JEFFERSON TWP — Simply put, Monday night was Kali Alter's night.

The Knoch senior made her first start for the Lady Knights' varsity basketball team in her first season with the squad. The team's final home game marked Senior Night.

She has been involved with Knoch basketball since fourth grade. She served as team manager the past three years — and she has Down syndrome.

“She tried out and made the team this year,” Knoch girls basketball coach Chris Andreassi said. “The other girls have been great with her.

“In terms of socialization, being part of a team ... This has been great for Kali.”

Down syndrome is a genetic chromosome disorder causing developmental and intellectual delays. One of every 700 babies is born with it.

Kali is carrying a 3.6 grade point average at Knoch. She is involved in student council, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and works at Cooper Station restaurant and Meals on Wheels.

She also plays basketball, volleyball, hockey and bowls for the Butler County Special Olympics organization.

“Kali has always been an active member in the community,” said Brenda Alter, her mother. “We've never kept her from doing anything.”

While she was unable to make her high school's basketball team after trying out as a freshman, sophomore and junior, Kali still wanted to be a part of things.

Among her duties as team manager were working the clock, getting water ready for the players and keeping supplies in order.

“I liked being with the team. But I always wanted to play,” Kali said. “It's a lot more fun.

“I'm friends with everyone on the team. I'm excited (about starting). I can't wait.”

As part of Senior Night ceremonies, Kali and fellow seniors Carly Burdett and Sabine O'Rorke were honored before the game.

“She works as hard in practice as anybody else,” Carly said. “She's part of our team. She's one of us.

“Opposing players are good with her, too. When she's in the game, they let her take her shots.”

In roughly 20 minutes of game action this season, Kali has scored six points. She played the first two minutes of Monday night's 69-63 triple-overtime loss to Highlands.

Her teammates repeatedly fed her the ball and Kali took the team's first six shots. A few rolled around the rim and out. None went in.

It didn't matter.

“She's so happy to be out here playing,” Sabine said. “Kali is involved in all of the team's activities. She deserved a chance. I'm happy she's playing this year. All of us are.”

Her mother may be the happiest.

“Just seeing the look on her face when she's out there. ... They all cheer for her and encourage her, her teammates and the opponents,” Mrs. Alter said.

Kali plans to study music at Slippery Rock University next year.

“I enjoy singing,” she said. “And I love basketball. Just being part of a team and spending time with my friends ... It's so much fun.”