Annual Shoot the Rock Kicks off at Leu Civic Center; New Floor Debuted
The Leu Civic Center’s annual Shoot the Rock kicked off this past weekend with a game between Without Limits: Team Galaxy’s Special Olympics group and members of Mascoutah EMS. You can also see the new, water-resistant flooring that was installed after flooding destroyed the previous flooring.
By Zachary Daum
The Shoot the Rock 2025 youth basketball program at the Leu Civic Center is poised for its biggest season ever. With a record-breaking 172 kids and 21 teams participating, the program has grown significantly, offering competitive play across multiple age divisions.
“This is our biggest year yet,” said Jenna Smith, Director of the Leu Civic Center. “We have 172 kids, which is so exciting. That’s all we could have ever wanted, to continue to grow the program.”
The teams are divided into five divisions: pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, second and third grade, and fourth and fifth grade. Games will be held every Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, making it accessible for parents and grandparents to enjoy the games.
New this year is a partnership with Betty Ann Market, providing $5 warm meals for families attending Friday night games. “Some of the feedback we got last year was that people wanted food,” said Smith. “So we are partnering to create warm meals for $5 a piece. It’ll be a full meal with sides, and you’ll just pick it up in a styrofoam container and eat it while you’re watching.” The first meal, which will be available on Jan. 24, will be old fashioned Mostaccioli and salad.
The 2025 season also introduces a rule change for fourth and fifth-grade teams, allowing limited stealing. “We’re allowing stealing this year, but there are parameters around it,” Smith explained. “The area between the half-court line and the three-point line will be a safe zone, but once they enter the three-point line, they will be allowed to steal. This helps kids learn to handle the ball in a game situation while maintaining fairness.”
Smith also highlighted opportunities for community members to get involved, including refereeing. “We’re looking for refs,” she said. “We pay $15 a game, and they can contact me at [email protected].”
The first game, a special match between Mascoutah First Responders and Without Limits: Team Galaxy, a Special Olympics basketball team, took place on January 11 to kick off the event. Regular practices began January 13, with the season running from January 24 through March 7, followed by make-up days from March 10-14.
The Without Limits: Team Galaxy Cheer Team Performed at the kickoff event.
In addition to Shoot the Rock, the Civic Center is expanding its programming thanks to a newly installed floor. “We’re hoping to branch out into more athletic opportunities, like pickleball and adult volleyball,” Smith said.
With its growing programs and community involvement, the Leu Civic Center continues to be a hub of activity and opportunity for Mascoutah families.
For more information on The Leu Civic Center please visit their website at https://leuciviccenter.net/
