Each year the Sahuaro Basketball Team Program comes together to put on a huge benefit for The American Cancer Society. Sahuaro is enriched with traditions and annual events, Coaches Vs. Cancer being one of the most highly regarded. Cancer is a devastating disease that has affected all of us in one way or another.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide volunteer-based organization that is present across all of the United States. Its main purpose is to raise money and awareness about the severity and prevalence of cancer. According to The American Cancer Society, in 2017, there will be an estimated 1,688,780 new cancer cases diagnosed and 600,920 cancer deaths in the US.

On January 27th of 2017, the Sahuaro Girls Basketball Team made a difference. The Coaches Vs. Cancer event was hosted in the McConnell Gym against Ironwood Ridge. The stands were full of people there to watch a riveting game and  be a part of the tradition. “It’s amazing to watch my friends play the sport and grow as an athlete. Also being there for a good cause is heart filling. I’m pretty sure we have all been affected by cancer,” said senior, Iliana Falcon. There was a silent auction, and in the end Sahuaro took the win with a 49-42 score.

“I love to be apart of Coaches Vs Cancer,” said basketball player, Elena Arriaga. “I get to play the game I love and play for a great cause as well.” Elena Arriaga as of January 17 had earned the honor of becoming the eighth player in the program’s history to have reached 1,000 points.

The program so far has raised $957. “I think it’s great because we honor those that are fighting cancer and have fought the battle. I think it’s something worth fighting for, and the crowd was excellent,” said Mr. Botkin, the Varsity Girls Basketball Coach.

Thank you to everybody that came out!