The Sherburne-Earlville faculty and staff and the first responders gather together for a photo following the PTO annual basketball game. (Photo by Jessica Benson)

SHERBURNE –  It was a wild and chaotic night of basketball as the Sherburne-Earlville Faculty took on local first responders in a basketball game unlike any other. The Sherburne-Earlville Faculty came out on top, winning the game 59-50 in overtime.

The annual basketball fundraiser took place for the fourth year, and this year, the event took in more donations than ever before. Funds raised at the event will go to support monthly middle school/high school PTO events such as pick-me-up snack morning, the hot cocoa and cookie bar, popcorn day, the ice cream social, the end of year barbecue and the Utica ZooMobile. In addition, next fall, the PTO is bringing the Syracuse Symphony to perform for students in the newly renovated Sherburne-Earlville Auditorium.

“It’s a great way to bring the community together. Everyone is laughing and having a good time,” said first responder Gary Miller.

The game, originally scheduled for last week had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. As a result, both rosters looked a little different than originally planned.

The Sherburne-Earlville Faculty team was made up of staff members Karli Caputo, Kylie Davis, John Healy, Matt Hull, Bentley Johnson, Kim Palmer, Brad Perry, Brayden Potter, Eric Reinhardt, Michael Rodriquez, Will Slentz, Kevin Vibbard Jr., and Charlee Weidman. Student coaches for the team were Nolan Sigman and Jay Tackabury.

The first responder team was comprised of Mike Behret, Jansen Casscles, Chad Campbell, Mike Jenkins, Paul Jones, Chris Thompson, Nate Bennett, Tommy Jusianiec, Gary Miller and Ryan Green. Student coaches for the first responders were Noah Lamandia and Wyatt Jones.

The game was comprised of four 7-minute quarters with games and activities between each. Spectators were able to participate in activities between quarters. Students came onto the court after the first quarter for a game of knock-out. At the end of the second quarter, students took to the court for a game of musical chairs. The third quarter ended with a half-court shoot out.

Entertainment continued as a first responder, a teacher and a student volunteer competed to see who could put on fire gear the fastest. Junior Blake Smith joined the competition, but ultimately, the first responder won.

The fourth quarter saw a lot of action. With just two minutes to go, all players on both teams flooded the quarter for two minutes of chaotic, exciting play. One first responder even decided to play in full fire gear. The game ended with a tied score of 50-50 and went into a two-minute overtime. With all the players on the court, overtime ended with the Sherburne-Earlville Faculty pulling off a 59-50 win.

“My favorite part of the game is being with everyone and having a good time,” said Sherburne Fire Chief Paul Jones.

“It’s a blast,” said first responder Tommy Jusianiec. “Hearing the energy of the crowd, everyone screaming entices you to play and it’s for a great cause.” Jusianiec said he’s used to coming to the games to cheer for his son. Having the roles reversed is a fun change.

Sherburne teacher and basketball coach Kevin Vibbard Jr. said he has played in the game every year. “Getting the community together and seeing the crowd cheering is always fun,” he said.

Coach Matt Hull said students ask him at least 10 times a day if he will be playing in the game. “It’s always fun to play with the basketball parents.”

First Responder Mike Behret helps recruit players for the event. “It’s a great event. It helps spread the word about the organization and the money goes right back to the kids. The bigger it gets, the better it gets.

The Sherburne-Earlville Middle School/High School PTO meets the first Wednesday of every month in Middle School Room 230. They welcome anyone who wants to learn more about the organization. They encourage anyone who would like more information to reach out through their Facebook Page.