LAFAYETTE — Purdue defensive coordinator Kevin Kane made sure to put on a performance that his sons Jack and Colin wouldn’t forget during the 20th Battle of the Saints ― a basketball game that pitted the fathers of the 4th-6th graders of St. Lawrence and St. Bonafice Elementary at Central Catholic for bragging rights.
Kane blocked a couple of shots and grabbed some rebounds while wearing the dare blue and white t-shirt and shorts of St. Bonafice for the third straight year.
“It’s fun, it gets really competitive and it gets really physical out there,” Kane said. “It’s a fun night.”
St. Lawrence captured the Battle of the Saints trophy 58-50 but for Kane, the winning occurs at home and being around his family in Lafayette after spending 2025 at Minnesota as the linebackers coach.
Rather than having his family move with him, his family stayed in Lafayette not knowing what the future might hold. But after a year away and he was called back to West Lafayette to carry on his role as defensive coordinator he held for the Boilermakers in 2023 and 2024.
The return allowed Kane to have moments like the kind he experienced at Central Catholic. Running through a tunnel of his sons’ classmates while getting a second chance at managing the defensive side for Purdue football.
“I’ve been saying that this is God’s plan,” Kane said. “My wife and three children really love this community. It’s a blessing to be part of this community and be part of this game.”
Both Jack and Colin were the coaches for their father in the days leading up to the game.
“We got in a full shoot around in the garage today and that’s been the whole gist of it,” Kane said.
Of course, there comes some teasing from Jack, the oldest brother.
“His jumper was a little bit broke but we can fix that,” Jack Kane said. “It’s all good. We are ready to play.”
And all is right for the Kane family. Kevin Kane is back in his former and now current role under second year head coach Barry Odom. More time for his sons and daughter.
“It was a shocker when we found out he was coming back to Purdue,” Jack Kane said. “He was coming home and we didn’t have to move.”
Along with Kane, here are some other memories from the 20th annual All Saints Game.
Stevens reflects on final All Saints Game
Purdue talent acquisition specialist Ricky Stevens is known during the day for his friendly customer service and problem-solving skills according to school news releases from 2024.
What those news releases don’t show is the jumper the left-hander has possessed through his years of representing St. Lawrence in the All Saints Game.
“It’s everything,” Stevens said. “It’s what we do to support the kids and support the schools. It’s something that you get to see the kids enjoy.”
Friday night would be the last night Stevens would dawn the red and white with his one son and daughter aging out after this year.
Tears poured from Stevens’ eyes as he reflected on the memories he made while displaying accuracy from 3-point range to his children.
“It’s the standard here at Central Catholic and the saying is ‘tradition starts here,'” Stevens said. “And it really does. It starts at the elementary level and without the community of people, it wouldn’t be what it is.”
McCutcheon strength coach’s mindset
McCutcheon cross country and strength and conditioning coach Dan Porter put it bluntly: he doesn’t do anything halfway.
Not even during an exhibition game like the All Saints Game that historically has seen fathers go home with knocked out teeth, stitches and a few ligament tears throughout the years.
So when Porter saw an opportunity to score with someone in his way, he didn’t hesitate.
“I got one speed and it’s fast and strong,” Porter said. “All it takes is all you got. One hundred percent effort.”
On the other end was Chris Lehe, a business owner with children that attend St. Lawrence.
“It’s a pretty intense game and it was a lot of fun,” Lehe said. “It’s just fun getting a chance to practice and play with the guys.”
Father of 7 sinks pair of 4-point plays
Plenty of snack requests are made by the children of Lebanon graduate and former Marion University tennis player Clint Brand.
Brand despite being the father of seven children is also known for his skills as a basketball player in the varying adult leagues around Tippecanoe County.
Which is why there was little surprise when Brand converted a pair of 4-point plays. He dribbled to the top of the key and hit two 3-pointers in the process of being fouled twice. His best shot came at the close of the third quarter.
“I missed a bunch of shots before that,” Brand said. “It was just a lot of fun having all the fans here and I’m looking forward to next year.”
Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com, on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Battle of the Saints basketball game connects Lafayette
Reporting by Ethan Hanson, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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