St. Joan of Arc Eighth Graders Victorious in Annual Fundraiser Basketball Game

It was the eighth grade St. Joan of Arc students against the world Thursday night in their annual basketball fund raiser.  The Chargers prevailed in a tight game, besting the Lisle Police Department and St Joan of Arc basketball coaches, parents and teachers.  With time running out and the Chargers up 57-55, the Police had a chance to win as they launched a three-point shot at the final buzzer that just fell short.

Continuing a tradition that spans almost 20 years, this basketball game is one of the events the eighth graders look forward to most in their last year at SJA.  Bleachers are packed to capacity with family, friends and younger students as a variety of basketball-related events take place.  Cheerleaders from second grade up through eighth grade entertained the spectators between quarters.  Three point and half court shooting contests for the eighth grade students treated the audience between quarters, too.  To make sure everyone followed the game, students provided some of the play-by-play commentary.

The Chargers looked pretty fast on the floor against their adult adversaries. 

“Yes, they did,” said Grif Lippencott of the Lisle Police Department.  “For some reason they love to play against parents, the coaches, the teachers, and especially the police.”    

The Police and Chargers battled to a 6-6 tie after one quarter.  The Police used a simple but effective strategy: “Shoot long range three-point shots,” said a smiling Lippencott.  “The kids are too fast otherwise.”

This year, there was a special treat before the game as SJA honored Don Collins, who volunteered his time at SJA as the Athletic Director for 40 years and retired last year.  SJA dedicated the gym floor to Don, and it is now known as “Colins Court.”  Don and his wife, Louise, who was an assistant principal at SJA, sent their children to SJA as well as some of their grandchildren. 

Helping to make the night both memorable as well as profitable, raffles are part of the fundraising.  SJA parents bring in treasures to raffle that this year included an iPad 2, gift certificates and a WII among other items. 

“Every quarter is a highlight, because it is a mixture of faculty, parents, coaches, and obviously the Lisle Police,” said courtside announcer Bernie Rizzo.  “Every year we try to do something a little different.”