It was the Indians who were at a disadvantage on their home court as they attempted their first ever game playing from wheelchairs against RIC-Sky--a wheelchair basketball club that draws players from all over the states. RIC is an acronym for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

In a not so disappointing upset, the Indians lost to RIC-Sky 39-16.

No one was disappointed because the basketball game was a fundraiser that made more than $1,300 to benefit RIC-Sky, who has lost about 50 percent of their funding.

"It's all about having fun, experiencing it (playing from a wheelchair) and learning that there's a different way to play," said RIC-Sky player Sarah Castle. "The Indians (now) have a different understanding of how the game is played."

The money they raised will be used to send all RIC -Sky players to the National Championship in Denver next spring. Without it, the team would have had to select only specific players to attend nationals, said team manager, captain and player Sue Haddick.

Because of the economy, the team's biggest supporter pulled their sponsorship of $50,000 leaving the team in a budget bind.

"Every one of our sports teams got their budget cut by over half," Haddick said.

It was because of Minooka High School senior Elissa Robinson that the Indians decided to organize the fundraiser. Robinson herself is a wheelchair basketball player. She was born with a rare birth disorder called Caudal Regression Syndrome, similar to Spina Bifida, and at age two had both of her legs amputated.

She first started playing wheelchair basketball at the Joliet Park District six years ago and loved it. Playing on the court at her own high school is something she has always wanted to do.

"It felt really good (to play at Minooka). I had a good time," Robinson said. "I think they (the Indians) learned a little about my sport."

Robinson has played with RIC-Sky for the past three years and also plays for the Milwaukee Wheelin' Wizards, where she is in her second year.

During the first half of the game, the Indians didn't fare so well. The score at half time was RIC-Sky 19, Indians 4.

"Everybody was having a hard time with hand-eye coordination; dribbling and pushing the wheelchair at the same time," said Indians teammate Johannah Caliban. "After the first half we got a better hang of it. They were really good, though, we couldn't get past them."

When the game was over, there was applause for all the players from everyone in the stands. Indians coach Ray Liberatore said he couldn't have been happier with the way both teams played.

"It is awesome that we were able to do this for them (RIC-Sky)," Liberatore said. "They put a lot of time in to play as well as they do. And our girls were impressive."

While all the players were thrilled they were able to raise so much money, Haddock was thrilled with the team spirit and show of support by the community.

"I would come here and play every year," Haddick said. "I love how many people showed up to watch. I love their attitudes and enthusiasm. The whole community turned out."