With 15 seconds left on the clock, a stampede of girls rushed onto the court outnumbering the parents’ five players. Down by 3, they shot the ball in desperation in order to score the points they needed.

The basket went in, but unfortunately for a combined girls’ basketball team, the buzzer had already sounded giving the parents a 45-44 win in the annual Father/Daughter game, Jan. 8.

The girls’ varsity and JV basketball teams got the chance to compete against their fathers or in some cases, substitute mothers, in the game. Many of the parents had not recently or ever played the sport. Although their clumsiness was evident, the parents managed to pull out a victory.

“Playing in the Father/Daughter game was a very fun opportunity to see a different side of the parents,” sophomore Nicole Hensley said. “This year I was able to be more involved in the game which was so much fun.”

Some parents struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. Several parent shots bounced off the backboard or hit nothing at all. Awkwardly they dribbled the ball down the court looking for someone to pass to.

“I had a blast playing against my dad and I always had a smile on my face when I went up against him,” Hensley said. “It was also hilarious to see other people’s parents just because some have no athletic ability. Overall I had such a good time and look forward to next years game.”

Hensley’s father, Mike, agreed with his daughter on the lack of athletic ability of the parents.

“I have participated in the annual Father/Daughter game for the past five years,” Mike said. “It is eye-opening to play against the girls because it makes you realize they are faster than they look from the sidelines. The girls are tough, but I’m glad that the parents could save face and claim the win. Without subs, I’d be dead in the first five minutes.”

Though most parents took part in the light-hearted game just for the fun of it, there were some dads who took their play more seriously. Nicknames were chosen for each parent, but one stood out, “The Shumanator.” The parents star player, Robert Shuman, towered over the other players. It was difficult for even 6’4″ senior center Pagie Maltos to guard him in the low post.

“Before the game the team decided our game plan was to double team on the Shumanator,” Maltos said. “We gave up on that plan and switched to putting our tallest players in every time he was in.”

Soreness and loss of breath limited many of the parents, but one injury created a stir and was much worse than the sore muscles. Cosmo Tedeschi, running down the court on a fast bread, had difficulty stopping himself. He fell forward and rolled, displacing his shoulder. He was later taken to the hospital, and may require surgery.

“At first the game was fun because we got a chance to connect as a team while not having the pressure of a real game,” freshman Alex Tedeschi said. “Once my dad got injured, I felt alone; I just wanted the game to end so I could go visit him.”

For the half time entertainment, the moms and siblings held a free throw contest. The winner was Monica Hensley who defeated varsity starting center Jeremiah Brown (brother of JV girls’ team member freshman Chantelle Brown) in the final round.

“In the beginning of the competition I thought that (sophomore boys’ varsity guard) Chandler [Vargas] was going to win,” Brown said. “It was a little embarrassing losing to a mom because I am a basketball player.”

The overall outcome of the game was a success. Fans cheered in the stands, laughing at the humiliating moments of the game. Next year the girls hope to finally defeat the parents – something they have never accomplished before.

“This was the best Father/Daughter game by far,” junior Ashlyn White said. “It seemed to be more about the experience instead of beating them bad. Being able to play basketball with your dad and other girls’ dads is just plain fun. The parents I didn’t expect to play… did… and that was just plain fun!”

For more sports information, read the Girls’ basketball sport shorts, 2009-10 and watch slideshows on most games.