Bumblebees, Eagles play Big Game

A big-game atmosphere existed in Newton High’s gymnasium Friday morning — fans cheering, the NHS pep band playing and two competitive teams on the basketball court.

For the second year in a row, Trent Tiffany had the basketball as the final seconds ticked off the game clock. Tiffany’s Electrifying Eagles trailed the Boss Bumblebees by three points. Tiffany drained a 3-pointer with second seconds left.

The 2014 NHS Big Game ended in a 37-37 tie. Members from both teams rang the NHS Victory Bell following the game.

Tiffany and Ciara Holder, who played for the Bumblebees, were honored at halftime as the seniors playing in the contest.

Each year, the Big Game features teams involving Newton’s special needs students. The teams are divided equally with several NHS athletes on the teams to help the athletes on the court.

Holder said she played in her first-ever Big Game Friday.

“It was fun. Yes, I enjoyed it,” Holder said after the game. Holder scored points for the Bumblebees.

Joining Holder on the Boss Bumblebees were Sam Townsend, Christian McChyghy, Madelyn Aubert, Trevor Cupples, Chris Thorpe, McKenna Heisdorffer, Blake Anderson and Deonne Harris.

“I was nervous,” Tiffany said. “It was good and fun. I shot well.”

Tiffany’s teammates on the Electrifying Eagles were Mollie Bird, Baileigh Vest, Jesse Cochran, Ramona Starkenburg, Elijah VanGorp, Shelbey Cochran, Rachel Prendergast, Brenna Schwenker, Rylie Udelhoven and Mike McCormick.

NHS students and parents filled the bleachers cheering on the teams.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com