All six basketball teams played a game more meaningful to them than most. The Feb. 1 game was not just about winners and losers, but more so highlighting those that are currently fighting or lost their battle with cancer. In addition, it was a game held to raise money to find a cure for the disease.

“The purpose of the cancer game is to recognize those affected by cancer,” coach David Hinkle said, “and get people aware of what’s really going on out there.”

The team faced the Romeo Bulldogs in the Utica gymnasium at 7:00 pm. The Chieftains played a hard fought game, but eventually lost by a score of 60-45. Though the score was not what the Chieftain players had hoped for, the game was still very meaningful to the players in another way.

“Win or lose, we are playing that game for a person who has beat, is currently fighting, or was lost to cancer,” junior Nate Oke said, “and it’s very humbling to be a part of everything.”

The players wore special pink and white jerseys for the game, jerseys that included not only their number, but included a name of a person the player knows that has been affected by cancer.

“I really liked the jerseys we wore,” senior Jacob Joseph said. “I believe they really represented the team well and the cause that we were playing

for.”

The game had a massive impact as it helped raise money towards cancer research, and also provided a night for players and fans alike to remember those involved with a disease that has affected many lives.

“I thought the best part was just playing for a great cause,” sophomore Aleks Cvetkovski said, “while also raising awareness for cancer.”