Donkey Basketball is a hilarious and unique twist on a standard basketball game. Played on a regular court, the key difference is that every player must ride a donkey and keep their animal companion with them at all times! These events are typically staged as one-time fundraisers, often benefiting local schools.
This year, William Kelley High School brought the action-packed spectacle of Donkey Basketball to Silver Bay as a fundraiser for the Class of 2026. The class also ran a successful bake sale during the event to help boost their fundraising efforts. The gymnasium was packed, buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly awaited the games.
The players throughout the night were seriously challenged by their unpredictable donkeys. Many riders were bucked off, and some had trouble getting their donkeys to even budge!
The first game featured members of the Senior Class. After a fierce competition, the game ended in a tie, leading to an impromptu dance-off between the team captains to decide the winner. Both captains were incredibly entertaining and talented—one even managed to pull off a spectacular flip!
The second game saw local figures, including Chief Cole Ernest and Sheriff Nathan Stadler, taking the court. The crowd burst into laughter and cheered wildly as both struggled to stay mounted and get their donkeys to cooperate. A host of other community members also participated, including teachers, business owners, and local law enforcement. When the second game also resulted in a tie, the team coaches stepped up for the tie-breaking dance-off. Coach Brooks Midbrod brought the comic relief dancing to the “YMCA.” Then, Mayor Wade LeBlanc spontaneously started singing “We are the Northshore Mariners,” asking for the crowd’s participation. By the end of the song, everyone was on their feet, singing and having a great time! Despite both giving a great effort, Mayor LeBlanc won the vote.
The final game pitted the winners of the first two games against each other. After a valiant effort from the Class of 2026, the Community Members team emerged victorious. The highest score of the entire evening was just four points, which truly highlighted how difficult Donkey Basketball actually is!
The safety and maintenance aspects were well-handled, too. To prevent scratches on the gym floor, the donkeys wore special booties. A smaller, softer ball was also used to ensure the animals’ safety.
Throughout the night, a sanitation crew, a dedicated group of students from the Class of 2026, was on hand to quickly clean up any messes the donkeys left behind. During a break, many children got the highlight of their night when they were given a chance to ride the donkeys.
All in all, the event was a huge success and a fun night for everyone involved. Not to mention, the donkeys were as funny, cute, and entertaining as advertised!
