After a dangerous accident involving a player from one of Pleasant Valley’s opposing teams, the Pleasant Valley and Davenport North communities came together to do something special for the victim, who fortunately is recovering from his injuries.
Jamal Litt, a North High School varsity basketball player, was involved in a car crash that resulted in him being in critical condition. Litt was flown to Iowa City on Jan. 22 and released on Jan. 26.
On Jan. 28, the North community sold blue and yellow shirts in honor of Litt. The student section planned on wearing them at the basketball game against Pleasant Valley later that week. In support, the Pleasant Valley student section reached out to Davenport North and their student section to organize a theme to raise funds for Litt during the boys basketball game at Davenport Northl on Thursday.
After communication between the rival schools, Pleasant Valley decided to do a blue-out theme, which is one of Litt’s favorite colors as well as North’s school colors. Caitlin Simon is a student section member who took part in organizing the student section theme. “Even though we are rival teams, it’s always nice to get together and support someone who needs it,” she said. In response to the community support, Litt commented that it would be cool if both student sections were matching.
Although Litt is still in recovery, he attended the game, cheering on his team. There was a good turnout from student sections on each side; these students came together not only to cheer on their high school basketball teams, but also to unite as one community for someone in need. At the game, fundraising activities were held, including raffle tickets; proceeds went to the Litt family.
Abigail Arango is a North High School senior who attended the game. “When Caitlin [Simon] first came to me asking about the basketball game, I thought it was so cool that PV was wanting to join together and do something for one of our players,” said Arango. “Wildcat Nation is one big family who loves to support the community. Thursday night, it was incredible to see everyone come out to the den in support of Jamal and his family,” she added.
Sports rivalries set aside, showing love, support and unity from different communities is heartwarming and essential during times of accident and tragedy.
Madeline Schadler • Feb 7, 2020 at 7:58 am
I think that this was such an amazing thing of the schools to participate in. Pleasant Valley and Davenport North showed how their teams rivalry doesn’t change the fact that a fellow student was hurt and they all wanted to support the student as a whole. It’s amazing how these two rival teams joined together as one team to honor a fellow student and enjoy the game.
Matt McBeth • Feb 6, 2020 at 5:10 pm
I thought it was really cool how two opposing teams can come together to support a good cause. I know that sometimes in high school sports people are more focused on trash talk rather than watching the game, but being able to set that aside and acknowledge a tragedy that someone just overcame is one of the reasons why I feel PV is a phenomenal school. On top of that the whole thing was pretty much set up by students, so I think that shows the types of students we have at PV and at Davenport North.