Players of all religions participate in recreational league run by Sabes JCC
A nearby recreational league for teens around the metro area now provides the opportunity to participate in competitive basketball without the pressure of an ordinary high school team.
For years, the Sabes Jewish Community Center (JCC) in St. Louis Park has offered the Jewish Organized Sports League (JOSL) Basketball (popularly known as “Jew Ball”) as part of its teen recreational league options in the winter.
From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Sunday between Feb. 10 and March 31 at the JCC, “Jew Ball” has games as part of six weeks of regular season play followed by two weeks of single-elimination playoffs.
According to Derek Griffin, the youth sports and recreation manager at the JCC, the league is designed for all Jewish teens aged 14-18. However, the JCC is open to the participation of non-Jewish teens as well. The games are played four-on-four on a small basketball court between two teams of at least eight players.
Griffin said the atmosphere of JOSL is appealing to teens in the area.
“(The JCC) likes to take advantage of the large facilities and provide a fun, safe atmosphere for teens to enjoy themselves and meet new friends from other schools,” Griffin said. “JOSL really caters to the Jewish community, but is still great for the entire 14-18 age group.”
Junior Luke Von Eschen, who is not Jewish, played “Jew Ball” last year and said it a welcoming environment for all.
“I felt really comfortable, and I know there were quite a few other non-Jewish players who felt similarly,” Von Eschen said.
Freshman Shay Gilbert Burke will be playing for the first time, and said he is looking forward to the chance to connect with different youth from around the Twin Cities.
“Getting to play with a variety of people is really a great experience,” Gilbert Burke said. “I like the fact that there are a lot of different people involved in the games, including teachers and upper and lower classmen.”
The JOSL program is drawing interest from many students, including sophomore Lauren Resnick, who plays on the girls’ basketball team.
“(‘Jew Ball’) really appeals to the Jewish teens in the area, and is a fun opportunity for physical activity for everyone,” Resnick said. “Besides, I would join for the chance to meet more Jewish people my age.”
