It’s finally that time of year again; spring is coming, birds are singing, the students are working hard, and intramural basketball is on the horizon.

For many, this simply means having a little competitive fun with fellow classmates. But for a few players, intramurals provide a chance to show what they are made of, a chance to dominate the court in two twenty-minute halves. This is such for defending intramural champion Marshal Kelly. Last year, his team, the Spitting Cobras, was lead to the title game by Miles Cushman, which they dominated in front of the whole student body.

But this year Kelly will not be returning to the Cobras, renamed FMC. In an outrageous turn of events, he decided to break off of FMC, which he was expected to lead to another title, and form his own team. He carefully selected a new line-up of players, including varsity standout Carlos Casas and longtime street-baller Cameron Carter. According to Kelly, his team should have what it takes to compete for the title. “I’m very confident in our ability.” But Kelly knows that his old team will be a threat. “[FMC] will be a tough team to beat, plus they don’t really like me anymore.”

Returning for FMC will be such players as Jackson Bailey and Alex Bradfield, who look to go all the way this year again. According to Bailey, “We have our team all put together, and I think we have what it takes […] we have some serious ballers on our team.” His confidence could go a long way, but like Kelly, he respects his competition. “I know Marshal will be hard to beat […] I just can’t believe he quit our team.” But FMC has already found a replacement, filling the spot with varsity player Brian Pierre. Pierre was unavailable for comment, but Bailey is convinced he can get the job done, having played basketball for most of his life.

John Klein, Physical Education teacher, is in charge of the intramurals every year. “There are always a couple of teams that are very competitive, but for most of the teams it’s just a fun time.” He expects about 15 teams to sign up. Sign-up sheets can be obtained through Klein in his office during school and are due back to him by March 9. Teams can have nine players, all of which must be students and three of which can be varsity players. A schedule will be released when we return back from spring break with the first game held March 19 at 7:00 P.M.

That notes a major difference from years past. Due to the zero hour Advanced P.E. class, games will be held after school at 7:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, instead of mornings before school. The season will be 6 weeks long with a single elimination seeded tournament at the end. Winners of the tournament get the chance to play the faculty team in front of the student body during S.E.B.

Many other teams plan to return to the court this year as well.

The swim team will be taking the court as The Brady Bunch, lead by standout swimmer Isak Nti Asare. Other expected starters include foreign exchange student Andre Dolce, who is “extremely excited to ball it up on the court.”

Emos and Eskimos will compete this year lead by team captain Greg Guice. Guice refused to reveal his roster for the upcoming season but is expected to be a powerhouse. “We’ll just be heading into each appearance with our gamefaces on […] losing is not an option.”

The God Squad is also expected to return, with standout Brady Carol likely to be captain. Carol was unavailable for comment.

Team Busty will be returning this year as 2 Busty, headed by Zach Johnson. Johnson is excited to get started, and expects to see a “Cinderella story” from his team.

An update of all the teams will posted at the beginning of the season when registration cards are due. From what I’ve seen so far, there are still a lot of good players available in the school. Team captains will want to sign potential players as soon as possible in order to ensure a full roster.

All games will be open to the student body and will most likely be held in the large and small gyms at LHS. The cyber plainsman will be following games throughout the season, so stay posted for more.