(Sugar Grove, IL.) – Winning is more fun than losing. That's a mantra heard often these days, especially in sports where there seems to be a 'win at all costs' mentality. But for the athletes with disabilities from Weston Bridges independent living community in Aurora and Seaspar in Downers Grove, playing the game is a reward in of itself. The Weston Bridges Warriors and the Seaspar Spartans took to Waubonsee Community College's Erickson Hall Gymnasium court on Tuesday evening for a fun-filled, competitive basketball game before an energetic crowd. Although the Warriors fell behind early and never recovered as the Spartans prevailed 43-21, it still truly was a win for everyone that participated. From the players, to the fans, to Waubonsee's Cheerleading squad which rooted for both sides, it was an experience to remember. A disc jockey also provided upbeat music throughout the event.
The Warriors were led by coach and counselor Mozelle "Mo" Kempiak, for whom it was a homecoming of sorts. A Serena High School graduate, Kempiak was a standout player for Waubonsee during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons. A steady scoring and rebounding machine, Kempiak booked a school record 46 double-doubles in her Chiefs' career. The 5'11" center corralled a program record 723 rebounds, while tallying 868 career points in 61 games. She went on to play two more years at Cornell College in Iowa and earned a degree in Psychology. The Marseilles native now works to give back and help others by 'paying it forward' in regards to help she was given along the way.
The Spartans got on the scoreboard first and never looked back after jumping out to a quick 8-0 lead four minutes into the game. The Spartans secured a 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter which was highlighted by a step-back, three-pointer by the Warriors' James Sargent. Kempiak's crew was able to cut the deficit to seven points midway through the second quarter. However, behind a pair of post baskets by southpaw Wayne Neumann and eight first half points from Gavin Scott the Spartans took an 18-7 lead heading to the locker room.
Midway through the third quarter the Spartans clung to a 20-11 lead. Moments later Katherine Esposito threaded a pass inside to Neumann for a basket and Jeremy Davis made a steal and scored on a break away lay-in to push the Spartans' lead to 13 points. The Spartans eventually took a commanding 28-13 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Each time the Warriors scored in the fourth period it seemed the Spartans answered, including three baskets by Esposito. The lead ballooned to 20 points despite a pair of baskets by Benjamin Oomman. Esposito then capped off the night with an amazing half-court buzzer beater to end the game as jubilant fans stormed the floor to celebrate. The Spartans' Scott led all scorers with 12 points, while Neumann chipped in with 10 points, Esposito added nine points and Jeremy Davis contributed six points for Seaspar. Sargent paced the Warriors with eight points and Oomman finished with five points.