Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game: Ballers or Airballing?
As homecoming season at Vestavia Hills High School comes to a close, the SGA has been working hard to fundraise for this year’s fall charity, the Prescott House. One of the most highly anticipated events of the year, this year’s Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game certainly did not disappoint, uniting students of multiple grades as they let their Rebel spirit shine through against their common enemy, the faculty basketball team.
The faculty team started off strong with Coach Andrews missing the first shot of the game, but quickly redeeming himself by landing a two-pointer for the first points of the game. Undeterred, the students kept up morale with periodic booing from all sides of the gym whenever the ball was in the hands of a faculty member. As the game continued into the first quarter, the Homecoming King commentators entertained the crowd with some fun facts about the student players. According to them, Ryder Faust had “made the basketball team” all the way back in 7th grade, potentially foreshadowing his spot in the student vs. faculty basketball game in his senior year. Another fun fact included Maverick Cleary being 6’ 4.
As the players continued to rotate through their alternates, Coach Meadows came out onto the court and had no hesitation in showing off her basketball expertise, immediately showing off her flashy footwork. Unfortunately, Griffin Crotwell was too good for her, stealing the ball effortlessly right out of her hands before coming up with a breathtaking two-pointer. As the first half of the game came to an end, Emma Harper pulled through and brought the students and faculty to a tie with a score of 9 to 9.
In an equally exciting halftime competition for an Amazon Gift Card, Jackson Deal sealed the deal with a half-court shot after only three attempts.
Much to the students' dismay, the teachers began to pull ahead in the second half of the game. With 50 seconds left on the clock, the teachers were leading by 3 points. At 30 seconds, Coach Johnson pulled away even further with another two-pointer. At 10 seconds, students watched in silent disbelief as the basketball remained stubbornly in possession of the faculty, despite the student players’ valiant attempts to at least end the game with the ball on their side. Ultimately, the students lost to the faculty with a final score of 20-15.
Despite being unable to maintain their winning streak from the year before, many students remained hopeful for many future wins against the teachers. In an interview after the game, student player Brandon Meza emphasized that their team “couldn’t have been better” even though they “ended up short,” and that “the student section was great,” especially when they “chanted [his] name” when he got on. His interview truly highlighted the importance of school spirit and the power of staying united. Although the students left the gym as the losing side, the game itself was a complete win for everyone, as the money raised from the attendance fee will go on to support a great cause and countless people at the Prescott House.
Ultimately, all of the students gave their all in this year’s game, and we couldn’t be more proud of their effort. Until next time, faculty, and as always, Go Rebels!
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