: Accustomed to being a star athlete in middle school, Zack Martin ( Dylan Sprouse ) tries out for the high school basketball team. He is shocked by the intense competition and the intimidating Coach Little (Michael Clarke Duncan). Though he makes the team, he is relegated to the bench. Despite his initial desire to quit, he eventually wins a game with a high-pressure free throw—even if his coach notes it is the only thing he is good at.
: Appearances by Sophie Oda (Barbara), Giovonnie Samuels (Nia), and Kaycee Stroh (Leslie).
: The title is a nod to the 2006 film The Benchwarmers . Benchwarmers | The Suite Life Wiki | Fandom BenchwarmersThe Suite Life of Zack and Cody : S...
: This was the only episode in 2008 where Ashley Tisdale (Maddie Fitzpatrick) was absent, as she was filming High School Musical 2 at the time. Production Facts & Trivia
: Guest starred as the "in-your-face" Coach Little. : Accustomed to being a star athlete in
The standard main cast is joined by several recurring and guest performers:
: This was the second basketball-themed episode of the series, following "Kisses and Basketball". Despite his initial desire to quit, he eventually
: After London Tipton ( Brenda Song ) and Barbara Brownstein are rejected by the "mean-girl" head cheerleader Dana (Daniella Monet), they decide to form their own squad. Led by Mr. Moseby ( Phill Lewis ), a former high school cheer captain, the "Rebel Cheerleaders" include Cody, Nia, and other "rejects." They eventually earn respect with a unique "intellectual-style" cheer. Cast and Notable Guest Stars