Hobbies take many forms, from going to the gym to painting to trying new foods. For many high school students, basketball is their preferred outlet. Once students reach high school, many aspire to play on the school’s official team, but the time commitment and challenge of the sport can prove to be challenging for some.

​That’s where NIMBA comes in.

​​NIMBA’s popularity is defined by its accessible nature. With basketball being so popular, it gained recognition quickly. Each year, there are around six to eight teams competing without needing to have the same time commitment as the official school team. It allows students to create a team of their friends and still compete for a championship.

​The league gives students a chance to handle their weekly commitments, whether that be school work, a job, or other responsibilities, while also competing.

​The league also provides an environment that invites people to work on their skills. Playing for the high school team can create a lot of pressure and a fear of failure. NIMBA is a low-stress environment where people can stay active, build friendships, and work on their skills without feeling scared.

​Junior Rory Chanter, a member of Lakewood High School’s basketball team, participates as a coach as he is ineligible for the recreation league. He emphasized the importance of the league for students’ social lives.

​“A lot of my friends like to play basketball, but never really wanted to play at a high level. When they play Nimba, though, it’s a chance for us to have a laugh and joke around and still do something we like,” Chanter said.

​For Senior Markez Ray, NIMBA allowed him to participate in basketball while also balancing his football commitments. Early on, Ray played in the NIMBA league with some of his friends from the football team.

​“Football season took so much out of me, and it was pretty hard to show up to basketball. Nimba gives me a chance to play and not have to worry about being good; it’s more about me being with my friends in my senior year,” Ray said.

​The Lakewood Recreation Department has been running NIMBA for over a decade. The league faced a brief pause during the COVID-19 pandemic before returning in 2023, overseeing as many as 10 teams per season.

​Sharon Mathaios, who has been working for the recreation department for five years, helps run the league.

​“I love the idea of the league. Seeing how happy the kids are in their games and playing with their friends really makes me feel special. A lot of schools don’t have opportunities as we do here at Lakewood; however, I’m glad I’m a part of it,” Mathaios said.

​NIMBA is a one-of-a-kind experience in the Lakewood community. Not many schools have an intramural basketball league, and students at Lakewood have found it to be a great social and competitive outlet. For those interested, don’t forget to register and craft a team next winter.