WILMINGTON -- Basketball and poetry don't normally go hand in hand. But for some local elementary school students they were one and the same at UNCW Monday.

The Basketball Poets program aims to teach at-risk readers from area schools about poetry with the reward of playing basketball.

Teachers say while the two things may seem different, both sports and reading require preparation. And kids say it's a fun way to learn.

Lincoln Elementary School student Haley Davis said, "We read poems for 30 minutes and then the next 30 minutes we go out and practice basketball. Writing is one of my favorite tests for school so that's why I'm glad I'm on this."

The aim is to help students increase students' creativity, understanding and expression.

The basketball poets meet every two weeks.