Shoes squeaking. Clock ticking. Crowd cheering. Basketball is one of the most popular American sports right now. Whether you’re playing to compete or for fun, it’s a good way to stay active.

My Dad is a big basketball fan. “I remember when I got my first basketball when I was about eight, and started playing competitively in 5th grade,” Cary Johnson said. Johnson’s favorite team is the Arkansas Razorbacks. “I grew up near the university and spent a lot of time in Fayetteville,” Johnson said. He even got to go to some of their basketball and football games.

Johnson played basketball in high school, but did not take it any further. If he had, he might have been able to get a scholarship, or at least a walk on. A walk on is where you try out for a basketball team, and if you make it you get a scholarship.

In 1994, the Arkansas Razorbacks won a tournament called March Madness, and came runner up in 1995. March Madness 2015 is coming up, and the teams are being decided. Last year the Connecticut Huskies went home as the champions.

March Madness 2015 schedule should look something like this:

• Selection Sunday 3/15
• First Round 3/17 to 3/18
• Second-Third Rounds 3/19 to 3/22
• South Regional 3/27 and 3/29
• West Regional 3/26 and 3/28
• East Regional 3/27 and 3/29
• Midwest Regional 3/26 and 3/28
• Final Four 4/4
• Championship Game 4/6

Freshman Kloe Lum is also into basketball. She has been playing since she was seven years old. “I started playing because my Dad played, so I wanted to try to play too,” Lum said. “Then I realized that I really liked the sport and I kept going with it.”

Lum’s favorite team is the Los Angeles Clippers. “I like Chris Paul and Lob City. They are also very entertaining to watch,” Lum said.

Lum also played competitively in the PAL League, Manoa League, the Boys and Girls club, Eastsidaz, and for McKinley. “From all of these leagues I’ve gained more and more experience,” Lum said.

March Madness is an exciting time of the year for a lot of sports fans. The Kentucky Wildcats (31-0) are currently the number one team in the NCAA and are undefeated this season. Will they continue their perfect streak? Or will another team steal the spotlight? All is to be decided very soon.