Rec basketball.

Some say it’s a blast. Kids love having a great time playing with friends, some have even started traditions out of it. And then, some have fun just attending the games.

These are what players and fans have had to say about rec basketball. It’s a much different atmosphere than putting on a jersey to support the home school. Over 100 kids from all grade levels have made the switch from school to rec, but here’s why.

Self proclaimed “rebound superstar” Colin Casey, sophomore, recently has made the switch from school to rec. He now plays for “Brick Squad” in the Blue Valley Rec Basketball division.

“School basketball was a lot of work,” Casey said. “It just wasn’t getting it done for me, anyone can be a star in rec.”

This can be a benefit of rec basketball. Also it’s great for teaming up with your best friends for a great time. Some players even have pre-game traditions for their team.

“We always go to Sonic before the games, it’s kind of a tradition,” said Casey.

Sophomore Corbett Oliver plays for a separate rec team named “Kan-Mo” who spoofed their name off of a very popular elite basketball program named “Mo-Kan.”

“It just came to me one day and I thought it was hilarious,” Oliver said. “We always have a good laugh about it.”

Some players though, have never even played school basketball.

“I play a lot of competitive sports and have all my life and it’s nice to relax and do a sport not putting 100 percent into,” freshman Beau Constant said.

Constant is an elite runner, but loves the sport of basketball. He said it’s perfect because he can enjoy a game of hoops but still focus on running at the same time. The benefit of playing a rec sport is no practice, which can come in handy to some all year round athletes.

However, the game of rec basketball is enjoyed off the court, too. Friends love to watch other friends go play on the court, just ask sophomore Fritz Lienamen.

“I love watching the games, they’re pretty entertaining,” said Lienamen.

He goes to support his brother, who also plays for Kan-Mo as well. He talked about how much he enjoys the games because the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed.

Fritz has been a devoted fan for two years now and as he said perfectly, “I love being there to root for you guys.”