By Alex Rodman, Staff Writer

Fans are perched on the bleachers of the gymnasium. Rubber-soled shoes squeak obnoxiously against the pale court. With a ball in hand and defender by his side, junior Quinn Douglas approaches the basket fiercely. His eyes locked on his target, he leaps. Releasing the ball from his fingertips, he lofts it toward the hoop. Swish. As he turns to embrace the crowd, his cotton thread royal blue “DARE COUNTY PARKS & REC. BASKETBALL”  jersey and distinct matching blue headband are etched into the minds of the fans.

“Rec basketball is fun and I like shooting 3s,” Douglas said. “(The best part is) playing with all of my friends.  I wear my headband because my hair’s too long and I sweat a lot, nothing big.”

The Dare County Parks and Recreation gymnasium has become quite the place to be this winter. With four teams comprised of First Flight students participating in the 16-18 year old boys league, fans flock to watch the weekly games.

“I have been faithfully coming to Rec games since my freshman year of high school,” junior Leslie Jennings said. “What is there not to love about Rec basketball? I’ve never seen a league put in as much hard work as these teams do.”

As Jennings shows her dedication in the stands, junior Robby Amoruso shows his on the court as he returns for yet another memorable season of Rec ball.                                                       

“I am like an eight-year veteran, I have been playing since I was like 4,” Amoruso said. “My friends are all out here, we’re just trying to have some fun and ball out.”

Parks and Recreation players agree that the relaxed atmosphere is a key aspect of the league’s growing popularity.

“It’s cliche to say it’s fun but honestly there are no limits, no rules and it’s just (boys) playing together,” senior Byrde Wells said. ”It really shows how a bunch of kids who don’t have set plays or a coach can just come together and win.”

Players note that the league tends to lack the infamous “ball hog.” Instead, the friendship among participants fosters a sense of teamwork.

“Honestly there is more camaraderie in a sense because it’s Parks and Rec, you really can’t depend on one player overall,” Wells said. “You have to find a way to work together if you really want to win.”

Although teamwork is prevalent, there is still a competitive spirit between players and teams.

“There is a lot of talk between everyone. I feel like usually the day of the game everyone’s always jawing at each other,” junior Tyler Love said. “I’ve never seen people take Rec basketball so seriously, but it’s amazing. We are all way into it.”

Stop by Dare County Parks and Recreation located at 602 Mustian Ave. in Kill Devil Hills for a night full of competition, teamwork and entertaining basketball. The Dare County Parks and Recreation 16-18 boys league remaining schedule is as follows:

Monday 2/06/17 at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday 2/08/17 at 7:30 p.m.

Monday 2/13/17 at 7:30 p.m.

Junior Alex Rodman can be reached at rodmanal0704@daretolearn.org.