Staff vs. Students Basketball: Faculty schools students in charitable game

BY KAYLA GATES

It’s not often that students see the Cooper City High School staff outside of their classrooms. However, the Staff vs. Student Basketball game was an exception. Faculty members went head to head with the girls’ and boys’ varsity teams, claiming a victory over their own students.

The Staff v. Students Basketball game was held on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the gym. The boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams challenged the CCHS staff, who came together to form an opposing team. Some of its members included principal Wendy Doll, athletic trainer Valerie Smith and many more.

Both students and parents were invited to witness the game. Admission to the event cost $5 per person. However, the money raised went towards a charitable cause. All proceeds were put towards the James and Lindsay Layer Scholarship Fund, which honors former CCHS athletes who lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents.

“I thought the game was a lot of fun,” Wyche said. “I was really surprised with how good some of the teachers were.”

Besides watching the two teams compete, the event included many activities. Attendees could enter a variety of raffles, and one participant was chosen to attempt a half-court shot for a cash prize. The CCHS cheerleaders came out to support both teams during the festivities and the Sound of Pride’s drum line performed at halftime.

After the initial excitement died down, the girls’ varsity basketball team took over the court. The staff team created a starting lineup, and the game began. The first few minutes started off slow, as both teams adjusted to the level of competition. However, players from both sides took many shots.

While few points were successfully scored during the first quarter, the players managed to stir up excitement through passing plays and defensive blocks. Dr. Carla Hozebin made major plays on offense, going head to head with some of the players on the girls’ varsity team. A series of layups by Principal Doll drew cheers from the crowd. The quarter ended with the students in the lead by a score of 11-4.

As for the second quarter, it was the boys’ varsity basketball team that took on the CCHS staff members. With the students leading, the staff team relied on a new lineup to gain points. Freshman Elijah Wyche was able to make a series of dunks throughout the quarter, which put the audience on its feet. However, multiple drives to the basket allowed the staff team to take the lead. The second quarter ended with a score of 37-28.

“I thought the game was a lot of fun,” Wyche said. “I was really surprised with how good some of the teachers were.”

The girls’ team reemerged from the stands to play again in the third quarter. They worked to regain their lead, shooting a series of three-pointers to tie the score. However, the staff matched their scoring, allowing them to remain ahead. The quarter ended with the teachers leading by a score of 50-44.

“I really enjoyed playing in the game,” junior Kaia Keppel said. “It was fun playing with my teammates again in a relaxed atmosphere.”

“The staff came together to play for a great cause,” science teacher Kelly Agnew said. “I enjoyed playing the game, even though I didn’t score any points.”

The boys’ team returned to the court for the final quarter. With the staff leading by a narrow margin, the boys worked to catch up. However, for each point the boys managed to obtain, the staff team would turn around to score once again.

Both teams were able to score a significant number of points in the final quarter. The boys’ team had a few shots from the free-throw line, many of which were made by freshman Nathan Hickman. However, the staff team was able to drive the ball and complete multiple layups.

At the final buzzer, the audience erupted in cheer. The staff had defeated the students by a score of 91-72. Despite the outcome, both teams came together to congratulate each other and celebrate the charitable game in the end.

“The staff came together to play for a great cause,” science teacher Kelly Agnew said. “I enjoyed playing the game, even though I didn’t score any points.”

Photo by Kayla Gates