If you are from Washington Township, then you know that the first three months of every year belong to the intramural basketball season. This recreational league comprised of sixteen to eighteen-year-old players is notorious for its competitive nature and prominent social media presence amongst students of Washington Township High School. An abnormally large attendance for a recreational sport and an anonymously operated Twitter account known as “Parks and Rec Ca$h” are the capstones of the basketball hype in town.

Kicking off with the eight round ordeal known as the draft, coaches choose from a pool of players where there’s no shortage of talent as many seniors who have not previously played enter as unranked players and typically slip to the later rounds. This may be the case for possible sleeper star Ethan Mueller ’17. Going in the late sixth round, Ethan may end up giving many seasoned veterans some problems with his quick hands and strong ankles. Veteran and fellow point guard Vince Romano ‘18 will seek to try to shut down Mueller and his other opponents with his strong defensive skills as the season approaches quickly.

Both players were interviewed about their experiences within the league and took numerous shots at one another as well as other players in the league.

Q&A Rookie (Ethan Mueller ’17) vs. Veteran (Vince Romano ’18)

1. How long have you been playing WTPR basketball?

Romano:  I’ve been playing ever since the 06/07 season so this is my 10th year in the league

Mueller: This will be my first year in the league.

1. Favorite memories thus far?

Romano: Winning 3 Championships and making 6 Consecutive Championship appearances

Mueller: Hit my first three pointer in my last scrimmage

1. What are your strengths on the court?

Romano: The ability to get buckets and swat other players in the league with my reach.

Mueller: My wet jump shot and ankle breaking handles

1. Weaknesses on the court?

Romano: Left hand ball skills and shots.

Mueller: Sometimes my strengths are performed so well they are my weaknesses

1. Who do you fear most in the league?

Romano: I don’t have any fears in the league, most teams are full of scrubs

Mueller: Nobody really comes to mind but I’m definitely not afraid of Vince Romano.

1. How do you think you look in your uniform?

Romano: Pretty good depending on the day, usually on days I go sleeveless

Mueller: The best looking kid ever, with my huge muscles bulging and poking thru the jersey

1. Most embarrassing moment?

Romano: Air balling a free throw

Mueller: When I broke a kids ankles with my handles, I felt so bad for him

1. Dumbest rule in basketball?

Romano: Defensive 3 second violation (this is when the defensive paper must be guarding within an arm’s length of the attacking player and do so within three seconds).

Mueller: That I have to wear shorts.

1. Where do you think you rank in terms of skill compared to the rest of the league?

Romano: I believe there is some talent out there better than mine, but in general I’m better than most of the league and there’s no debating that.

Mueller: I’m the probably the best upcoming talent, don’t think anyone will be able to stop me

1. Favorite trash talking phrase?

Romano: “Take me 1 on 1”, because I already know they can’t.

Mueller: I let my game talk for itself.