On Tuesday, December 12, the girl’s basketball team held a game against the Clarksville Generals. During halftime of the varsity game, a contest was held where one winner drawn from a list of names would have an opportunity to shoot one half-court shot for money. This lucky winner was sophomore Kirkland Hughes, who made the impressive shot. 

Because of this, Hughes was expecting to receive $500. However, due to a slight discrepancy in the rules, it was initially believed that Hughes would be unable to receive the prize money due to his participation as a high school athlete. That is until Athletic Director Darek Newkirk fact-checked the rule and found that Hughes could receive the money.

“According to the handbook, students may accept prizes provided they are not awarded because of their participation in an IHSAA sport or event,” said Newkirk.

Since the half-court shot was due to a raffle and not an IHSAA event, Hughes took home extra cash right before Winter Break. 

“I feel great. At first, I thought that I wouldn’t be receiving the money, which was a huge bummer, but after our wonderful Athletic Director looked into it, he found that I can actually receive the money, and I am thrilled,” said Hughes.

Ram fans will have their next shot at the half-pot during Thursday’s game at home with the Lady Rams facing the Springs Valley Blackhawks, starting at 6 p.m.