SPORTS
+
KANSAN.COM
Former Jayhawks featured in Roundball Classic
DYLAN SHERWOOD @dmantheman2011
Locals made their way to Lawrence Free State High School for the 7th annual Rock Chalk Roundball Classic on Thursday to benefit local kids fighting cancer and their families.
Former Kansas basketball athletes and coaches separated into two teams for an action-packed charity game. The red team, coached by Kansas basketball legend Isaac "Bud" Stallworth, led 50-36 at half-time. It shrunk to a two-point game in the last two minutes, but late three-pointers by 2011 alumnus guard Tyrel Reed allowed the red
team a 102-91 win over the blue team, coached by 1986 alumnus forward Calvin Thompson.
"It's always good to win, but we like doing it for the kids," Stallworth said.
Another 2011 alumnus guard, Mario Little, led the way with 36 points for the red team. Ben McLemore led the blue team with 33 points.
For event director Brian Hanni, there were some special moments in this year's event, including the pregame concert from Topeka band Race Bandit. The program honored other local kids battling cancer as well, with several kids given the opportunity to be honorary coaches
for each team.
Beneficiaries Levi Ross, 18, and Dade Cannon, 11, were in attendance at the event.
"Both of them celebrated the night as the true stars," Hanni said.
During halftime, Hanni gave Ross the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime to California, thanks to a donation from Miles Schnaer of Crown Automotive. Ross threw an alley-oop to Ben McLemore to win a Chevrolet Camaro. Ross will go on the trip with his best friend Colton Schell.
COURNTEY VARNEY/KANSAN
The two are going to go to Colorado, Mount Rushmore, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping in Baja, Calif., and making a stop in Las Vegas, said Kelly Potter, Ross's sister.
Tyshawn Taylor comes up against Cole Aldrich as he dribbles down the court in the Roundball Classic game Thursday, June 18.
McLemore gave his signed, gameworn shoe from the charity game to Cannon, who said he really liked meeting the players after the event. Cannon's other favorite player to meet was Danni Boatwright, because of her sense of humor and how she liked to have fun, he said.
"Most of the players played for entertainment and not just winning or losing," he said.
"Every year it gets better," Aldrich said. "It's awesome coming back and
Aldrich said he appreciated the fans coming out for him and other players, even though he's been away from Lawrence for five years now. This is his fourth roundball classic.
Former Kansas players Cole Aldrich and Tyshawn Taylor both donated their court-worn shoes from the game to a quick auction during the final timeout of the game. The shoes brought a total of $500.
"It was an impromptu thing that Cole and Tyshawn wanted to do and that's rewarding to see," Hanni said.
[seeing] what Brian [Hanni] and his crew do for this event every year."
Former Jayhawk and current coach of the University of San Francisco men's basketball team Rex Walters said he liked participating in this year's game.
"It's great to be asked [to participate]," he said. "Bud gave me the start and we ended up getting the win."
Christy Cannon, Dade's mother, said she was pleased with the turnout for the event.
"We are very grateful and thankful that the gym was standing room only," she said.
Overall, Hanni said this was the best event of the last six years. The organization surprised him with a plaque at haltime honoring him for the work he has put into the event.
"I was surprised," Hanni said. "It meant the world to me to receive that honor."