Lisle basketball players shooting free throws for charity

The "charity stripe," also known as the "free throw line," takes on new meaning today when Lisle Senior High School players take the basketball court.

For the second time, players will each attempt 100 free throws in an effort to raise money.

But this year, it's not only the team that will benefit, it's also the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"This year, we're going to split the profits," Lisle varsity basketball coach Mark LaScala said. "We realized, if we're going to go out and ask for money, there's people out there who need it more than we do."

Last year, he said, the event raised more than $2,000 - money that helped fund summer basketball tournaments.

This year's proceeds will be divided evenly between summer basketball and a health organization that supports blood cancer research, education and patient services.

LaScala said the charity donation is, in part, an homage to his friend, the late Tom Schlegel, a Neuqua Valley High School coach who died of non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2006.

LaScala said he has no idea how much the event will raise, especially in these tough economic times.

"It's really hard to say. All people can talk about is the bad economy," he said. "We may not bring home as much for the programs. We may have to get creative in ways to pay for summer basketball. If we don't bring in as much as we hoped, we're prepared for that. A lot of charities are hurting this time of year."

LaScala said last year's event lasted about 90 minutes. This year, he said, about 40 players will shoot from the free throw line, including 13 varsity players.

They'll each try 10 sets of 10 shots.

"It's a good opportunity for the kids to work on their free throws," he said.

Money is raised through pledges based on the number of successful shots and on flat-rate donations.

Prizes, donated by area businesses, will be given to players who sink the most free throws and to players who raise the most money. Spectators are welcome.

LaScala said he hopes the fundraiser represents the birth of a new tradition.

"I definitely would like to make it an annual thing," he said.

<p class="factboxheadblack">Free Throw benefit fundraiser</p> <p class="News"><b>Who:</b> Lisle Senior High School students</p> <p class="News"><b>Benefits:</b> Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and LSHS basketball programs</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Lisle Senior High School, 1800 Short St.</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 493-8357 or <a href="http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org" target="new">www.leukemia-lymphoma.org</a></p>