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JCCC basketball players inspire elementary students to engage in reading

The photo shows a large group of children and adults gathered in what appears to be a school library or classroom. The adults—many wearing coordinated athletic apparel, including matching warm?ups and shirts—seem to be part of a sports team or school athletics program. The children are seated or standing in front of them, holding colorful picture books, suggesting a reading event or community outreach activity. Bookshelves line the back of the room, and various posters and decorations are visible, including a large character cutout near the right side of the image. The overall setting and arrangement indicate a group photo taken during a literacy or mentorship visit, with the adults and students posing together in a friendly, organized manner.
Posted: Mar 03, 2026

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – A day after completing the first undefeated regular season in Johnson County Community College history, the Cavaliers men's basketball team took a break from shooting hoops to pay a visit to third graders at Brookside Charter Middle School in Kansas City, Mo.  The event was coordinated by Allison White from Lead to Read.

JCCC players and coaches took turns reading to the kids and talked about the importance of reading and how it helps them as student-athletes. The team shared the book Someone Builds the Dream, which highlights the many types of work that go into building the world around us. Each student received a copy of the book, courtesy of the JCCC men's basketball program.

"This was a great opportunity for our guys to make a contribution to our community," said JCCC head coach Rand Chappell.  "The kids had a great time, and I know our guys did, it was a fun and productive experience."

The Cavaliers return to the court on Friday, March 6 when the play the winner of Fort Scott/Kansas City Kansas in the semifinals of the Region 6 Tournament.