Every year, students gather in the commons gym to watch one of the most exciting athletic events on campus: intramural basketball.
Students are filled with anticipation, waiting to watch their friends and coaches compete twice a week for four weeks. Fans pick teams to follow and show their support by cheering and heckling in the commons gym from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday in late February and all of March.
“Everyone from the school goes to the games, so it is a really cool opportunity to see students cheering on other athletes playing a sport that is not their primary sport,” said junior Katie Hubbard, who has attended intramural basketball games as a fan since her freshman year.
Last season, Men’s Soccer faced Team Piedmont in the finals at the Johnny Mize Athletic Center. Men’s Soccer won by one point from Team Piedmont center John Delf-Montgomery missing two free throws for the win.
Team Piedmont, made up of coaches and faculty, lost Delf-Montgomery, Greg Ryan and Davis Barlow in the offseason. Although Team Piedmont has significant losses, many other teams have graduated seniors and will have fresh faces on the court.
“We have a significantly revamped team this year,” said Neighborhood Heroes center Grant Prather. “We have a couple new freshmen who can add another aspect to our team. I think we can make a pretty good run.”
The Neighborhood Heroes are hoping to make it to the championship this year, starting their season playing Men’s Soccer. Last year, Men’s Soccer won by just one point in the regular season.
Piedmont’s men’s basketball team is not allowed to compete in the games, as they have an obvious athletic advantage over students who do not play collegiate basketball. Some of the basketball players still want to be involved in intramurals, so they take up to coaching some of the teams.
Basketball seniors Javi Marlowe and Bailey Wiseman as well as freshman Mason Smith will be coaching intramural teams this season. They will be coaching against their assistant coach Justin Hoshaur, who will be playing for Team Piedmont.
“I remember coming to a few games last year, and it was very enjoyable watching all the teams play,” said Marlowe. “It’ll be nice that I’m not actually on the court playing and can just coach the guys and watch them enjoy it and get the wins.”
From game-winners to blowouts, Piedmont intramural basketball has it all. The Kool-Aid Jammers and Bronnies Brigade will kick off the season on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in The Commons gym.
