Liquor Booth Shot of the Game: Pittsfield’s Ronne Thelander exits after first career field goal

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Pittsfield boys basketball team gave Ronne Thelander a fitting goodbye.

The Saukees sophomore manager was in the starting lineup for last Friday’s game against Quincy Notre Dame at Voshall Gym, and after Pittsfield won the opening tip, Thelander was given the opportunity to take the first shot.

His initial attempt fell short, but after an offensive rebound by the Saukees’ Bobby Stout, Thelander took another shot and hit the center of the rim. Thelander put his left arm in the arm while being congratulated by his teammates amid the applause from the crowd.

Thelander was subbed out after Pittsfield allowed QND’s Braden Sheffield to score to tie the game. It was Thelander’s last game with the team. His family is moving out of the school district.

“He’s a really good kid who we’re gonna miss,” Pittsfield coach Brad Tomhave said. “It’s just not just being around us on the basketball team, but in the school community. He is a breath of fresh air. We were fortunate to be around a kid like him. He’s a pretty cool dude.”

Thelander’s shot is this week’s Liquor Booth Shot of the Game.