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St. Charles hosts Turkey Shootout Basketball Tournament
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Players waited to see if the ball went in the basket during a free throw at the St. Charles-Poland basketball game during the St. Charles Turkey Shootout basketball tournament.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.The St. Charles-Poland match of the St. Charles Turkey Shootout basketball tournamnet was Nov. 9.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Nick Leomburno (left) and Jacob Smit volunteered at the St. Charles-Poland game of the St. Charles Turkey Shootout basketball tournamnet Nov. 9.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.A point was scored from a free throw shot during the St. Charles-Poland game at the St. Charles Turkey Shootout basketball tournament Nov. 9.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.St. Charles and Poland played each other as part of the St. Charles Turkey Shootout basketball tournamnet Nov. 9.
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
One team wore blue and the other wore burgundy Nov. 9, but they had the same goal: to win the basketball game.
St. Charles and Poland fifth- and sixth-grade boys played each other as part of the St. Charles Turkey Shootout Basketball Tournament at St. Charles School on Westview Drive. It was the first such tournament for the St. Charles Athletic club. The club provides funding for general facility upgrades at St. Charles School. Volunteers worked the concession stand and the front gate.
The teams started out scoring fast in the game and the score was tied at times. The gymnasium was filled with cheers as baskets were made.
Frequent free-throws were part of the action, as fouls were called.
The students showed good sportsmanship, respectfully kneeling when another player was injured and clapping when he got up.
In the end, Poland was the victor, beating St. Charles 46-20.
Tournament games consisted of four six-minute quarters. The tournament was a two game pool play format with a single elimination tournament for both boys and girls. Players on each team were from the same school district.
Nick Leomburno and Jacob Smit, both seventh-graders, were too old to play in the tournament, but got involved by volunteering at half-time of the game. As part of the half-time show, participants could pay $1 and try to make a three-point shot. The boys were glad to be part of the event.
Tony Biondillo’s 11-year-old son, Anthony, played in the game. Biondillo said the tournament is a great time for everyone.
“The kids seem to be enjoying themselves,” he added. “Which is, obviously, most important.”