Basketball Extravaganza Brings Community Together
By John Sampan, Staff, & Jon Frederick, Dads’ Club
The YISS main gym came alive on Saturday, November 8, as the 3rd annual Basketball Extravaganza kicked off the 2025-26 basketball season with a bang. The action tipped off with a tight matchup between the YISS Dads’ Club and the Junior Varsity boys’ basketball team, setting the tone for the day with plenty of fast breaks, laughter, and lighthearted competition. The excitement continued as the YISS Staff faced off against the Varsity boys’ basketball team in a spirited game that had the crowd on its feet.
The action kicked off with a matchup between the Dads’ Club United and the Junior Varsity boys’ team. The Dads’ Club team featured Andrew Hahn, Jon Frederick, Chris Luck, Gregory Kang, Sergio Martinez, Travis Dewey, Jacob Lee, Peter Lee, Phillip Looney, Brandon Treviño, and Bryan Galloway pitted themselves against the formidable JV boys, Hayden L. (11), Jaimie P. (11), Jason K. (11), Ethan J. (10), Ryan P. (10, Zao An Y. (10), Jonathan L. (10), Ryan L. (9), Aiden R. (9), Tate A. (9), Theo K. (9), and Mike M. (9) coached by Coaches Sam Benedict and Jae Hwang.
From the opening tip-off, the teams traded baskets in a fast-paced, lighthearted showdown. At halftime, JV held a narrow 29–25 lead. But DC United surged in the third quarter, hitting big shots from beyond the arc and working the paint effectively. With 1:58 left on the clock, DC United drained a deep three that sealed the momentum. Despite a three-pointer from the JV squad to cut the lead to four points with 30 seconds left, the final score ended 49–45 in favor of the Dads’ Club.
The second game of the doubleheader featured the YISS Staff taking on the Varsity boys’ team. Staff players included Jesse Beam, Levi Miller, Jim Milliken, Ryan Roper, Kelvin Benger, John Sampan, Phillip Looney, Ryan Winter, Andres Jaramillo, Greg Peterson, Sam Benedict, and Shane Krahn. The Varsity boys, coached by Coaches Tim Baker and James Lynch, featured Andy L. (12), Tyler P. (12), Dylan L. (12), Sky J. (12), Andrew L. (12), Ashu P. (12), Joshua T. (12), Jayden M. (12), Ian L. (11), Isaac S. (11), Hayden L. (11), Jamie P. (11), and Ethan J. (10).
The YISS Staff and Varsity boys game delivered plenty of spirited play, slick ball movement, and crowd-pleasing moments. When the final buzzer sounded, the YISS Staff emerged victorious, however, the true winners were the YISS community. The Basketball Extravaganza was more than just a pair of thrilling games; it was a vibrant showcase of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride.
Throughout both games, the Elementary cheerleaders brought their cheers, routine, and infectious energy. Their performances—taught by varsity cheerleaders—brought wild applause and enthusiasm from the crowd. Big thanks to our ES cheerleaders, Ria I. (4), Grace C. (4), Celine N. (4), Hari K. (4), Ellie K. (4), Isabelle K. (4), Ellie W. (4), Lydia Y. (4), Claire C. (4), Jimin K. (5), Aimee K. (4), Tashi M. (5), Evelyn K. (4), Allyn T. (5), Jayne L. (4), Sienna Y. (5), Elle P. (4), and Juha K. (5) and their instructors, Varsity cheerleaders: Alissa R. (12), Binna L. (12), Julia S. (12), Helen J. (11), Ina L. (11) and Jaelyn K. (11). Great work!
Beyond the competition, the Extravaganza fostered connection and fellowship. Attendees enjoyed a prize raffle and moments of connection and on and off the court. One dad remarked how much he “enjoyed the morning filled with parents, students, food, and music—and of course, basketball,” highlighting how the Dads’ Club provides regular opportunities for fitness and camaraderie through weekly basketball and soccer practices.
For the JV and Varsity boys’ teams, the event served as a launch into the 2025–26 basketball season—a chance to build chemistry, sharpen their skills, and compete in front of the fans who will cheer them on all season long. And for the broader YISS community, the Extravaganza was a reminder of the joy found in coming together and supporting one another.
As always, YISS stands proudly behind its teams. Go Guardians!