By Karen Huwe
The Times 

Students 26 – Staff 23

 

December 1, 2022

Karen Huwe

Class of 1976 alumni, Daniel LaRue, plays defense against Spencer Hansen, a younger student from the future class of 2025.

WAITSBURG-The students and high school staff enjoyed a competitive but friendly game of half-court, three-on-three basketball on the Tuesday afternoon before Thanksgiving break. This event was the first of what will be an annual competition in Waitsburg. The students took the inaugural game with a score of 26 to 23. Senior Monte Pettichord was the play-by-play announcer.

Both students and staff had smiles on their faces as they worked to steal the ball or drive in for a score. The staff had some exciting plays running the give-and-go and the alley-oop.

Waitsburg High School alumni and current staff members Daniel LaRue and Gabe Kiefel joined teammates Matt Elder and Nicole Abel to play a solid game even when their legs were dog-tired. Kathy Pradere was the coach for the staff team.

The students had youth and some nice outside shooting on their side. Seniors Hendrix Groom and Garrett Palmer, junior Blake French, sophomores Kaylie Wellsandt and Spencer Hansen, and freshmen Sara Wilson and Jarod Hankins all contributed to winning the game for the students. Jayce Gleason and Cyson Morris were coaches for the students.

The teams battled for the first few minutes, with both missing baskets before the students began hitting shots to lead 10-5 at the half. Senior band members Natalie Teal, Brandon Leroue, Dia Adkins, and Sarabeth McGowen played during the break. Cheerleaders Marion Duncan, Chasity Paddock, Cedar Stegall, Roseann Groom, and Liv Leid led the students in cheers. 

The students came out hot in the second half and enjoyed a nice lead before the staff got their second wind and closed the gap to within three points. WHS grad and MS boys coach Owen Lanning made an appearance late in the game, but the students were not to be denied their bragging rights and held on for the win.

The game was easy for referees Dirk Hansen and Karen Huwe, as it was a clean game. Referee Hansen called a technical call on a student, but it was all in good fun as it was his son Spencer. Seniors Levi Boudrieau and Andrew Rosenberger's stat sheets showed all staff members scoring at least one basket. Kiefel led his team with 9 points and four steals. Hansen led the students in scoring with 14 points and four steals.

 

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