AUDIO: Lawrenceburg, Rising Sun Gearing Up for "Hooping for Hope" Game

The fundraising game aims to raise at least $2,000 for the IWIN Foundation.

(Left to right): Brooklyn Craig, Natalie Knigga, Alyssa Simpson, Nora Powell, and Jenna Peelman. Photo by Jason Redar. 

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Lawrenceburg and Rising Sun will be "Hooping for Hope" on December 21. 

The game will serve as a fundraiser for the IWIN Foundation, an organization that supports individuals statewide receiving treatment for breast cancer by relieving emotional, physical, and financial burdens.

Lawrenceburg started the tradition two seasons ago after playing in a similar event at Triton Central in 2019. 

This year, the Lawrenceburg Lady Tigers have set a fundraising goal of $2,000. In past seasons, Lawrenceburg has played Columbus North and Rushville in their "Hooping for Hope" game, but this year they have enlisted the help of another local school, Rising Sun. 

There are many ways both communities can help reach the fundraising goal. Pink shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies are on sale now at Ohio Valley Screenprinting. All orders will be ready by December 20 and the proceeds will support the fundraiser. Order now at https://hoopingforhope2023.itemorder.com/shop/home/. 

Funds will also be raised through ticket sales, raffles, and a donation link. Some of the raffle items available include autographed pink basketballs from both teams, framed pictures of both teams, gift cards, Bengals items, dinner at Final Cut at Hollywood Casino, and a 2024-25 LHS Sports Pass. 

The "Hooping for Hope" game will also feature Youth Night for grades 4-8, both cheerleading squads, and will be a night game for the first time.

Lawrenceburg is off to a 3-4 start and will play five more games before matching up with Rising Sun. The Lady Tigers have won their last two games and are getting great contributions from Brooklyn Craig, Natalie Knigga, Aubrey Labazzo, and Kamryn Ferreira. 

Craig, a sophomore guard, leads the Lady Tigers in scoring at 16.6 points per game. Knigga is a threat to get a double-double each night, averaging 10.2 points and 7.8 rebounds. Ferreira and Labazzo combine to average 17.8 points per game, and Labazzo is leading the team in steals at 3.4 per contest. 

For Rising Sun, they are 4-5 and will play two more games before the "Hooping for Hope" game. The Lady Shiners have won two of their last three and are led by senior Alyssa Simpson. She is averaging 17.3 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. Fellow senior Jenna Peelman makes up a dynamic duo with Simpson, averaging 11.3 points and 5.9 rebounds. Sophomore Jaylen Peelman has stepped into a meaningful role this season, and the Lady Shiners will get a boost from returning senior Nora Powell, who has missed six games due to injury. 

Both teams joined Crunch Time on Monday to discuss the upcoming fundraising game. Listen to the episode here.