The Basketball Association of Madison is kicking back up and has many people excited. BAM is recreational basketball that goes all the way up to 17 and Under leagues. BAM is a huge hit with high schoolers as it is a very fun and competitive alternative to school sports. This year, the number of double athletes who play one school sport, such as baseball or football, along with BAM Basketball has grown tremendously.
The number of BAM members who play school sports enhances the competitive atmosphere that surrounds the league. The BAM Clippers know this very well, having a majority of players who play football as their first sport. “Football keeps the players conditioned and disciplined,” student assistant coach and football player Trey Bankhead stated, “if we come up short in the playoffs, BAM gives us something to compete in.”
The number of people who participate in BAM is astounding: from those who play to those who control twitter accounts for their respected team. There is even a twitter page called “BAM Central” where the commissioner and 8 voters create rankings and MVP candidates. BAM Central currently has 124 followers.
What BAM means to the community is judged off how if you want to play, there will be a team that will pick you up. While BAM provides events for teenagers to attend on any nights of the week while effecting the economy in the process through the number of kids who grab fast food before going to watch a BAM game. “BAM drives the Madison community, even the restaurants thrive off the season,” BAM Spurs player Brandon Leach had to say about BAM’s positive influence on the community.
BAM season begins December 1 and tensions are already rising with the 14 teams in the 17 and Under league. The BAM Clippers start off the reason ranked number 1 in the polls, to the demise of many teams such as the #2 BAM Bulls and #3 BAM Spurs.
