He's got GAME

COEUR d'ALENE — Seeing a young boy who needed a new pair of shoes — to the point the lad had a hole cut in the sneakers to make room for his toes — was a sight that stuck with Jakob Peterson.

The senior at Genesis Prep Academy in Post Falls is taking that memory to the basketball court at 10 a.m. Saturday at McEuen Park. He’ll take on all comers and play one-on-one against anyone who desires a pick-up game and wants to help local kids whose families can't afford a new pair of shoes.

"There's a story behind every pair of shoes,” Peterson said, “and I want to help kids who need them.”

The loser of the games will donate $5 to the "Kix for Kids" cause.

Peterson knows he'll likely come out on the short end of some of the games, but he's willing. If he has to contribute the most, he’s OK with that.

"A rule is a rule," he said. "I keep playing until people stop showing up."

But beating the 6-foot-1 Peterson, who plays for Genesis Prep and an AAU team, won't be a gimme. His prowess on the court has drawn interest from a few Division II colleges.

"I'm definitely confident in the way I play," he said. "I don't believe I'll lose every game."

Peterson said this is only his second week coming back from an ankle injury, but he said it’s important to him to raise funds for kids' shoes as they head back to school.

People are already supporting Peterson's cause and have donated $565 through an account on his Facebook page — without stepping on the court.

His team also includes friends who will substitute for him if he needs a break.

Peterson said he's tentatively scheduled to be at the courts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

He's willing to play longer if people keep stepping forward.

"I'll stay there until midnight if people are still there," the 17-year-old said.

If you'd rather not take on Peterson but would like to support his cause, donations will be accepted at the courts or via his Facebook page.

Peterson said he saw the young boy in need of shoes in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Another one he noticed who needed sneakers delivered wood to his grandparents’ home.

Peterson’s first priority will be to help those two, but his brother Dustin used to work at the Boys and Girls Club in Coeur d'Alene, which he sees as another avenue to help kids in need.

"The boy who was delivering plans to be there on Saturday to watch the games, and I'd like to find the other kid," Peterson said.

The goal: About $1,000. He hopes his idea catches fire and inspires others to do their part for youths.

Laurie Peterson, Jakob's mom, said her son saw a need and is making a difference.

"He didn't just turn his head and walk away," she said. "Instead, he is taking action."

Laurie said some parents wonder if they're doing enough to guide their children into being productive members of society.

"This is especially so as a single parent," she said. "This young man is proof that we need to do our due diligence and God will take care of the rest. We can all make a difference in life by using our gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of others."

Jakob has navigated his own challenges.

He was cut from the Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy basketball team in seventh grade, Woodland Middle School in eighth grade and Lake City High School as a freshman.

He improved to have a solid sophomore season at Christian Center School before transferring as a junior to Genesis Prep, a power in the state 1A Division II ranks.

"There were three years in a row of getting cut and beating up on myself," Jakob said.

Now that’s over.

Game on.