participating in three-on-three, half court basketball games. Each team is allowed up to five players, which allows for plenty of substitutions throughout the game.

The games have been divided into four-minute quarters. Typical pickup basketball rules apply. Each basket is worth only one point. The ball must be “cleared” behind the three-point line when possession changes. This has really helped the players gradually build up their conditioning levels. Emphasis has been placed on:

Having good, safe fun!
Being active/increasing physical fitness
Good sportsmanship
Increasing skills
Skill development

For many, this is the first basketball they have played in almost a year! For many others, it is the first real physical activity since fall sports ended. Giving students an outlet to release some energy is just what these kids needed.

Middle school teachers have commented on how excited their students are to talk about and prepare for the daily basketball games. This has offered a nice opportunity for students to socialize, get some exercise, and play a sport they love in a safe, supervised environment!

It has been great to watch these incredible student-athletes improve their skills and conditioning while having a fun time playing basketball with their friends. Principal Dobe, Ms. Koron (parent volunteer) and I have been supervising, refereeing, and facilitating this program! Middle school teachers have graciously been donating refreshments for the athletes!

This program will run for a total of four weeks. At the end, we will be holding a small tournament. Students have all been working hard, building skills, and most of all…having fun!