University of Michigan basketball players took on sixth graders in air hockey and ping-pong at Scarlett Middle School today, leading to cheering and high-fives all around.

"It's pretty sweet watching my classmates beat them at ping-pong," said Darrell Jackson, a sixth-grader and self-proclaimed basketball fan.

Several U-M men's and women's basketball players were on-hand for Susan Buchan's enrichment program at the school. The athletes regularly volunteer in the community through the university's Student Athlete Development Program with the Ann Arbor Partnership for Excellence.

As an advisor for Scarlett, Buchan said she felt the basketball players would make a perfect accompaniment to the 16 habits of the mind she's teaching the kids.

"I'm using this book called Discovering and Exploring Habits of the Mind," said Buchan, who is currently working with her students on the habits of persistence and managing impulsivity. "Basically, if you're incorporating these habits into your daily life, you are going to make better decisions when you are faced with not knowing what to do."

The students appeared thrilled to be surrounded by the athletes, who mingled with them during their lunch period before going into the auditorium to talk.

"Everybody seems to like having them here," said Robert Cardwell, a sixth-grade student. "Look at the kids crowding around them."

The seven players autographed T-shirts, basketballs, papers and even water bottles.

"They are a cool team," said Cardwell, who lost a game of ping-pong to point guard Darius Morris. "I love that they are coming down here to spend time with us. As basketball players, they have to be persistent, which means being dedicated and never giving up."

Morris, who volunteers in the community with his teammates to encourage kids to stay in school, said he likes interacting with kids.

"As part of our team, we represent the community," he said. "We want to let the kids know we're here to help and not just play basketball."

After some fun and games, everyone went into the auditorium, where the athletes took the stage. They talked about studying, practicing every day, and working hard - even on the days when they didn't feel like it.

"There will be times when your friends are doing things you'd rather do," said sophomore Corey Pearson. "Be willing to sacrifice and put in the time."

Veronica Hicks, a junior who plays for the women's basketball team, told the kids all of the athletes visiting the school are at U-M on scholarships.

"At Michigan, academics is second to none," Hicks said. "If you get a bad grade on a test, don't get discouraged. It's all about figuring out what you need to do to make it better. The same things pertain to basketball. As long as there's time on the clock, even when you are down, you can still improve your score."

At the end of the talk, Buchan asked the athletes to speak to the students on sportsmanship. Several of the students were on the school's basketball team or other school sports.

"Raise your hand if you've ever lost a game," Morris said.

Nearly every student raised his or her hand.

"Everybody loses at some point," Morris said. "It's up to you to be the bigger person and handle it well. As long as you have another game, you have another opportunity to win."

Pamela Gossiaux is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.