The final score didn’t tell the whole story last Wednesday during a girls basketball contest between the Kalles Tyees and Stahl Storm junior high school programs.

The Tyees registered a convincing 54-10 triumph, but the game took a back seat because of what the players did before the game tipped off.

A large contingent from both teams donated pairs of brand-new shoes to Samaritan’s Feet, a non-profit organization that was founded by Manny Ohonme in 2003. The organization’s mission is to provide shoes for impoverished children around the world.

This is the third year in a row the Kalles Junior High girls basketball program conducted the shoe drive. Stahl head coach John Diseth said his team was excited to participate.

“We talked about it at practice a couple of days ago,” Diseth said. “We were really excited about coming down here and supporting a good cause.”

Kalles head coach Todd Fletcher said the donations are important.

“It is really a neat thing for our kids,” Fletcher said. “They are at the age where they get a lot, and they take a lot. It’s just nice for them to give back a little bit.

“Both teams did a great job with donations,” he added. “That box is full of shoes. Last year, we had about 50 shoes collected, and this year, it is in the 60-70 range. The whole effort continues to grow. It is a really neat atmosphere.”

The game was lopsided. Kalles built a 16-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Kalles ninth-grader Riley Clarke scored a game-high 21 points.

“Riley Clarke is a special player,” Fletcher said. “In the nine years I’ve coached here, she is probably the most complete player I’ve ever had. She is just a totally complete player. It is awesome we have her on our team.”