Carlinville Chamber vs. First Responders Basketball Game

 

By TODD MARVER

Enquirer~Democrat Reporter

 

The Carlinville Chamber business team took on the first responders team in a basketball game at Carlinville High School last Wednesday. The Chamber business team emerged victorious 65-57 and the losing team, the first responders, will be in a 12-month photo calendar.

 

All proceeds from the event went to the Carlinville Fire Department. Approximately $1,500 was raised.

 

The first responder team’s head coach was Mark Kanllakan and the assistant coach was Quincy Kanllakan. The first responder team members were Nic Emery, Brady Jamieson, Kat Emmons, Kolton Costello, Ben Schelt, Tyson Probst, Tanner Stelle, Jeremy Williams, Cayd Smith and Phyllip Kennedy.

 

The Chamber business team head coach was Chris Hartsook. The Chamber business team members were Jon Griffel, Jon Reid, Matt Dowland, Reed Rusten, Zach Ring, Katie Dunn, Michaela Devantier, Zac Dixon, Justin Norwood and Laura Boehm.

 

The referee was Shay Kellerman, the emcee was Kaitlin Borgini Trader and the scorekeeper was Sean McCaherty.

 

Ahead of the event, Emery said this was a great opportunity for atendees to meet first responders and local business owners and their employees to see who they are and get to support them and watch some fun basketball.

 

Ahead of the event, Griffel said it was a great opportunity as a community to come out and recognize first responders and all that they do for us. He said first responders are always on call and always coming out for us and it was great to be able to give back a little bit to them.

 

In a statement issued by the Chamber, it said last Wednesday night was something special and what they thought would be a lighthearted matchup turned into effort, hustle and leave it all on the floor intensity.

 

According to the Chamber, the biggest victory was seeing the community fill the stands and rally together. The Chamber thanked the players, saying they didn’t just show up and competed hard. According to the Chamber, the sportsmanship, energy and fun they brought to the court is what makes this community different.

 

Read the full story in the February 19, 2026 issue of the Macoupin County Enquirer~Democrat.