On Friday, March 8, the Panther Basketball Team, along with 2 athletes competing in Basketball Skills, took off for Iowa City to compete in the 2024 Spring Classic. After a few icy patches on the road, lots of laughs, excited chatter and a stop at Highway 63 Diner for lunch the group made it. We took a few minutes to stop and visit a former resident/athlete where we got to say “hi” and take a couple pictures! We then made our way to the hotel to get checked in. Once everyone had a room, we walked over to the XTreme Arena in Coralville for the opening ceremonies. We were served a delicious pasta meal, could take some pictures with Disney Princess and Hawkeye Elvis and then settled in for the opening ceremonies. After the ceremonies were finished and the games were officially opened, we were entertained by David Casas, a magician. We were amazed and awestruck at his magical talent! We headed back to our hotel to get some rest for the next big day of competition!

On Saturday, the athletes headed to the University of Iowa Fieldhouse for the first game. The Panther Basketball team took on the Ankeny Angels where they won that game 44-24. After this game, the Skills Athletes headed out to the Greenstate Family Arena where they got ready for their competition. After a quick lunch break, for all the athletes, the afternoon competition took place. Our Basketball Skills team competed in their skills competition. This competition consists of completing a dribbling drill, passing drill and shooting drill against others placed in their division. Both team members competed well and took home a 5th place! The Team played their second game against the Oelwein Huskies. This was a close game and all the athletes played hard to get the W and take home a gold medal! The final score against the Huskies was 29-20.

Overall, it was a GREAT weekend competing against other teams and individuals and watching our Athletes put forth their best effort! Congratulations to ALL the athletes who competed this basketball season!! GO PANTHERS!!!