For a lot of people, once high school ends so does their time playing organized sports. But not for a dedicated group in Marion.

Since 1975, a group has been meeting every Wednesday to play pick-up basketball games.

The league originally started as a league for men 35 and over, but now welcomes people of all ages and genders.

“We don’t discriminate,” player Carl Horstmann laughed.

Horstmann is the longest standing member of the group, as he’s currently playing for the 20th year.

“It’s fun and it’s good exercise,” he said. “Plus, we usually go over to the Brew Fish and get a drink afterwards, so it’s good for socializing too.”

Throughout the winter the group meets at Sippican School, and about 10-15 people play weekly. It’s a mixed group of lawyers, doctors, engineers, mechanics and anyone else who wants to join.

“We’re just random people, but we all have a common thing of basketball,” Horstmann said.

The ante is upped once the weather gets nicer as the group starts meeting at Silvershell Beach and the college kids join in.

“When the college kids come home, it’s a different game,” Horstmann said. “It’s a lot faster and more competitive.”

Over the more than 40 years the league has been running, it’s estimated that at least 200 people have come through the team to get some exercise and have some fun.

“It’s competitive and more entertaining than sitting on an elliptical and watching TV,” Dr. Matt Baltz, a long-time player, said. “Two hours of basketball a week is a good way to blow off steam. It’s good for mental health and good for physical health.”

Horstmann and Baltz said anyone who wants to join the team is welcome to just drop by. The team is currently meeting at the Sippican School gym at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, but will likely be moving to Silvershell Beach, still on Wednesdays, at 6 p.m. within the next couple weeks.