The Bucket League: Brotherhood Built on the Blacktop
- Jake Reed
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
by Jake Reed
The Columbus Explorers don’t play around when it comes to basketball. The Varsity squad dominates on a national level, but it does not stop there. The senior class of 2026 is spending their second semester taking over local parks.
Origin
Co-Commissioner Senior Lucas Malabet developed the idea with Senior Mateo Siman through the example of the class of 2024. Lucas’ older brother Daniel Malabet and his friends were the masterminds behind the Columbus-renowned “Humid League.” The class of 2026 has taken the reins with the development of The Bucket League.
The Bucket League is a recreational basketball league run by and played by only Columbus seniors. The league has its own commissioners, coaches and even social media.
Writers from The Log and players from the league, including myself and Alejandro Menendez, learned more about the origins of the league by hearing what those involved with the league had to say.
“After college applications finished up, I had the time to sit down and organize the whole thing properly. I think overall it’s a pretty good success. Everyone’s having fun, and the goal was to have a good time, so I would say it’s worked out," says Senior Lucas Malabet.
“There are six teams, over 50 players, 12 coaches, and an entire free agency system. It’s a real league,” says Senior John Allen. “I’m not the best basketball player, but as a center for the Magicians, I feel guided and supported by my teammates as the season progresses.”
Logistics
The draft was held via Zoom on Sunday, Jan. 18th. The preliminary rules were set at 6-minute quarters with games scheduled on Fridays after school. There would be 8 weeks of regular season followed by two weeks of playoffs with the top 4 teams. Seniors Mateo Siman and Josh Vazquez were referees. Friday, Jan. 23rd, was the first official trial run. In an attempt to play indoors, the league headed to Gibson Bethel Community Center.
Week 1 was held on the outdoor courts of Murray Park, where double rims and limited parking called for some research. Senior Vince Vallejo was kind enough to offer his house for Week 2, but ultimately the league had grown too large to be confined to a house. In Week 3, the administration revisited the league’s roots in Jaycee Park, the original stage for the Humid League.
Aside from a parking fiasco during Week 3, it’s been very hospitable for players and coaches alike. It’s amazing that the league has been able to reach such a great scale, and it’s largely due to the work done behind the scenes. Mateo Siman has been very active on the Instagram side to create fun posts like injury reports and league updates.
“It takes lots of planning and keeping everything consistent," Siman said. "It’s important to not show favoritism and to acknowledge the differences in what should be allowed between the Bucket League and the NBA.”
When asked about his proudest moment as the league creator, Mateo said:
“People outside of our grade and even in other schools have started talking about the league. I am most proud of how many people have been asking to participate. It shows that we’ve built something meaningful.”
Media
One additional reason the league has gained so much traction with the senior class, shown through a diverse free agency pool and over 140 followers on Instagram, is
largely due to the efforts on the social media side. Senior Giacomo Botteri has stepped up to make the memories last, putting in hours of editing to produce not only pictures but also highlight reels.
I captured content for the Bucket League to gain experience and have fun with my friends. I’m glad to be doing it,” says Botteri. “I’d say chaotic. People are really into it, always yelling and screaming, but that’s what makes it fun.”
As of right now, there is only one remaining undefeated team: the Pinners. Led by Patrick Gonzalez, who averages a double-double at 18.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, players like Alejandro Gil and Nico Nunez are able to excel in shooting and physicality, respectively. With such a strong foundation, it’s no surprise they have been able to hang onto the throne.
The Spartans stand at 4-1, with multiple weapons in Adrian Meireles in the paint and Javi Salvat and Daniel Rubi bringing the ball up. Meireles’ ability to handle the ball and create shots allows him to join Patrick Gonzalez in becoming one of the trailblazers who hit the thirty-point milestone.
Currently, Knockout holds the third place spot with a record of 2-3. Whether this lasts is up in the air. Conflict with other sports and a lack of interest have led them to lose their last three games. This team's success is largely attributed to the widely recognized “steal of the draft” in 4th round point guard Marcelo Gonzales. If they are unable to bring the team back together, it’s likely they’ll lose their playoff spot.
Speaking of playoff spots… my squad, the Magicians, is officially on the rise. Currently sitting at 2-3, we are finally finding our rhythm as an extremely well-balanced and well-coached unit. While Joseph Socorro and Michael Arrue have been dominant with the ball in their hands, the depth is starting to show; players like Ethan Allende and Lucas Hernandez are stepping up as elite playmakers. The rest of the roster is still finding its stride, but the potential is undeniable.
In fifth place, there’s Miller at 1-4. Anthony Blezio and Dylan Fulgeira have been picking it up lately, demonstrating the very best effort in each game so far. Despite being relatively dominant in the paint on paper, this team is notorious for taking so many shots from behind the arc. It’s very possible that Miller will be the one to replace Knockout in the playoffs.
Finally, in sixth place, there's the City Boys. They are also 1-4, with their only win being against Miller, who beat them just one week later. Don’t count them out yet, though. They have also beaten Miller earlier in the season, and with guards Alejandro Menendez and Gianfranco Ciura, they are extremely strong on the shooting and playmaking ends. Averaging 14 points per game, Menendez is the third-highest scorer in the league. The City Boys still have a solid chance to turn things around before the playoffs.
Moving Forward
Tension is high as teams look forward to the playoffs. Perception is starting to form, and moves are being made.
The biggest one yet happened on Wednesday, Feb. 4th. The Magicians traded Dylan Fulgeira to Miller for Mikey Arrue. The Magicians were looking for a true point guard, and Miller can really benefit from an explosive player in the paint. Fulgeira has shown a great boom since being traded, and the trade seems to have worked out for both teams.
Reserves are also becoming a valuable asset on teams when players are unable to attend or play in their game. There’s truly a lot of talent that didn't get recognized on draft day.
As we excitedly await the next games, it’s become clear that The Bucket League is more than just pickup basketball. Players, coaches and even fans show true passion for the league. It’s always the talk of lunch and has brought an additional sense of community. With rosters filling and teams making moves, each Friday builds to the storyline.
No matter the championship’s outcome, one thing is certain: the Class of 2026 has truly built something special.
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