Two students emerged victorious in Wantagh Middle School’s Hoops for Heart basketball competition on March 4, but the real winners are people who receive support from the American Heart Association. 

The event was held for the 30th time and hosted by the physical education department. Three dozen winners from competitions in sixth, seventh and eighth grade P.E. classes were on the court for the finals, with the rest of the eighth grade class filling the bleachers to cheer on the players. 

Following a preliminary round for both the boys and girls, six players then advanced to the finals from each group. Eighth grader Patrick O’Brien and seventh grader Brynn Kreutzberger were the overall winners and were presented with trophies. 

Over several weeks, students got donations for the American Heart Association, with the middle school raising a collective $4,695 for the organization. The top three fundraisers were recognized before the final round – Hadley Schwarz ($659.51), Landon Fusco ($571.89) and Jace Tawfik ($481.57). 

The Hoops for Heart contest was organized by physical education teachers Deb DiBiase, Eileen Keener, Thomas Liguori and Gary Reh. The gymnasium walls were covered in red and pink paper hearts with inspirational messages and tributes to family members affected by heart disease that students made during their P.E. classes.