Basketball was the name and having fun was the game April 15 at Dieringer Heights Elementary when fifth-grade students showed up in force to take control of the court against their teachers. It was the fourth consecutive year for the event.

The goal of the basketball challenge was to create a fun way to unwind after participating in the Washington Assessment of Student Learning and to encourage school spirit and good sportsmanship.

“Kids talk the event up for days before the game,” said fifth-grade teacher Terry Steiner.

While the squeak of shoes could be heard across the gym, some of the students played the part of cheerleaders by holding up homemade signs to cheer on their peers.

“We encourage good sportsmanship – no booing,” he said.

The game ended with the teachers taking the lead. “The teachers have never lost,” he said. Still, no one complained. “It’s a fun event for the kids to see their teachers in another light.”