Darke County Special Olympics Basketball - Silver Medal in State Tournament!

1st Row: Caleb Knick, Ashley Mullins, Amanda Cantrell, Sheyenne Shimp
2nd Row: Jesse Younker, Travis Emrick, Dan Bruner, Ryan Burnett
3rd Row: Justice Meade, JJ Staver, Kyle Eichelberger, Derrick Hemmelgarn, Stewart Spille
4th Row: Coaches: Cindy Rose, Lauren Nieport, Ron Mescher

The Darke County Slammers basketball team, representing Darke County Special Olympics, brought home a silver medal from the state basketball tourney in New Philadelphia, Ohio, March 30-31st. In the semi-final game they beat the Franklin Northwest Superstars 39-25. After a tough battle and coming back from 13 points down, the Slammers lost in the championship game to the Lorain Elyria Vipers 50-44.

The Slammers finished their season 8-6 as West Sectional Champs and State Runner-Up. This is the 17th season to have two teams from Darke County (Slammers and Warriors) competing in the Special Olympics Ohio state sponsored basketball tournament system. The Slammers have been to 7 final-fours during those 17 seasons and won the state championship twice. The Warriors have been to 2 final-fours in those 17 seasons.

What Cindy Rose, Darke County Special Olympics Director, had to say about the completed basketball season; “Both the Slammers and the Warriors had a great year competing in their respective divisions. The Warriors were 2nd at the South Sectional and just missed making the state tournament. And the Slammers just had a great year by making it back to the state tournament. As the head coach of the Slammers, I’m so proud of this team. But as the Director of the entire program, I’m most proud of how all players, coaches, parents, and fans continue to represent the Darke County community in a positive way when we compete. Darke County continues to show others in Ohio what greatness we have in Darke County. Those wanting to follow Darke County Special Olympics can “Like” us on Facebook.”