When thinking of basketball, recreation basketball teams may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Although not as popular as the school basketball team, rec basketball has become a largely known organization over the past few years. Although it brings friendly competition, it also welds together a community.
“Rec Ball is amazing,” said Liam Atwater, a freshman at Portsmouth High School. This is Liam’s first year playing rec basketball yet he envisions himself playing for the rest of his high school career. He felt welcomed into the rec ball community when he was drafted just one month ago and he has built a connection with the roster he was assigned with this year.
“When Caiden Paolucci is playing, I think he’s a dominant force,” said Atwater when questioned if there was any falter in his confidence on the court. Atwater says that he is very happy that he picked up rec ball and is excited for the rest of the season ahead.
“I think it’s the friendly competitions with other teams that’s the most fun,” claimed Emilio Pruna, a senior at PHS.
“A lot of new relationships are made through rec ball,” said Pruna when talking about the community aspect of the organization. He claims that it’s always a highlight of the week for him to step up onto the court and see what team he is playing.
“Communication helps build friendships,” said Caiden Paolucci, junior at PHS. Paolucci played school basketball freshman year and decided to have early retirement, but joined the rec ball league last year helping win the championship. He has been described as a force to be reckoned with on the court and is said to be nearly impossible to guard by both Pruna and Atwater.
“There’s nobody on my level, might as well put the whole team on me,” said Paolucci when talking about his seasonal record high of 20 points. He is also looking forward to back to back championships this year and is convinced that his team can pull it off.
“It definitely brings the community together,” said Paolucci, explaining that when incorporated into a team people can become friends and build relationships faster than anything else. It’s a way for kids that don’t see each other to meet outside of school and build a relationship from there.
Rec Ball is a low commitment sport with two games a week at the Connie Bean and endless possibilities of new relationships. For more information visit the Portsmouth Recreation Department’s website.
