BY NUHA ISLAM
As the shot clock buzzed signaling in halftime, sweaty high school students gathered the benches in an effort to gather their breaths, with the squeak of white shoes hit the polished linoleum floors. For every point scored, an equally rivaled point.
Dubbed ‘April Anarchy’ in a clever twist of March Madness, the second annual 3 v 3 basketball game was held on April 19.
“It’s a great way for us to connect with our school athletes, and for that matter other clubs,” NHS president Nikki Tjin a Dije. “We really felt a sense of unity in the process of putting together the event.”
The winning team composed of Ryan Curbelo, Ariel Vorona and Damien Forbing.
“We’re really excited to win, especially for such a great cause,” Forbing said. “Winning is nice, but cancer has had such a big impact on our community, in the end, we are all winner for coming out tonight to fundraise.”
The money raised went to the John David McCall Memorial Basketball Scholarship, which is awarded to a varsity student-athlete who has shown growth and leadership through sports.
“We ask applicants to describe an athletic experience at school that you are proud of and why you are deserving of this scholarship,” Betty McCall said. “John was a teacher at Wilcox County High school and was involved in extracurriculars. We created this scholarship to celebrate someone who was so full of life, and active in the community. What better medium than through sports?”
Along with the game, NHS also ran a concession stand, which bystanders were able to purchase from.
“Sportsmanship is a great way to bring people together; healthy competition is a good thing,” Trittin said. “I get so hyped up cheering for my friends. Live games are like nothing else.”
Prior to the game, NHS members took the time to prepare extensively.
“Getting the word out was the biggest thing,” treasurer Landon Counts said. “To make the [game] successful, we needed participants from the whole school, not just NHS.”
Student referees were sought out by NHS prior to ensure impartial rounds. Aiden Adams was one of those who wore a striped shirt and a whistle that night.
“I was approached by [future president] Tamarah Wallace, and she asked me to referee,” Adams said. “I love basketball, and coach it over the summer at the JCC. I also am interested in joining NHS next year, so it was nice to see what kind of projects I’d be getting involved in.”
Featured image by Saige Griffin
