Challenger Basketball 2025
By David Garza
Friday, November 21st, 2025 was the conclusion of the 2025 Challenger Basketball season. Participants arrived at 5:00pm and signed thank you cards for our coaches before beginning warm-ups. Everyone present was then surprised to learn there would be a special basketball competition - players vs families! Rubber discs were placed around the gym. Each competitor could collect a disc if they successfully scored a shot from that disc's location. The team with the most discs by the end of the match would be declared the winner. Both sides performed wonderfully, but only one team could achieve victory... and it was the players! The final score was Players 21 - Families 13.
When the competition was complete, everyone assembled in the cafeteria where players were given shout outs, and recognized for their individual performances. Tash made a special announcement about our two upcoming programs for 2026 called LIFT (Learn Imagine Friendships Thrive) and RISE (Reach Inspire Socialize Explore). LIFT introduces our youngest participants ages 5-8 to group play, creativity, and early social skills. RISE supports growing kids and preteens ages 8-12 as they deepen social skills and begin practicing early independence.
Afterwards everyone enjoyed celebratory pizza as basketball participants, peer mentors, volunteers, and coaches Patrick McFetridge and Camden VanOcker, were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program. Overall, this season turned out to be a slam dunk! We’re grateful for the moments we shared and look forward to making more next year.
