Some call it the Champion Athletes of the Ozarks Night.
Others call it the best game at Nixa every year.
“It’s one of the highlights of the season. I’d say most of our fans definitely enjoy coming to this game it’s a lot of fun,” said Nixa Head Coach Brock Blanist.
It may only be five minutes, but this special group of basketball players provides the fans here in Eagle Country plenty of reason to cheer.
“My favorite part about the game is when the fans cheer me and Alix on,” said Nixa basketball manager Evan Lawler.
“Oh yes, the loudest crowd in southwest Missouri,” said Nixa basketball manager Alix Straker.
Evan and Alix are best friends who help Nixa as team managers but in this game, they are the players.
The team they normally cheer on was there cheering for them.
And they have a clear game plan.
“Pass the ball, share the ball, and get the ball to my boy Evan over here,” Alix said.
It worked to perfection a few years ago, when Alix captivated the crowd with a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
It’s something Evan and Alex know is usually a once-in-a-lifetime experience
“That’s not going to happen (again),” Evan said.
But as the clock wound down, Alix found himself with the ball again.
For the second time in three years, Alix hit a buzzer-beater.
And just like he and Evan have done so many times for the varsity team, the Nixa players swarmed him in celebration.
“It was really fun. It was amazing,” Alix said. “I know my parents and grandparents are watching it online and they’re proud of me. I bet they’re proud of me.”
