MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - When the final whistle sounds and the game comes to a close, the cheering and celebrating isn't over the final score. Instead handshakes and "good games" are issued in an orderly line, full of smiling, exhausted young faces who could care less about which team put more points in the basket.

It's a story of teamwork and sportsmanship that exceeds anything at the level of play fawned over by millions. And yet, it get no recognition at the national level. Second grade basketball usually doesn't.

Meridian Township's youth basketball leagues cater to those from the kindergarten level all the way to sixth grade. Led by Recreation Specialist Mike Devlin, younger students learn how to dribble. Levels from second to sixth grade split up into geographic teams, from Haslett to Williamston, and play weekly games against each other.

The scores aren't recorded. The referees and the coaches are the parents. And the players are just as happy to play with each other on the bench as they are on the court.

"The goal is to just have a good time and have fun, and stay in shape," said volunteer coach Jeff Judit. "It's important for a lot of kids these day to learn how to stay active."

Although it is actually all fun and games, kids are taught how to dribble, play defense, and shoot on the rim just slightly lowered for the younger teams. Registration began in mid-November, and wrap up the first week of March.

As their season winds to a close, kids might not remember everything they learned about the fundamental of basketball. The real goal is making connections with friends and family members who come and support their little student athletes. They aren't there for the final score, and barring a terrific growth spurt probably won't see their sons and daughters play in the NBA.

If the leagues are successful, the kids take away bits and pieces of how to play basketball. More importantly, they might take away a new friend from class, or a new-found bond with the coach. Known more colloquially as Dad.