GALLERY: Red Level exhibition basketball game raises funds for Foster Closet

Published 9:15 am Friday, February 18, 2022

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Red Level School hosted its Seniors vs. Faculty basketball game Thursday and donated all proceeds raised at the event to the Covington County Foster Closet.

When the final horn sounded, the faculty and alumni squeaked out a 68-67 win over the seniors.

“Each year, we host the RLS Faculty-Senior basketball game as our Random Acts of Kindness Fundraiser. This year, we chose the Covington County Foster Closet as our organization to support. As a school, we feel it is important to teach our students the importance of giving back and helping those in need. In Covington County, and even in our own school, we have children who benefit daily from the donations given to this organization. We are using all funds raised from today’s game to purchase items that will go directly to the Covington County Foster Closet, ” said Student Council Sponsor Jamie Snider.

The seniors took an early 3-0 lead, and Jentry Lee converted a free throw to push the margin to 4-0. Red Level 2019 alumnus Joel Phillips followed with two baskets to give the faculty and alumni a 6-4 lead before Lee tied the score at 6-6. Head JV Boys Basketball Coach Dominic “D.L.” Williams and Head Softball Coach Dusty Lee banked back-to-back threes and widened the lead to 18-7. Lee hit a layup as the seniors trailed 18-10 after one period.

That momentum carried over to the second as the seniors began the frame on a 5-0 run. Williams then responded with a three and pushed the lead to 21-15. Ruby Carroll used a nifty drive to the hoop and trimmed the gap to 21-19. Following a basket from Phillips, Carroll swished a pair of free throws for a 23-23 tie. The faculty and alumni once again had an answer. Randall Hunt went one-of-two at the line to push the advantage to 30-24. Phillips capped the 14-2 run with a dunk to make the score 37-25 at halftime.

The seniors rallied in the third and got within four midway through the period. Jentry Lee had two free throws, and Chasey Sanders buried a basket to slice the deficit down to four at 44-40. Dusty Lee torched the net from downtown, and Phillips drilled a jumper to give the faculty and alumni a 53-40 lead after three.

Carroll scored four points and made the score 60-52 early in the fourth. KJ Lawrence answered the call and took it back to a double-digit lead. Moments later, Carroll sizzled with a sparkling drive to the basket, and Sanders followed suit to make the score 68-61. Jentry Lee made three free throws as Carroll closed out the scoring with the final three of the contest.

Snider was grateful for the opportunity to perform an act of kindness.

“It brings me joy to help others, but it truly warms my heart to be a part of a school that is always so willing to lend a hand when needed. Red Level always goes above and beyond in a time of need. We are a truly blessed school and community,” she said.

Hosting this game at Red Level means a lot for everyone involved. “It gives our faculty and students an opportunity to truly have fun together outside of the normal classroom setting. This game also presents an opportunity for some of our beloved alumni to come back and reminisce about their times at RLS.”

For more information call Red Level School at 334-469-5315.

“I would also like to give credit to my amazing coworkers. This fundraiser is truly a team effort, and it would not be possible without others offering their time and talents to help organize and execute this event,” Snider said.