It’s not all about winning and losing games, but more so having fun and making memories along the way.
That is the takeaway of several Kings School varsity basketball players after a day of tournament play at Northern Illinois University earlier this month.
The tournament was a chance to give the athletes an opportunity to play in a different arena outside of the regular season conference, which is something they had not experienced before.
“I was so excited to play in the tournament,” said varsity player Jeremiah Diehl. “I’m very proud of my teammates. I have good memories of all of us working together. My favorite memory of the tournament was when I went for a bonus shot…and that we played all three games and never gave up.”
Teammate Matthew Dewey admitted being a little nervous, but had fun nonetheless.  
“We had fun even though we lost,” said varsity player, Jonathon Dewey.
In order to help offset participation fees, the varsity team conducted 50/50 raffles at home games and held a fundraiser at Culver’s in January and with the help of the community, the team was well on their way.
Coach Matt McMeekan admired the hard work and determination the boys exhibited while preparing for the tournament.

“This team is a family. All of the boys pushed each other to get ready for this tournament. I couldn’t be prouder to be their coach,” McMeekan said. “I believe I have the best young men a coach could ask for.”
Due to a lack of teams registered, the girl’s varsity team was unable to participate. The news came a couple days before the tournament, and although they were disappointed, the girls attended the event to support their teammates. Coach Niki Adamski commended the girls’ dedication to practicing in the weeks leading up to the tournament. She also expressed gratitude for all of the support given to the teams.
“Our girls team was so disappointed that we didn’t get a chance to play. There were never any complaints when we asked them to come back into the gym and get prepared for this opportunity,” Adamski said. “They pulled together as a small group and were prepared to get the job done and make the community and school that supported them all season proud.”
Adding, “We are so thankful to the great parents, families, school, and community members that supported our team all season and year round. We are so blessed.”
“When I found out I would be participating in the tournament I was happy for the opportunity to play against new teams…I think everyone had fun, from the players to the coach,” said Brodie Nantz. “My favorite memory was when I got a 3-pointer and was able to celebrate.”
The team of five boys consisted of Brodie Nantz, Shepard Hayes, Jeremiah Diehl, Jonathon Dewey, and Matthew Dewey.
“I can’t say enough about the dedication not only of the players but of the community,” McMeekan said. “There was no negativity when things weren’t going right, the crowd was always positive and the town of Kings is a great basketball community…I am honored to be the coach there.”
Thanks to the community’s generosity, monies raised in excess of tournament costs will be applied to the Kings School athletic fund.