Before Thanksgiving break on Tuesday, Nov. 26 St. Charles West hosted the SCHS vs. SCW annual Turkey Tip Off. St. Charles West live broadcasting and short film classes, otherwise known as their Tech Ed classes, broadcast the games live and uploaded the videos after to their WarriorVision Youtube. Turkey Tip Off is an annual basketball game for all team levels (C-team, JV, and varsity) between the rival schools of St. Charles to kick off Thanksgiving break.

“I love how crazy it gets, everything about it,” senior guard Atty O’Keefe said.

Every year the stands become packed for the games, especially girls and boys varsity. Both teams look forward to the game and prepare as it starts their season record off for winning or losing. 

“We’re feeling good, we’re feeling strong as a team… this year is gonna be a lot better than last year since we’re more working as a team rather than individually,“ junior guard Isaac Black said.

The boys varsity took the win and finished the game 56-41, with great performances by all the players. Zach Rolfing led the team in points and rebounds with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Tanner Dutton and Jadon Salamone tied for second point scorer with 9 points each. Connor Bayliss was second in rebounds with 5, and tied with Jordan Rowe. 

Before the game point guard Dutton said, “I feel pretty good we have a strong core group of guys and I think we can get the job done this year.” 

The boys lost to SCW in a close game last year of 49-45 so everyone was pleased with the win. According to Salamone, the team is looking for a winning record for this season, to go far in districts, as well as win some tournaments. 

“I’m very excited, it’s my last year, it’s gonna be a good time. There’s nothing I’m really nervous about, “ said Salamone. 

The varsity Lady Pirates fell to the Warriors 54-28. Grace Basler led the team in points and rebounds with 11 points and 6 rebounds. The girls were trying out a new defense this year due to losing many seniors last year and having a partially new team. The team changed from a ‘match up zone’ to a ‘man to man’ defense. 

“I think [man to man] for the people we have on the team  will work a lot better … and let us work better as a whole,“ said O’Keefe. 

The girls prepared for the Turkey Tip Off and are still trying new things this season. They had two freshmen playing on the varsity court: Addie Blair and Addie Tubbs. Blair put up 2 points during the game. Though they didn’t get the outcome they wanted, the Lady Pirates aren’t discouraged. 

“We were really frantic while playing… we’re gonna be more prepared next time. They got us on that back door cut a lot, and we’re gonna make sure that doesn’t happen again,“ junior guard Brooklyn Mc Alister said.