The students defeated the teachers 44-38 on Wednesday, Dec. 12, in the Schluntz Gymnasium, in the 2nd annual student vs. faculty basketball game.
As the game started, a buzz of excitement filled the air, while Spanish teacher Lindsay Davis provided hilarious announcements with witty remarks and informative commentary.
The game not only served as an opportunity for students and faculty to come together for some friendly competition, but it also worked as a fundraiser for the annual Puerto Rico service trip. All concessions and ticket sales went towards scholarships for a week in Puerto Rico. The trip will focus on social justice themes, while also including some fun activities like snorkeling and a dance class.
The game started strong with the students winning the tip-off and scoring the first few points. However, the teachers were strong on defense, blocking multiple student attempts and evening out the lead. According to Head of School Anthony Meyer, the teachers had to play to their strengths.
“They’re faster than us, they’re younger than us, they’re in better shape, so we wanted to conserve our energy,” Meyer said.
Metco teacher Joeanna McPherson and Spanish teacher Kevin Whitehead shined on offense, scoring repeatedly to try and take the lead from the students. ExCEL, science and Lead teacher Joslyn Vendola commented on McPherson’s athleticism, saying she enjoyed watching her handle the ball.
Meyer played a large role on the faculty team, scoring not one but two layups, which did not go unnoticed by the students.
The game served as an opportunity for different grades to bond. Junior and player Amir Tomer supported his teammates and praised their efforts.
“[Senior Mustafa Mohammed], he’s the MVP of that game… He’s a senior, you know I’m gonna miss him”, Tomer said.
The students closed out the first half in the lead, 21-15, with high energy and excitement as they huddled and discussed their strategy.
Although the teachers put up a good fight, scoring multiple impressive 3-pointers in the second half, the students closed out the game 44-38, celebrating their win while acknowledging their opponents’ efforts. According to junior and player Nadav Grinstien, the game was an overall fun experience.
“The game was super fun, it was super friendly. I feel like all the students and all the staff had a great time and the students ended up winning, which was super cool,” Grinstien said.
Davis said the high level of success and sportsmanship shown throughout the game was very exceptional.
“The students were amazing,” said Davis. “The faculty tried their hardest. It was great passing all around. It was totally positive. An excellent display of sportsmanship.”
