JHS Marketing students to host project-based basketball experience

JOPLIN, Mo. – The third annual Day Out of School Basketball Game, hosted and organized by student members of DECA and JHS Sports Marketing classes, is planned for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Joplin High School, 2104 Indiana.

The event will include a Lady Eagles basketball game versus Blue Valley North during the Freeman Lady Eagles Classic. It will also feature student-led activities and entertainment in Kaminsky Gymnasium. Members of the Eagle Pride Band, Color Guard, Choir, Varsity Cheer and Varsity Dance teams will perform.

The Day Out of School Basketball Game is offered in part as a reward to students who have exhibited positive behaviors during the first semester. It’s a recent tradition that was begun in 2019 by Joplin Schools coach Al Linden’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing class.

More than 2,000 students will be allowed to take time out of their school day to attend, including 60 elementary and 30 middle school students.

DECA sponsor and JHS Sports Marketing instructor Lindsay DeWelt said this project-based learning experience allows students to gain real-world experience for event planning. Students have planned time-out games, halftime performances and interview opportunities, and have worked to arrange sponsorships for the event.

“The basketball team and I are very excited to play in front of the whole school,” said Lady Eagles senior shooting guard Brynn Driver. “It’s a great feeling to have the support of the community and the student body.”
Event sponsors include Snodgrass Collision Center, Walmart, and Andy’s Frozen Custard.