NATCHEZ — Four local children shatter the stereotype that teenagers are only interested in texting friends and playing video games.

When the Dart landed on Myrtle Street in Vidalia Sunday, Marty Blaney, Shyvlie Blaney, Parker Blaney and Trey Russell were ignoring the rain and playing a friendly game of basketball.

For two days, rain showers have kept many residents indoors away from the cold damp weather.

For the four friends, the rain doesn’t keep them from enjoying being outside and being athletic.

Staying active is a way of life for the four friends.

An eighth grader at Delta Charter School, Shyvlie Blaney is a cheerleader and a member of the school’s basketball, softball and dance teams.

Parker Blaney, who is a sixth grader at Delta Charter, said he loves playing football and basketball.

A senior at Trinity Episcopal Day School, Russell said he plays on the school’s football and baseball team.

On the weekends when they are not in school, the foursome said they stay busy by participating in local sporting events.

“That is why I like to live in town instead of in the country,” Shyvlie Blaney said. “I don’t like sitting in the car forever. I like being close to everything.”

Marty Blaney, 18, said most Sundays are spent going to church, eating with family, watching the New Orleans Saints and then playing with friends outside. On rainy days, he said he might play video games, but that he would much rather be outside.

Marty Blaney is a recent graduate of Vidalia High School and hopes to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He is considering pursuing a career in physical therapy.

Even though the rain was pouring down Sunday, the four didn’t mind doing what they love the most.

“We just felt like playing basketball today,” Marty Blaney said.

The Blaneys are the children of Boo and Stacie Blaney.