Tonight, the girls varsity basketball team is proud to introduce the Illinois Special Olympics St. Charles East Fighting Saints basketball team! The two teams have spent a lot of time together this year and have taught each other lessons both on and off the court. Each varsity team member will be walking out with an ISO athlete. The ISO athletes have given each of them pieces of advice regarding life and basketball. Let’s meet everyone and hear what they have to say!

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Let’s give all of our athletes a round of applause. The girls varsity team would like to give the athletes a signed basketball and a t-shirt so that they won’t ever forget how much fun they had together this season. Before we end this ceremony, everyone is invited to come cheer the ISO team on in their area tournament this Sunday at Vernon Hills High School! Good luck to both teams for the rest of their seasons. Let’s go Saints! This concludes our ceremony.

Dylan Dunlap with Annie Martines and Carly Pottle.

Dylan’s advice to Annie on dribbling the ball is to bounce the ball fast. He also told her that when you’re rebounding, jump high! Dylan told Carly that he learned from her that basketball is fun and he enjoyed making new friends this season.

Grant Sturgeon with Paige Jordan, Shannon Pedersen, and Coach Hawkins.

Grant’s rebounding advice to Paige was to be tough, and when you dribble, don’t let the other players steal the ball. Grant told Shannon that the one thing he loved about this season was when her team made signs and came to his games. He told Coach Hawkins that one thing he learned was how to be a good player and that when you’re shooting remember that 3 pointers are easy.

Nikita Chavez with Dani Asquini and Amanda Hilton.

Niki told Dani in a letter to her good luck and you are awesome and cool. She advised her that when you’re rebounding, be on the defense. Niki’s advice to Amanda on shooting is to get the ball in, and one thing she learned from her was how to run.

Jacob Winter with Laney Deckrow and Cayleigh Ballard.

Jacob’s advice to Laney on rebounding is to just grab the ball. He also thanked Laney for helping with defense and rebounding. Jacob told Cayleigh that one thing he learned from her was how to run faster and then when you shoot, you need to aim for the box on the backboard.

Sam Raymond with Leanna Barcelona and Morgan Vyzral.

Sam’s advice to Leanna is that when you’re rebounding, you need to get in there and to remember to set up your shot before you shoot. He told Morgan that when you are dribbling, don’t run with the ball and that she taught him to never give up. Never! Sam also wanted to tell both girls that he enjoyed meeting new friends and playing the game.

Daniel Walsh with Rae Anne Payleitner and Coach Seward.

Daniel’s advice to Rae Anne on rebounding is pass the ball. He also wanted to thank her for coming to his games. Daniel’s advice to Coach Seward on shooting was to rebound, and when rebounding you need to shoot. He also wanted her to know how excited he was for the pasta party both teams had Tuesday night.

Lauren Rohrmeier, Coach Drumtra, and Kelly Cada.

Unfortunately, our ISO athlete Johnny Guckien is not feeling well, but he was still able to give his advice. Johnny’s advice to Lauren as she goes to college next year is to study hard and have fun! His advice on rebounding is to keep your hands up. Johnny told Coach Drumtra that one thing he learned from her team is teamwork, and when you’re shooting, you should make sure to stop and aim. Lastly, Johnny told Kelly thank you for a fun season and for the help. His advice to her on dribbling is to concentrate.

Mack Schweizer with Chanel Stephens and Coach Whalen.

Mack’s advice to Chanel is when you are shooting, have your elbows in and have a good release. He also wanted to thank her for being a special part of his season and that she has a nice family and he’s glad to know her. Mack told Coach Whalen to look for the open shooter and snap the pass when you shoot. He also said that one thing he loved about this season was playing in a Saint Charles East uniform for the school.