Community comes together to celebrate local talent at winter high school basketball showcase
Prajukta Ghosh
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Stands at Civic Arena were filled with energy for day one of the Winter High School Basketball Showcase.
Community members showed up to cheer on their favorite teams and celebrate every basket scored by players they know and love.
Fourth grader Vivien Jeffers from St. Joseph Christian School came out with her family to enjoy the day off from school and catch some basketball action.
“I just like watching basketball because of the defense. I hope no one gets hurt during the game today,” Jeffers said.
Although basketball isn’t her main sport, Jeffers said she plays softball at school and still enjoys coming to games during basketball season to cheer on her favorite team.
Another young fan, Landon Halsey, was especially excited to watch his cousin play for North Andrew as they took on Higbee.
He said what he loves most about basketball is the thrill and suspense that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
“Probably most of the times I go and see these games. I miss it (the games) sometimes when I have a game of my own and my hope is just that they win this game today,” Halsey said.
For sixth grader Ethan Manley, the night was about more than just the game. He enjoyed spending time with friends and looking forward to relaxing for the rest of his school break.
While he attends games often, he said this was only his second time watching one at Civic Arena and has a few things to look forward to.
“The excitement of watching the game, and we hopefully win because my sister did a really good job at playing this game,” Manley added.
Six-year-old Miller Neill also came with his family to cheer on his cousin, excited to watch him score baskets and hopefully take home a win.
He said he was looking forward to seeing his cousin succeed on the court.
For many in attendance, the day wasn’t just about the final score. It was about the excitement in the building and the support for family members and friends playing the game.