Published in the August 1, 2018 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield Recreation’s new coed summer basketball league is a big hit.

The new recreational basketball league began its inaugural season last month. The league’s games are played from 6-8 p.m. at the Lynnfield Middle School basketball court on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In an interview with the Villager, Recreation Director Julie Mallett said the new league features close to 40 adolescents who are either in middle school or are going into high school.

“It’s been a huge hit,” said Mallett. “The kids and parents love it. It’s old school basketball at the basketball court. It’s just awesome.”

Incoming eighth grader Tim Pivero said he has enjoyed playing in the new basketball league.

“It’s really fun,” said Pivero. “It’s a little different playing outside, but it’s fun to get out and play basketball.”

Incoming ninth grader Thomas Taylor agreed.

JACK KOUYOUMDJIAN (center) evades defenders John Pascucci (left) and Maximus Nastari while driving to the rim during a Lynnfield Recreation summer basketball league game on July 24. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

“It’s pretty fun,” said Taylor. “They find a way to incorporate basketball for all ages. It’s a fun environment where it doesn’t have to be too competitive, but you can still play the game of basketball.”

Mallett said she was inspired to start the new recreational basketball league after watching her son play in a similar program in Peabody.

“I saw how much fun the kids were having playing with their friends in a fun rec league,” said Mallett. “There were no practices, just straight up games. So we talked about it and decided to put one together for the summer.”

Mallett said the league features four teams: Dimmsdale Victims, Gaga, L Town Ballers and Tropical Thunder.

“We wanted to have a lot of kids on each team because it’s summer and families go away,” said Mallett. “Every team plays every week. They just rotate who they are playing against. There are two games, with one at 6 p.m. and one at 7 p.m.”

Mallett said Lynnfield Recreation counselors serve as coaches. She said the coaches held a draft before the season started.

“The coaches tried to pick an even number of kids on each team to make it as fair as possible,” said Mallett. “We have big kids and small kids. The rule is big kids can only guard big kids, and small kids guard whoever they want.”

Mallett said the league features real referees, a scoreboard and timers. Recreation Commission member Bob Relihan has been moonlighting as a ref during games.

“It’s a fun league,” said Relihan. “What I like about it is this is small town America. There have been a bunch of parents and the kids’ friends who have come down here to watch the games. That is what this league is about. It’s not about getting a college scholarship. It’s about having some fun.”

Mallett said the games have been incredibly entertaining. She noted a recent game went to triple overtime.

“It was so fun to watch,” said Mallett.

When asked what she hopes the kids will get out of the program, Mallett said: “It’s important for kids to get back out on the playground and do stuff outside together.”

While Mallett said people from other towns inquired about joining the new Lynnfield Rec league, she said, “I just wanted to pilot it with the in-town kids first.”

“We will go from there,” said Mallett.

Mallett said the new league’s playoffs will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 21. She said the finals will take place on Thursday, Aug. 23.