The Kosciusko County Panthers basketball team members are, in front from left, coach Shelby Waymire, Erica Mifflin, Betsy Everett, Amy Philson, Matt Bammel, coach Elaina Mellott and coach Courtney Linnemeier. In the back row are Tony Thompson, coach Chris Wilson, Wayne Momeyer, Scott Frush, Chris Cole, Tim Hunt and Kevin McPeak. (Photo provided)

UPLAND – The Kosciusko County Special Olympics basketball team, the Panthers, competed Feb. 7 at the “Take It To The Hoops” basketball tournament at Taylor University. The Panthers competed against teams from Grant and Delaware counties as well as took part in a skills competition.

In the skills competition, the following local athletes placed as follows in their respective divisions:

First place: Robert Svinarich, Joe Bradley, Sandy Hunter; third place: Sandy Bibler, Brian Bierly; fourth place: Sharon Singleton, Jaime Denhartog, James Nuell; fifth place: Mary Bicknell; sixth place: Jose Medina.

Of note, Jim Nuell competed as he celebrated his 72nd birthday and is one of the oldest Special Olympics athletes in the Kosciusko County program.

The Panthers and skills athletes next compete at the Special Olympics Sectional Basketball tournament to be held Saturday, March 21, in Logansport.