With Eastside Madness showcasing a slam dunk contest and a chance for a contestant to walk away with $10,000, nothing short of madness was expected to ensue.

The event, which serves as the official kickoff to the season for the girls and boys basketball teams, occured on Oct. 30 in the Plano East gym.

“I had a really good time with my friends and enjoyed meeting the East basketball team,” senior Humza Shah said. “It gives you something great to expect from the upcoming season.”

The event was designed to give the Panthers and Lady Panthers a chance to showcase their skills through a slam dunk contest, scrimmages and drills.

“The three-point shooting contest was my favorite part of the event,” senior Danny Mo said. “My least favorite part, however, was the dunk contest.”

The build-up to the highly anticipated event was highlighted by promotion of the “half court shot challenge,” which gave a lucky contestant a chance to win $10,000.

However, the chosen contestant was unable to score, with her effort landing well short of the hoop.

“It was a little disappointing, because she got it from the half court to the free throw line, that was pretty much it,” senior Jacob Winkel said. “$10,000, gone.”

In spite of the heavy rainfall, fans flocked to the event to support the Panthers and Lady Panthers.

“I did not go last year,” Shah said. “This year I felt like supporting the team since I felt not many people would go because of the heavy rain.”

Panthers will kickoff their season on Nov. 3, with the mens team facing Bishop Lynch and the women taking on Mansfield Timberview.

“We’re a pretty set team this year, we have a bright future with the JV team too,” Mo said. “With a little bit of improvement, we will be serious contenders.”