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The city Parks and Recreation Department has developed a traveling basketball program that extends the basketball season for middle-school age players.

The Marco Basketball Academy fields two teams in Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) competition, with the city’s Paul Johnson coordinating the effort.

Johnson coaches the 12-and-13-year-old team, while volunteer Steve Schneider coaches the 12-year-old team. A number of 12 year-olds play on both teams.

“Some of our kids were playing in Naples, but wanted to play closer to home,” Johnson said. “The AAU competition is tough as each team is more like an All-Star team made up of the best players in a large area. Most teams have tryouts and cut players. They are usually strong, fast kids. On Marco we take everyone and everyone gets to play.”

The 12-and-13-year-old team consists of Cooper Fulcher, Jimmy Fleming, Rochester Harris, Jared Jackson, Jack Hodges, Greg Trzyna, Nick Ronquette, Buck Reinders, Parker Nettles, Kyree Young, Kyle Adams, Joe Scarpaci and Steven Schneider.

The 12-year-old team includes William Bott, Tanner Fulcher, Jack Hodges, Wesley Lancaster, Alonso Lora, Xavier Vecchio, Stefan Langebeeke, Jackson and Schneider.

The 12-and-13-year-old team had good success in the Naples YMCA playoffs, while the 12-year-olds placed second in the Jupiter Jam, with three individuals walking off with trophies.

Jared Jackson won the first -place award, Wesley Lancaster second place and Langebeeke won the Hustle Award.

The boys practice at Mackle Park.

The teams will host their own tourney on June 7, using Mackle Park and the Marco Island Charter Middle School where most these boys will be playing next basketball season.