Thursday, May 20, 2021
A pair of students from Lincoln Ave. Community Learning Center (CLC) will represent the Milwaukee Bucks at the national NBA Math Hoops competition this summer.
Marcus Jackson and Lenaya Mejia competed in the Bucks’ regional NBA Math Hoops virtual event from Monday, May 10 through Thursday, May 13. Jackson and Mejia competed individually in the regional event, advancing through each round before competing against one another in the finals for an all-Lincoln Ave. CLC championship. Jackson narrowly won the regional event with a game-winning shot in the final seconds.
Milwaukee Recreation works in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee to operate the Lincoln Ave. CLC during after-school hours from Monday – Friday.
“Both Marcus and Lenaya played well throughout the tournament, displaying strong math skills and strategic thinking, showing great sportsmanship and support for each other, and sharing positive attitudes and wonderful energy,” Milwaukee Recreation CLC supervisor Beth-marie Kurtz said.
However, after the championship, Learn Fresh, which coordinates the Math Hoops challenge, announced both Jackson and Mejia will advance to the national competition. The students will compete virtually together as a team against representatives from other regionals around the country.
“Through a time of relative uncertainty for educators and students, the Bucks Math Hoops Virtual Tournament brought the excitement back to learning,” Rebecca Wong, director of programs with Learn Fresh, said. “Students entered a virtual space where they were highlighted as the superstars, and celebrated as winners and learners.”
MPS has a history of success in this event, with Camp Fairview and 53rd Street CLC winning the first two regional tournaments. Lincoln Ave. CLC also had a separate team of students advance to the semifinal round in 2019.
NBA Math Hoops provides a "fast-paced basketball board game, curriculum, and community program that allows students to learn fundamental math skills through direct engagement with the real statistics of their favorite NBA and WNBA players."
According to Lincoln Ave. CLC site director Yahaira Maldonado, Jackson and Mejia – who have both participated at the in-person Math Hoops events in the past – were unsure of what to expect in the virtual setting this year. However, the 2021 event blew away all expectations, with one of the highlights being a visit from Bango, the Bucks’ team mascot, before the start of the final round.
You can watch the full stream of the championship round below:
Maldonado admitted she was a little anxious as both of her students qualified for the final round. “Super proud, but nervous. Almost like a disbelief. They are super great kids.”
The NBA Math Hoops competition has become a staple for many Milwaukee Recreation after-school programs. “They’re learning, and they’re not noticing because they are having so much fun,” Maldonado said. “I think it is perfect.”
You can read about past in-person NBA Math Hoops events here and here, and see photos here.