Season Ends with March Madness

 

Rye Recreation’s boys’ basketball program for 5^th– and 6^th-grade boys ended on March 6 at Rye Middle School Gym, culminating with a final showdown between the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. The Bulls, the 1^st-seed favorites, were able to outlast the steadfast Lakers 31–20.

 

The program, which began in November, has been a favorite among this age group for some time. Accepting up to 80 participants – who are eventually split into eight teams — the program has seen some of Rye’s brightest hoops stars go through it and come out the other end as better players.

 

The Rec hopes that trend will continue.

 

This year’s teams included the Miami Heat, NY Knicks, OKC Thunder, Portland Trailblazers, Seattle Supersonics, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, and the Champion Chicago Bulls. Almost all of the coaches are former players from the league; there are no parent coaches.

 

“Our coaches get what it’s about, which is fun and sportsmanship,” said Matt Trainor, Recreation Supervisor. “By staying true to what’s important, we ensure that the kids have a great time here playing ball.”

 

The four-month program culminates in a two-day weekend tournament, dubbed “March Madness”. The double elimination bracket serves as the league playoffs, and all teams participate.

 

“Things happen at March Madness that don’t happen during the regular season, which makes it great,” said Trainor.

 

Take, for instance, the Cinderella story of the NY Knicks, coached by program veteran Josh Kirsch. The 8th seed in the tourney, with a 2-11-3 record, the Knicks fought their way into the semifinal 5^th round. They lost that game to the Lakers 46–51, but found a way to get there nonetheless.

 

Trainor said proudly, “Regardless of what the brackets may say, all the kids who played this year were winners. This was truly a great group.”

 

For a complete rundown of the Rye Rec season, visit www.teamsideline.com/rye