North Side alum play for Jeron Lewis

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - North Side High school held its first alumni basketball game, Saturday, to help raise money for the family of former star Jeron Lewis.

"We have alumni dated back as early as 1976," said event coordinator Katie Jackson. She said she came up with the idea over a conversation with one of Lewis' family members.

Lewis passed away in January after collapsing during a University of Southern Indiana basketball game. Autopsy results revealed he died of an enlarged heart.

Diante West played with Lewis in high school. He came back to North Side for the alumni game. "I'm sad I gotta be here to play in this game for him," said West. "But for the love of him, I'll do it."

The opening tip was thrown by Mayor Tom Henry. Besides basketball, there were games, prizes, and plenty of opportunities to dance. The benefit also included a raffel and a silent auction with autographed memorabilia. All the proceeds will go to Lewis' three month old son, Jamel.

"Financially, it's very important, because I really couldn't do it without stuff like this," said Shaqueta Thomas, Lewis' fiance. She says the support from the North Side family is helping her more than just financially. "I'm happy that everybody can get together and just have a good time for Jeron and Jamel," said Thomas. "It's kind of sad that he's so young, he don't get to see how big of a person his dad was."

$2,142 were raised Saturday. If you would like to contribute to the Jeron Lewis benefit, you can get in touch with Jackson via email: katie.jackson@fwcs.k12.in.us.