The Kearney High School Field House was rocking on Monday night, Dec. 15, as our community packed the stands for the 2025 Kearney School District Special Olympics Basketball Jam. The annual event, organized by KHS Boys Basketball Head Coach Dillon Starzl, featured a high-energy matchup between the varsity boys' basketball team and our Special Olympics Dream Team. Admission was a goodwill donation, with all proceeds supporting the KSD Special Olympics program.

The event opened with a special alumni game, followed by a match-up between the elementary school Special Olympians. There was also a special halftime show with the Special Olympians and choreographed by members of the KHS Golden Girls Dance Squad. 

From the opening tip of the feature game, the Dream Team set the tone. Uriah Maddick scored the first basket of the night from the right side, then went right back to the same spot for another jumper and an early 4-0 lead. After a quick defensive stop, Brody Shipers heated up, knocking down a three-pointer from the left wing as the Dream Team jumped ahead 7-2.

The varsity Bulldogs answered with a pair of three-pointers, but the Dream Team refused to give up the spotlight, taking an 11-9 lead into halftime. Maddick, Shipers, Braydon Assel, Marshal Johnson, Logan Hopka and Jonathan Lopez all came up with big plays, and by the second half every Dream Team player had found the scoring column.

Johnson was a force on defense, racing around the floor for steals and rebounds and firing up the crowd with his effort. He added a strong drive and finish in the second half to push the lead to seven. Shipers continued to shine with multiple steals and two smooth elbow jumpers, while Assel and Hopka each knocked down key shots in the paint. With the pressure mounting late, Lopez delivered a clutch basket to make it 23-20 in favor of the Dream Team.

The final 30 seconds provided a dramatic finish. The varsity boys had the ball and several chances to tie the game, but the Dream Team battled on the boards and defended every shot. A last-second three by Trey White dropped through the net, but it came just after the buzzer and was waved off. The gym erupted as the Dream Team celebrated a 23-20 victory.

Thank you to Coach Starzl, our Special Olympics athletes, the varsity boys basketball team, event volunteers and everyone who came out or donated to support this special night. Your generosity helps sustain the KSD Special Olympics program and showcases what makes our Bulldog community so special.