Area students compete in basketball skills contest

BURLINGTON ? Five area athletes finished first in their respective divisions at the Southeast Iowa Basketball Skills competition hosted by Special Olympics Iowa.

The annual event was held Jan. 21 in Burlington.

Fairfield High School students who finished first were Jessica Clements and Ross Robinson. Nathan Mathis of the Fairfield Middle School was a division champion, while Justin Cross and Andrew Peiffer of Pence Elementary School finished first, as well.

All five of the division winners have qualified to compete at the state competition March 9-10 in Iowa City.

Students finishing second in their divisions included Jacob Fairchild and Justin Morehouse of the Fairfield Middle School, as well as Trevor Pisano and Wesley Polson of Pence Elementary School.

A total of 45 athletes came from Fairfield, Burlington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Sigourney, Ottumwa and Harmony. Participants were tested on their ability to pass, dribble and shoot, and they were divided into several divisions based on age and skill level.

For information about Special Olympics Iowa and its events, visit www.soiowa.org.