Every year, countless students are cut from their high school sports teams. Students travel great lengths to attend a touted school, only to not make the team. At Mitty, a school with a legacy built on impressive athletic achievements, getting selected to play on the top ranked men’s and women’s basketball teams is certainly no easy feat. And even if a student has the top end talent to make a team, they simply may not have the time to balance both sports and school.  Now, imagine these barriers to some degree eradicated. Imagine stepping foot in the Fien Gym to compete against your fellow Monarchs and friends. Imagine having the spotlight with none of the long hours required to play a varsity sport at Mitty.

Welcome to Amba Jamba. 

Amba Jamba—Archbishop Mitty’s very own intramural basketball league— features co-ed, self-created teams competing against each other in a tournament format. With two guaranteed games and even a consolation bracket, Amba Jamba grants surefire action to all who participate: this event showcases the talent of Mitty students in an thrilling battle on the court to see who comes out on top. Many years of this tradition has made it a must-see event. However, with the advent of Covid, the event was cancelled. Now, after five long awaited years, the Amba Jamba bang is back.

What does Amba Jamba’s return mean to those involved. Senior Neerav Nimmagadda, member of tournament champion team “NeelBandz Elite” explained, “Playing in this tournament is a great opportunity to strengthen bonds with our friends, and to make each other better through friendly competition.” In terms of the overall effect on the Mitty community, Nimmagadda pointed out how it wasn’t just a tournament. Rather, Amba Jamba was an opportunity for everyone, regardless of grade or age, to come together as fellow Monarchs. 

While only one team earned the final winning trophy, there were other Monarchs fighting tirelessly for the title of champion. One such player was senior Felix Chang, a member of the team “JPeezy Fan Club.” During the game, opponents viewed him as “an unstoppable force” and “a menace on the court.” Felix Chang was not only the MVP, but also one of the best team players: he never hogged the spotlight, never took away from his teammates, and never overestimated his potential for a shot. His selfless nature is a testament to the relaxed, enjoyable environment of the event. Amba Jamba may be competitive, but at the end of the day, the event is meant for a night of fun hoops, music, and enjoying the moment with other students. 

But how about off the court? Playing pickup basketball with your friends is fun, but half of the experience involves the fans, not just the players participating. Senior Alyssa Duro commented, “This was quite the surreal experience. I never thought Mitty had so much athletic talent.” 

In a school with such high academic prestige, it’s easy to forget the athletic talent found in those not actively competing in a Mitty sport. Amba Jamba provided a low-stakes basketball environment for Monarchs of all backgrounds, and Alyssa’s reaction shows the underlying skills these participants had.

Though most people may not be able to compete at the highest levels of basketball, through Amba Jamba, everyone at Mitty has a chance to shine.