Players and coaches from the Penn State men’s and women’s basketball teams took to the East Halls basketball courts on Thursday for a night of fun-filled basketball. 

Along with members from both teams, the pep band, cheerleaders, Lionettes, and even the Nittany Lion were on site.

The night began with a dance party, and the crowd joined in on center court.

Once the court cleared, it was time for player introductions and speeches from head coaches Carolyn Kieger and Mike Rhoades.

With the crowd pumped up from the speeches, the competitions were set to start, with the opener being a skills competition. Four students hit the court with the goal of making a layup, free throw, three-pointer, and half-court shot in the span of 45 seconds.

Their competition: the men’s team’s Ace Baldwin Jr., Kanye Clary, and D’Marco Dunn, and the women’s team’s Shay Ciezki, Leilani Kapinus, and Taylor Valladay.

After the skills competition, it was time for knockout. Alongside six students were Favour Aire, Demetrius Lilley, and Nick Kern Jr. from the men’s team. From the women’s team, Moriah Murray, Kylie Lavelle, and Chanaya Pinto participated.

Kern came out of knockout victorious, and the event came to a close. The night was filled with smiles that gave fans an early glimpse at the season.

The men’s team tips off its season on November 6 against Delaware State, while the women’s team’s first game is November 7 against Bucknell. Both games will take place at the Bryce Jordan Center.