Toss-up
Alumni of the Russell High School T-Wolves and St. Thomas Aquinas Ravens went head to head during the Baskets For Nicky fundraiser on Thurs., May 10. The tip-off was just the beginning of an intense game between the two schools. Sawyer Helmer photo
The Ravens held the T-Wolves at bay, taking the Baskets For Nicky alumni game by only a few points. Sawyer Helmer photo
Kalynn Sawyer Helmer
Villager Staff
RUSSELL – Russell High School hosted the fourth annual Baskets For event on Thurs., May 10. This year the event was titled Baskets For Nicky. Nicky Caldwell, a Grade 4 student at Mother Teresa Catholic School was just diagnosed in January with inoperable brain cancer, explained RHS teacher Kim MacKinnon. She said Nicky has been doing chemo and will start radiation this spring.
In previous years, the event has raised funds for Jonathan Pitre, Kawabunga community services group and the Sports Dome.
The first game of the evening was an alumni showdown between Russell High School T-Wolves and hometown rivals the St. Thomas Aquinas Ravens. Volunteers collected entry fees, sold food at the canteen and grey Team Nicky bracelets. Both teams’ players looked like they hadn’t missed a day on the court and played hard, battling it out at each quarter.
It was the Ravens that pulled ahead by a few points early in the game and were able to maintain the lead, winning the game 41 to 36. This was followed by a game between the senior boys teams of the same schools. This time the T-Wolves pulled ahead winning 50 to 42.
Nicky held the seat of honour at the games at the centre court line on a couch with room for all his friends. The evening raised $1,299 with fundraising continuing for the rest of the week until a cheque presentation on Thurs., May 25 at the opening of the RHS Relay for Life.
