The varsity boys basketball team achieved a rewarding victory against Ridley High School at the Hope for Hallie home game on January 11, 2024, with a final score of 69-55.
According to their website, Hope For Hallie is a public charity founded in 2020 in memory of Hallie Christine Jackson. The organization’s goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues among teens. Jackson was a student at Strath Haven, and Hope for Hallie organized the match to keep her legacy alive within the WSSD community.
To honor Jackson, coaches of both teams wore purple Hope for Hallie shirts.
Assistant varsity basketball coach Mr. Kevin Haney spoke before the game with his recollection of the person Jackson was and the ways we can honor her today.
“There are probably people that are hurting, who have never said anything,” Haney said in the speech. “It is our mission, at Hope for Hallie, to transform that conversation, to have those who feel as though they always have to fight alone to be able to have the courage to help and support them.”
The Panthers started strong with about a seven-point lead at the end of the first quarter, riling up the Panther Pack and getting the crowd cheering.
“[It] was that teamwork, that energy from the bench, every guy that played or didn’t play just rooting each other on and playing for one another,” head coach Tim Livingstone said.
At the half, the Panthers led the Raiders 38-14, while members of the crowd participated in half-court shots.
During the second half, the Raiders committed multiple fouls, resulting in multiple free throws and easy points for the Panthers. Much of this can be credited to the Panthers’ display of teamwork.
“When it’s somebody’s night and they’re hot, find them, give them the ball, and let them have their moment. Tonight, we shared the ball really well, and a couple of guys had a good night,” Haney said.
The game ended with a comfortable 14-point lead. Senior shooting guard James Fisher recorded 14 points, leading the Panthers in scoring.
The student section’s enthusiasm also helped in leading the team to victory.
“The support was palpable and absolutely loving– one hundred percent a contributing factor to the night,” Livingstone said.
Senior captain guard Jacob Wenke feels optimistic about the next few games as they work out the kinks.
“Momentum is everything in basketball,” Wenke said. “You can just take one win and you can ride that throughout the rest of the season.”
Wenke believes that a game dedicated to supporting Hope for Hallie should remain a tradition in the future.
“It’s such a good cause,” Wenke said. “This is the first time we’re doing it, and we hope it happens every year from now until forever. It means a lot to everybody on the team.”
On Tuesday, January 14, the Panthers will travel to Garnet Valley High School, hoping to even their record to a 7-7.
