Seventh grade boys basketball participate in Clay Invitational

Story by Griffin Hall

On January 31, the seventh grade Clay boys basketball team will be taking part and hosting the Clay Invitational. They boys will be playing against three other contending teams: Carmel, Creekside, and Fishers.

The players are looking forward to playing all three teams again after their previous losses. 

“I believe,” Zach Gish, seventh grade, said, “I will perform to the best of my abilities since we have been preparing for this tourney since we lost to these three teams.”

One way the boys are preparing for the tournament is by running sprints to get in shape, Max Engelking, seventh grade, said.

“I believe Max Engelking will be a key player,” Gish said, “because he can hit those long-range jumpers, and that's what we need.” 

This will give them points and hopefully put them in the lead of the games.

Engelking believes the boys will stand out in the invitational because they play good defense. He believes this will give them a big advantage against the other teams.

Gish and Engelking both agree that their team goal is too win it all after losing to these teams already. They believe that their team is both physically and mentally prepared for this tournament.

Games are at 9 and 11 a.m. The price of admission is $5, and the concession stands will be open.

Clay takes on Carmel and Creekside for Pennies for Patients charity basketball game

Clay played against Creekside and Carmel Middle Schools for the annual charity game. This year, Clay hosted the event.

Charity basketball game tonight, money goes toward Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Story by Cade Conlon

Pennies for Patients is an annual fundraiser that the students and staff of Clay Middle School participate in. The funds raised go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The Clay Trojans have been participating with this fundraiser for the past 10 years with the annual goal of $10,000. 

This year, one of the major events for Pennies for Patients fundraiser will be the annual Charity Basketball game.

Clay staff will play against Carmel Middle School staff, Creekside Middle School staff, the Carmel Fire Department and police department.

At the game, the Clay pep band will be there, as well as the Carmel High school radio station, and during halftime there will also be a three-point contest. 

Some of the Clay staff will be taking part in the game. 

Mr. Dan Patane, seventh grade social studies teacher, said one of his favorite parts about the game is “seeing the kids respond in the crowd and how much money we can raise.”

The games start at 6 p.m. at Clay Middle School and costs $5 for entry.