Thorsby’s girls basketball team defeated Maplesville, 45-33, but the focus Monday seemed to be an opponent common to not just players from both teams but to people across the world: the fight against breast cancer.

A portion of the proceeds from the game was to be donated to the Bruno Cancer Center at St. Vincent’s hospital in Birmingham.

Also, several Thorsby students walked the perimeter of the court with boxes for donations.

The idea for the school’s first Breast Cancer Awareness Night came from these girls, a group of fourth and third graders, calling themselves the “Sweet Girls,” who decided they wanted to do something to promote a cause that has touched them already in their young lives.

“We just wanted to help,” said Adi Argent, daughter of girls basketball coach Ab Argent.

Argent—along with Lily Porter, Whitney Smitherman and Kathryn Taylor—rattled off names of loved ones affected by the disease, but one cancer survivor in particular serves as motivation for the girls.

Wendy Bryan, wife of THS principal Russ Bryan and third grade teacher at the school, is undergoing treatments, but still showed up to see her son, Parker, play in the varsity boys game.

Wendy Bryan was greeted in the auditorium by smiles and hugs—and the thought that Thorsby students were doing all they could to help.

“Ms. Bryan is dear to my heart; I love her so much,” Smitherman said.

Other Sweet Girls include Katie Mote and Lydia Nunn.

The group’s project seemed a success.

The Rebels traded their traditional maroon uniforms for pink ones, and many fans in attendance—not to mention Maplesville players, cheerleaders and fans—embraced the color scheme as well.

And the home team won, led by 16 points from Sharonda Cooper and 11 points from Amanda Hubbard.

Keshia Bailey led Maplesville with 16 points.