Cheatham County’s “Silent Night” Game Blends Holiday Spirit, Community Giving, and a Whole Lot of Plush Toys
At first glance, Monday night’s boys basketball matchup between Cheatham County Central and East Robertson looked like any other pregame scene inside Pat Head Summitt Memorial Gymnasium. Final huddles, the usual pre-tip handshakes, and a few friendly referee fist bumps - all business as usual.
CCCHS fans were on their feet, soaking in the familiar voice of longtime public address announcer Roy Paul as he rolled through the starting lineups. Everything was in place for another rowdy night of high school hoops.
And then - silence.
Not because of a technical delay or a moment of remembrance, but by design.
This was Cheatham County’s third annual Silent Night game, a holiday tradition inspired by Taylor University’s viral basketball ritual. In this version, the gym goes completely silent at tipoff, and fans stay that way until the Cubs score their first point. It’s a quirky, festive twist on basketball fandom - and it’s quickly becoming one of the most anticipated nights on the Cheatham County calendar.
A Holiday Tradition With a Twist
The silence wasn’t easy. As East Robertson opened the game with a few offensive rebounds and missed shots, the tension in the stands grew. You could almost feel the crowd holding its collective breath, waiting for the moment they could finally erupt.
Cheatham County’s first offensive possession nearly broke the spell - a would-be bucket was waved off thanks to a foul before the shot. The crowd groaned quietly, still locked in their vow of silence.
Then came junior Liam Lockert.
Curling to the top of the key, Lockert let it fly. A clean, straight-on three. Splash.
And just like that, the gym exploded.
But this wasn’t just your typical cheer-and-clap moment. This was full-on celebration - with a holiday twist.
As the net snapped, fans launched dozens of stuffed animals onto the court in a joyful storm of teddy bears, Squishmallows, and other plushy projectiles. It was a sight to behold.
Forget toilet paper - Cheatham County’s version of Silent Night swaps the messy clean-up for something far more meaningful.
From Spectacle to Service
The stuffed animals weren’t just for show. Every single one will be donated to Ashland City’s Christmas Anonymous, a community initiative organized by the Ashland City Civitan Club to help local families in need during the holidays.
“This night is really special,” said Jeff Hobbs, Cheatham County’s district athletic director. “It’s only the third year we’ve done it, but it’s taken on a life of its own. Everyone gets excited - the students, the parents, even the players.”
And it’s easy to see why. The event combines everything fans love about high school sports - school spirit, community pride, and a little bit of chaos - with the deeper meaning of giving back. It’s the kind of night that sticks with you, whether you're on the court, in the stands, or one of the lucky kids who’ll be unwrapping a donated toy later this week.
Basketball Takes the Back Seat - For a Moment
Yes, there was an actual game played Monday night. And for a while, it was a grind.
Neither team reached the 10-point mark - Taylor University’s benchmark for their own Silent Night celebration - until late in the second quarter. Defense ruled the first half, with the Cubs trailing 18-17 at the break.
But East Robertson found its rhythm in the second half, pulling away for a 52-36 win.
Still, the final score felt secondary to the energy that filled the gym in the game’s opening minutes.
“We probably had some students and fans that this will be the only game they come to all year,” Hobbs said. “There was a real buzz on campus as soon as this year’s date was announced. Any event that promotes school spirit is always a good thing, but being able to do that while also helping out other folks in the community during the holiday season is really what it’s all about.”
A Game That Echoes Beyond the Court
In a season where wins and losses often dominate the conversation, Cheatham County’s Silent Night game reminds us what high school sports are really about - connection, community, and a little creativity.
It’s not every day you see a gym full of students, parents, and fans waiting in total silence for a three-pointer to cue a plush toy avalanche. But in Cheatham County, it’s becoming a December tradition - one that feels as much about heart as it is about hoops.
And that’s a win, no matter what the scoreboard says.