SIGN ME UP
You’re Never Too Old to Shoot Some
HOOPS u Seniors’ basketball takes off around metro area BY JIM MAHAFFIE
S
enior basketball is going strong across the greater metro area. Recreation Specialist Patrick Sullivan estimates there are 300 to 400 regular players in the over-55 leagues across Montgomery County alone. “Go watch them. They’re as competitive as can be,” said Sullivan. “Once games are over, they go off and get something to eat. They all seem to enjoy each other’s company, and it’s both therapy and exercise for them.” According to Sullivan, the county works with the Montgomery County Senior Sports Association (MCSSA), a nonprofit that organizes teams and league play. MCSSA offers a 65 and older basketball league that plays on Sunday mornings.There is also a 70 and older league that plays on Friday afternoons, according to John Medford, 72, a player and basketball commissioner for the MCSSA. Both leagues cost $120 per player for the season, plus $5 for MCSSA dues, according to the MCSSA website. Leagues are also available for 55-plus and 60-plus age groups at various days and times. Players may register as individuals or as a team through the Montgomery County Recreation Department. Many practices and games are held at the Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center in Rockville. “All senior basketball league games are five-on-five full court, played with professional officials, a timekeeper and a scorekeeper,” said Medford. Organized play, he said, is also available for seniors who just Gazette.Net
want to walkk in and play on Tuesdays and Thursdays ays from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Bauer Drivee center. Another pickup program is played Mondays and Fridays at Thomas omas Farm Community Center in Rockville. ockville. “Some of these guys compete in various national onal senior events and go on to compete in the he Maryland Senior Olympics,” said Sullivan.. Steve Lawrence, wrence, 68, of Bowie has played for years in younger Montgomery County unty leagues. He plays in the 65-plus lus league this season, since he had d a recent knee surgery and needs too “act his age,” he said. “I hate gyms and jogging, and when I play two or three times a week, I can stay in shape.” .” Fairfax, Va., resident Del Wilson has played for years all over the area. At 78, he plays pickup up basketball from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdayss and Fridays at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church, Va. “A competitive mpetitive league practices and d plays at the center Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. for 40-55, 56-69 and 70-plus age groups,” he said. League gue play is three-onthree half-court, ourt, and pickup games are usually sually four-onfour half-court, urt, according
COURTESY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY RECREATION AND MARKETA EBBERT
Montgomery County senior residents play basketball regularly at the Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center in Rockville.
See HOOPS, 26 January 2014 | Gazette SENIORS
5