At our high school gym I can take a decent picture, it has good light, at the middle school gym, I may as well not get the camera out of the bag, it's dark.
Yes, timing is everything. Thats the good thing about shooting digital, make adjustments, anticipate the next play.
A 1.8, 2.8 lens is the lens for dark gyms. Saving up right now.
I have taken many a picture in a gym with my D60 and 55-300mm with good results. Ultimately in the end a f2.8 lens is the way to go. I have to shoot in ISO 3200 with some grain.
#2 (hey guys theres no lights on,we are good)
Yes #3