The Elco boys’ basketball team understands the value of free throws. And recently, the Raiders took steps to increase that value.
On Saturday, Jan. 22, Elco conducted a foul-shot extravaganza as part of a fund-raiser for Lebanon County Christian Ministries. Players and coaches all solicited sponsors for money/funds based on how many free throws they made that day.
The Raiders raised $780 for LCCM, which conducts the Lebanon County food and clothing banks and the local free noon meal program. Elco also held a food drive for LCCM at a recent home game.
“The kids enjoyed it,” said Elco head coach Brad Conners. “It was practice, but it was kind of a day off of practice. You talk about giving around the holidays. It was a no-brainer fund-raiser for us and our kids. I’m hoping next year we double what we make.”
The Raiders who were most accurate that particular day were sophomore Mason Musser, who converted 92 of his 100 attempts, senior Austin Lawrence, who sank 91 of his 100 tries, and senior David Superdock, who connected on 89 of his 100 shots.
“Free throw shooting is critical, especially when a game is going down to the wire,” said Conners. “We had a couple of games where if we make our foul shots, the game is over. If you can get to the line every time down the floor, that’s a good possession.”
The event was an example of a growing trend of local scholastic and college sports teams becoming more involved in the Lebanon community. Not only can such activities teach social responsiblity, they can also help the participating teams bond.
“We were kicking around some ideas early on,” said Conners. “My assistant coach Darrin (Bossert) had done some things with the American Cancer Society in the past. And we thought, ‘Maybe we could do something with the food bank?’ Sometimes after the holidays, people forget to give. It was a real easy fund-raiser and we got some practice as well.”
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