SPECIAL OLYMPICS HOOPS … Shawn Summers (left, Fulton County) and Ben Kittle (Williams County) battle for the ball at Hicksville High School as part of the Stevie Kimpel Classic.
GIRLS ALL-STAR GAME …Becca Strauss (Pettisville) drives the lane with Cailyn Meyers (North Central) defending.
BOYS ALL-STAR GAME … Kenneth Smeltzer of Montpelier goes to the basket during action in the Stevie Kimpel Classic at Hicksville High School.
By: Rebekah Dell
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The 4th Annual Stevie Kimpel Classic brought together athletes and community members for an evening of basketball on March 28 at Hicksville High School.
The event honors the legacy of Stevie Kimpel, a longtime Edgerton resident remembered for his love of basketball and enthusiasm for community events. Proceeds from the event support local Special Olympics programs.
The evening featured girls and boys all-star games, along with a Special Olympics showcase game and skills competitions, including 3-point and dunk contests.
Local athletes were represented in several events throughout the night. Alivia Farnham of Edgerton finished as runner-up in the girls 3-point contest, while Jack Leppelmeier of Pettisville earned runner-up honors in the boys competition.
The dunk contest featured several area athletes, including Tucker Watson of Bryan, Kenneth Smeltzer of Montpelier, Drew Bailey of Hilltop, and Jack Leppelmeier of Pettisville, who won the event.
In the girls all-star game, the West team defeated the East team, 62-55. In the boys game, the East team earned a 97-78 win over the West.
Throughout the evening, athletes had the opportunity to showcase their skills while fans gathered to support participants and the cause.