By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Monday night's Niles High School Faculty game was not what a lot of people thought it would be. Most were expecting just some out of shape veterans on the court playing ball. That was not the case. While there may have been just a couple who weren't in the best of shape, most of them were and played on an intense and fun basketball game.
All proceeds raised during this event went to Project Graduation, a fun filled, all night event for seniors from Niles and Cedar Lane on the night of their graduation.
Staff members from Niles High School challenged staff members from Ring Lardner and various elementary schools in the Niles area for the fundraising game.
The High School team, coached by Art Zache, got off to a fast start. It went ahead 17-0 halfway through the first quarter. The Jr. High/Elementary team didn't score until the 2:42 mark on a basket from Zech Hoyt, who coached the team.
The Jr. High/Elementary team went on to score the last three baskets of the quarter, but the high school team had the 17-8 lead entering the second quarter.
Coach Zache opened the second by nailing a three-pointer, but the Jr. High/Elementary team quickly added two of there own. Coach Zache again bombed another three on the next play to put them ahead 23-10.
It was deja vu on the next eight points, but the rolls had switched. Josh Hood scored the first three for the Jr. High/Elementary team and Jami Foster got her first basket for the high school team. Hood scored another three to bring the score to 25-16. The Jr. High/Elementary team was able to score the next 10 points in a row to give the team its first lead of the night.
After a hard two minutes of play, both teams were tied at 33 going into halftime.
The Niles co-ed cheer team put on three minute tumbling show during halftime and everyone was welcomed to attempt their hands at making a half court shot for $1.
The Jr. High/ Elementary team got a little help in the second half when some more of their team members showed up. The team was able to break the tie to start the third quarter and held on to the lead the entire third. The high school team was outscored 21-14 which gave the Jr. High/Elementary team the 55-50 heading into the last quarter.
The Jr. High/Elementary team kept the lead most of the fourth quarter, but in the end both the scored was tied at 63 with both teams able to walk away winners!
On Feb. 26 Project Graduation will be holding a family dinner at St. Mary's Church. Chicken, fish and wild game are just some of the things being served at this event. There will also be a silent auction following the dinner. Tickets are $8 per person and $5 for students and adults.
On Saturday April 16 they will be selling Port-A-Pit chicken at the Niles Inn.
If you would like to make a donation to the Niles High School Project Graduation you may do so by contacting the High School. Donations of any kind are welcomed.