“It’s just the cross-town rivalry. It’s all about emotion. It really has nothing much more to do with anything else,” Mast said. “They are in our district, so the game will go toward making the decision in our district seating. And Hickman has the better record right now; they beat us the first time. If we seeded the district today, Hickman would be the number one seed; there would be no question. If we beat Hickman today, they may still be the number one seed. So we’ve got district seeding on the line, but beyond that, it’s purely a pride and emotion thing.”
Mast suggests fans who want to attend the game arrive by 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. at the latest. Those who get to school at 7:00 p.m. will probably not be able to get in because of the large attendance this game historically has. However, the girls basketball team is also providing an incentive to arrive early and stay for the game with their annual Chili and Pasta Supper at 5:00 p.m.
According to girls basketball team member junior Audrey Holt, the supper is not only an encouragement for the community to attend the rival game, but is also a way for the team to raise money and form relationships with their supporters. The cost per person is five dollars.
“The supper is used as a fundraiser for our girls basketball team to help us pay for buses, food, et cetera,” Holt said. “But it is also good because our players and our families are the ones who work the whole supper, so it’s a good opportunity for us to interact with people from the community.”
Both basketball teams will be busy tonight in hopes of invigorating school spirit, and the girls basketball team offers a chance for the student body to meet the players.
“I think everyone should definitely try to make it for the supper because we really love and appreciate the support,” Holt said. “It’s a great chance for people to meet the team and get to know us personally, and on top of it all, it’s a great atmosphere and incredible meal.”
By Alyssa Sykuta
