First-grader and Four Diamonds child Ashley Otstott has one mean slam-dunk.

While sitting on Morale Chair Mike Cocco's shoulders, Ashley was making basket after basket at yesterday's second annual Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (Thon) Hoops event, which took place during half time at the Lady Lion's basketball game.

"She's never played basketball before, but this was good practice because she signed up to play in school," said Sharon Otstott, Ashley's mother.

Ashley, who has been a Four Diamonds child for four years, was diagnosed with cancer when she was four years old, but is currently in remission.

As soon as the buzzer sounded at the end of the period, about a dozen Four Diamonds children and their siblings crowded the floor for a chance to dominate the court in a 10-minute basketball-shooting showcase.

Zachary Amato, who is 16 months old, tried throwing a basketball that was almost the same size as his body.

"He loves to play basketball; his size won't stop him," Allison Amato, Zachary's mother, said.

Zachary, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when he was weeks old, quickly gave up on the ball and paraded around, smiling and waving to fans, while his brother, Calvin, continued to improve his shooting skills with Finance Chair Paul Cronin.

Seven-year-old Lawrence Rupp hit more shots than the Thon chairs he challenged, despite the fact that he had to throw the ball underhanded.

Deanna Rupp, Lawrence's mother, said they have been a Four Diamonds family for 10 years.

The Rupps' child, Felicia, passed away from secondary leukemia in 1998, but the family is still very much involved in Thon.

"She loved Thon so much. We are so happy to still be a part of this wonderful organization," she said.

Seven-year-old Jed Smith's lay-up proved he just may be a future Penn State basketball star.

"He's barely ever played basketball before," Kristin Buckley, Jed's mother, said.

"Those balls are so heavy," she added.

Members of the Thon Family Relations committee helped fetch balls and assist the kids in making baskets.

"We have the best jobs ever," Deanna Nachreiner (junior-bioengineering) said. "We get to communicate with the families and just play with the kids."

Carrie Konosky, public relations chair, said that in addition to Thon Hoops during half time, there were also two check presentations during the game.

Konosky said Thon volunteers worked the concession stands since a part of the proceeds went to Thon.