Hot Shots Event is a Night to Remember

Sweet Home High-School was the place to be Friday night as the sixth annual C.A.P.S. “Hot Shots” basketball game took to the court. After months of practice, sweat and smiles the competitors went out and put on an exciting show in front of a packed crowd.

The not-for-profit organization Challenged Athletes Participating in Sports, better known as C.A.P.S., was formed in 2006. The foundation for what C.A.P.S. has become today actually started back in 1998 when Ron Hoeltke and others structured some baseball games for kids with special needs. Hoeltke’s daughter Kelly has been participating in these leagues and events since the inception. She was out there this evening with more than fifty participants showing off their basketball talents.

The Hot Shots game is four quarters of basketball played with modified-rules. They have coaches on the court offering assistance and instructions but mostly encouragement. Diane Scherrer is on the event committee and helped plan Friday’s game. “This is a really big night for everyone in the organization, especially the kids” Scherrer said. “Everybody works very hard to get ready for tonight.”

All of the players were introduced before the game and before the opening tip-off Tim Carson and Natalie Litto-Covey sang the National Anthem.

The green team, led by Bobby Bender won the jump ball to start the game. Bender led the charge into the blue team’s zone but the first scoring opportunity fell a little short. Tristan Pachla, like Bender is a veteran at these events. Pachla scored the game’s first bucket and was busy dishing out passes to his beloved teammates for most of the game.

The final score of the game was insignificant to the players. This was a night to be recognized for their athletic accomplishments, and they loved every minute. It was truly an honor to be there. The referees, coaches and event staff are all volunteers.

Sweet Home donated the use of the school’s gym.

“We are really lucky to be here,” Hoeltke said. “The event just keeps getting bigger each year. We started out years ago with just baseball then added more sports. It’s almost year round. After tonight we will take about a month off but June 1st we start baseball again. In the fall we do football and before you know it we will be indoors playing basketball, hockey, soccer and volleyball”

The Hot Shots event is not just about basketball. During half-time, spectators were treated to a cheerleading performance by the Fireflies and the Buffalo Envy All-Stars.

During the Rookie Exhibition, the youngest competitors received some enhanced instructions from various members of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams from the University of Buffalo.

Adam Bauman, the director of basketball operations for the Bulls men’s team thought the event was something special, “we try to get out in the community at least once a week,” Bauman said. “It’s important to create a bond with fans.” Jeremy Harris, who scored 23 points in UB’s upset win over Arizona in the NCAA tournament last month received a nice ovation. Javion Hamlet, Brock Bertram, Jayvon Graves, Montell McRae, DaVonta Jordan and walk-on Domin Johnson were the other players making a special appearance. The Bulls treated fans to an impromptu slam-dunk competition with a few C.A.P.S players assisting in some of the more creative dunk attempts.

Organizers can go to bed tonight feeling pretty good about today’s results. Everybody left happy.

I can’t wait till next year.

Photos Courtesy of Jessica Helen

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