Clarke Central High School varsity basketball team member Richard Edwards, a sophomore, dribbles a basketball down the CCHS Competition Gym during Midday Madness on Nov. 13. All CCHS basketball teams engaged in scrimmage matches for an audience during the event, which lasted from 3-7 p.m. “Basically, it’s a fundraiser for both the boys and girls basketball programs. We have different activities and inter-squad scrimmages to help raise money to fund things that we may need during the season,” head boys varsity basketball coach Stefan Smith said. Photo by Lucas Donnelly
CCHS hosted its annual Midday Madness (formerly Midnight Madness) on Nov. 13 in the CCHS Competition Gym.
On Nov. 13, the Clarke Central High School annual basketball fundraiser, Midday Madness (formerly Midnight Madness) took place in the CCHS Competition Gym with a diverse range of festivities, including scrimmages from all basketball teams.
“(The purpose of Midday Madness) is kind of like an opener (to the season), and having different schools come out and participate, and have a running clock for 15-20 minutes apiece, just to give everybody the opportunity to understand that basketball season is in effect and we’re getting ready to start our regular season,” basketball cheerleading coach Latoya Jewell said.
According to head boys varsity basketball coach Stefan Smith, Midday Madness gives the players a chance to play with an audience without the pressure of the regular season.
“I like the festivities all around, this community coming out in a relaxed atmosphere. That’s probably the last relaxed atmosphere you get before the season starts,” Smith said. “We just kind of have fun with it. (During the event,) I do want to see (the players do) some things that they’ve learned, some fundamentals and that type of thing, but I don’t really put a lot of stress on it.”
Beyond a community-building event, Midday Madness acts as an opportunity for players to display their skills.
“I’m looking forward to showing people what I got, what I got to prove as a freshman, and proving people wrong,” freshman boys varsity basketball player Marcus Gillespie said. “I want to prove to people that I deserve to be on the varsity team.”
According to Smith, Midday Madness is a beloved event for the CCHS basketball community.
“I think it is fun for (the players), they enjoy it,” Smith said. “They get to play in front of their peers and play in front of the community, and always take pride in doing it.”
