The chant was a uniting factor for more than 650 Jamestown Jackals event attendees Thursday afternoon at the Basketball Super League’s game held at the Jamestown Community College’s Fitness Complex.

The Basketball Super League game was sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County and was host to students from nine different school districts across the Chatauqua County, Cattaragus County and Warren County, Pa.

“This is an amazing event,” said Kayla Crosby, Jamestown Jackals team owner. “I’m without words – 650-plus students, 15 community groups attend the wellness fair. And we beat the number one team in the league by 20 points. So many amazing volunteers stepped up to make this happen. I am so grateful.”

Crosby said the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County provided students with resources for mental health, physical health and overall wellness. Community partners were present to share information and support materials for students and school staff members in attendance. Some of the non-profit organizations and governmental agencies which were present included JCC, Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County, Prevention Works Inc., Chautauqua Striders, Goodwill’s Goodskills Career Builder Program, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Health, Tobacco Free Chautauqua County, The Resource Center, Integrity First (Jackals) and others.

Jamestown Jackals No.7 Point Guard Derrick Colter (DC) poses for pictures with fans who’ve made DC chicken nugget posters at Thursday’s Basketball Super League game against the Sudbury Five team from Ontario, Canada. DC calls his fans his little chicken nuggets. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

To start the game between the Jackals and the Sudbury Five basketball team, JCC President Dr. Daniel DeMarte officiated the ceremonial tip-off.

DeMarte said, “I love seeing our gym filled with energetic and excited students. I’m honored to be a part of this event.”

Additionally, Jackals officials, prior to the game, announced the imminent return of veteran Jackals player, No. 25, Daniel Mulumba, the six foot, nine inch, center who hails from Kinshasa, The Republic of Congo.

“Mulamba brings size, strength, and experience to the court as we continue our Basketball Super League season,” said a posting on the teams official Facebook page.

“I’m ready,” said Mulamba. “I haven’t played professionally since I retired, but this is for a good cause. …I’m ready.”

The Jamestown Jackals men’s professional basketball team performed in front of more than 650 students Thursday afternoon, at Jamestown Community College’s Fitness Complex. Students represented schools from nine different school districts including Warren, Pa and Randolph. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

During the half-time show, juggling performer Chuck Clark performed several feats of juggling and balancing acts. Clark also performs under the show name of Rufus the Dufus.

At the conclusion of the game, the Jackals players took time to sign autographs and take pictures with the youthful fans in attendance- as is their tradition.

“My fans, I call them my chicken nuggets,” said Jackals point guard Derrick Colter, who also goes by the name DC said, “A bunch of the kids made chicken nugget signs, so I took a minute to pose for some pictures with my nuggets.”

Jamestown Jackals basketball team members and officials take pictures with student fans at Thursday’s students day game, held at Jamestown Community College. More than 650 people attended the game. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee