The 2025–26 Bucks for Baskets season is officially wrapped up — and what a season it turned out to be.

Across four schools—Pella, Pella Christian, Knoxville, and Melcher‑Dallas—students stepped up, crowds showed up, and together those students earned a $13,075 donation for their schools. With 28 student participants, this year marks the second-highest donation total in the history of Bucks for Baskets.

And now, we’re excited to share the story behind the numbers.
Watch our season wrap‑up video on Facebook: Bucks for Baskets Facebook Video

A Season Full of Highlights

Melcher-Dallas Sets the Pace

The season opened in Melcher‑Dallas, where four students delivered a school‑record performance, earning $2,025. Their energy set the tone for what would become a memorable season.

Pella + Pella Christian Bring Big Moments

The Pella event showcased four Pella High and four Pella Christian students, generating an impressive $4,725 — including a made half‑court shot.
The season finale returned to Pella Christian, where eight combined Pella and Pella Christian students added $3,100 more. These totals were then combined and shared evenly between the two schools.

Knoxville Keeps the Momentum Going

Knoxville kept the excitement high with eight students raising $3,225 during their halftime showdown.

Across all four stops, the format remained the same: 35 seconds, a circuit of lay-ups, free throws, three pointers, and half-court shots with every make earning more support for local schools. It was fast, fun, and filled with the kind of moments that make this tradition so meaningful.

More Than a Fundraiser

As Marion County Bank President Kevin Bolt shared, the heart of the event comes from the connection it creates:

“It’s really all about the students. Just to be able to be there and support them is great. We want to thank the students, the schools, and the community for all the support they have given us for the many years we have been doing this halftime event.”

With this year’s total added, Bucks for Baskets has now contributed $178,875 to local schools since 2004.

But beyond the financial impact, the true win is the community spirit that fills each gym.

Looking Back—and Looking Ahead

This season was full of big shots, big smiles, and the kind of moments we’ll remember for a long time. We’re grateful for every student who stepped onto the court, every fan who cheered, and every school that welcomed us in.

We loved showing up for our communities — and we’re already looking forward to next season.

Watch our season wrap‑up video on Facebook: Bucks for Baskets Facebook Video

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Thanks again to all the student participants!

Melcher-Dallas High School

Pella High School

Knoxville High School

Pella Christian High School