How do you play basketball without a basketball hoop?
A new game has been invented by the Steelton-Highspire elementary
school boys- a hoopless version. During recess, I saw all the traditional
moves, layups, steals, blocks, dribbling, and jumpshots. A certain block of
bricks high on one of the school's walls has been assigned as a substitute
for the hoop. Depending on which bricks the ball hits, a basket is either
made or missed. There are no markers on these "special" bricks, but they
are known and respected by all players. There can be some discord among
players as to whether a shot was made or not when the ball hits on the
outskirts of the proper bricks (I guess that would be a rim shot). I
witnessed amazing performances and outstanding basketball feats that
would make Michael Jordan blush- with no hoop in sight.
I am remembering a story I heard about the invention of basketball- by a
man with a ball and a peach basket. The Steelton-Highspire children are
using their resources just as creatively and effectively.
*Late April, 1996, the Steelton-Highspire elementary school got a new
basketball hoop.
Marella Hanna, Dickinson College graduate, American Mosaic Student
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