Tournament Wrap Up
The Annual St. James Boys Invitational Basketball Tournament was first held in 1971 and since that time has hosted 30 different schools. This year, there were ten school participating as well as four cheerleading squads totaling over 175 student athletes. As Pastor Westfall shared in his opening remarks, Indiana, and particularly Tippecanoe and the surrounding counties, is where Basketball has grown up. This weekend did not disappoint the Basketball faithful with great competition all around.
As is our tradition, the school came together for a Pep Rally on Friday afternoon complete with lively pep band tunes, games, spirit competitions and the annual pie in the eye contest.
Friday evening began with an exciting Family Night! PTL hosted a Pizza dinner for over 80 Crusader faithful before heading to the gym for the opening game. The boys were greeted by a high 5 tunnel and the Middle School Choir led the National Anthem. The cheerleaders led the excited crowd, many of whom it was their first time to attend a game. While the Crusaders fell short in their first game to the Trinity Trojans from Indianapolis, spirits were high!
On Saturday, the Crusaders defeated the St. Peter Wildcats from North Judson, but it was the cheerleaders taking center stage in their competition. The St. James Cheerleading Competition is unique in that it encompasses the whole cheerleading experience, evaluating the all- around cheerleading skills of each squad. Judges will rank each squad on a point system evaluation, which includes floor and sideline cheers, halftime routine, leadership, sportsmanship, and overall impression. Judges are looking for the squad which represents CHEER-LEADING at its best.
Saturday afternoon was a tough battle between our Crusaders and the Trinity Hornets of Crown Point. Joey Goodspeed, eventually named the All Tournament All-Star Team was hot from the 3 point line while finding the open teammates. The boys demonstrating amazing grit, determination and heart throughout the game. The boys ended the tournament in 8th place after a tough matchup with Evansville Lutheran Sunday afternoon.
But the story doesn’t end there!
At the awards ceremony, the cheerleading team brought the 1st place trophy back to St. James led by All-Stars Raeleigh Harrell and Laleh Zeinalpour!
Thank you to Athletic Director Brad Bishop for his leadership in planning and hosting the tournament. Thank you to coach Cade Bishop and Katie Clawson for guiding our young athletes. Thank you Mrs. Keiser for organizing the cheer competition, dance and breakfast. And a shout out to all the parents who helped out during the weekend. It truly does take a team to make the dream work!