While the Japanese language program at Chapel Hill High School gains strength and momentum, a new type of challenge emerges: a sport so bold it tests both dexterity and mind power.
      Under the wise and watchful eye of head coach Chiho Kiyozuka, competitors flex their knowledge of Japanese language and culture, adding power to what has become arguably one of the most important sports in the school.
      To those not hip enough to be familiar with the premise of Trashketball, here is the general idea: Kiyozuka divides the group of competitors into two smaller groups. In the Varsity league, the two dominant teams are known as the Gyu Gyu, and the Hello Kitty-Chan. Kiyozuka initiates the match with the exclamation "TORASHKETOBARU GEIMU!" (Japanese dialect meaning ‘trashketball game')
      Kiyozuka then picks one member from each team and quizzes him/her about aspects or translations of Japanese. If the competitor manages to solve the linguistic enigma, he/she receives one point and is permitted to partake in one solitary throw at the trash can with a small, inflatable, rubber ball.
      This is the point in the game in which the competitor has the chance to make real strides for his or her team. By shooting from farther and farther away, he or she can make up to five extra points. The tolling of the bell, which both finalizes the score and lets the competitors know that it is time to go to the next class, signifies the end of the game.
      So far, this season's games have been hearted, often ending in strong words, cursing, and threats.
      The Twin Italian Pistons, senior varsity players Steven and Kyle, have been split apart in this season. This maneuver was a truly cunning move on the part of Kiyozuka, as dividing the class into teams not only pits classmate against classmate, but in this case, brother against brother.
      Such resultant rage and violence could only possibly lead to fiercer and more competitive games.
      During last Thursday's match, tensions ran high. Gyu Gyu player Steven stepped up to the Trashketball challenge. Answering his initial question correctly, Steven attempted to shoot from the four-point line, only to miss by a matter of inches.
      "No [freaking] way man!" screamed the agonized Cory. "That was [crap], I just got jacked!" Despite protests, Kiyozuka was sound in her judgment that there would be no redo, turning the game over to the Hello Kitty-Chan. The team answered the question correctly, and allowed Steven's brother, Kyle, the opportunity to shoot. After warming up with a traditional spirit dance, called the "Trashketball Crip Walk," Kyle stepped up to the four-pint line, shot, and, much like his counterpart, missed by a matter of inches.
      "Dude. Uh-uh. No way did that not go in. This is crap," articulated a stunned Kyle, returning to his seat.
      In the end, it was sophomore Japanese language prodigy and undisputed Gyu Gyu MVP, Marissa, who won the match.
      Marissa easily answered a question that stumped the opposition, and then put away a two-point shot using an unexpected granny-toss. Though tensions run thick as blood during the game, everyone comes out friends. No matter how intense the game gets, no matter how many curses are uttered under a person's breath or in the open air, there are no hard feelings after a round, only the knowledge that the better team attained victory.
      The round ends with Kiuyozuka saying the ceremonial words of closure: "Minasan, dai suki desu!" which translates to "I love all of you." The players respond with "Sensei ga dai suki!" which means, "I love you, Coach."
      Trashketball is a battle of wits, coordination, nerves, and knowledge. As the Japanese program gains in popularity and enrollment, keep a close eye out for future Trashketball tournaments in your area.