Susan G. Komen for the Cure

MARYSVILLE, WASHINGTON (Marysville Globe) - The Marysville Boys & Girls Club’s basketball court was nearly the site of a come-from-behind victory on Sunday, Feb. 26, as the ABA Washington Rampage recovered from a nearly two-to-one point deficit to the Pro Sport Assassins to come within four points of their score by the final buzzer.

While the Assassins still edged out the Rampage by 118-114 in the end, both teams considered their match-up a victory for breast cancer awareness. The game was co-sponsored by Denny’s and Bob’s restaurants, and was organized in conjunction with Teresa Bates, president of the Marysville Performing Arts Center. Although the proceeds are still being added up, admission was $5 per person and went to support the game’s cause, which was also represented that afternoon by “Queens for a Cure.”

Victoria Knight, co-founder of the beauty pageant which benefits breast cancer programs such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, attended the game accompanied by state Supreme Queen Alexa McNaughton, 10, who raised $3,000 to benefit breast cancer research and treatment, and Queen of Queens Samantha Schubert, 13, whose own fundraising efforts enlisted the aid of the Seattle Sounders.

“It’s huge when communities can tie the cause to popular sporting events,” said Knight, who plans to honor Kinshasa Martin, the Rampage’s team owner, for his efforts to combat breast cancer later this year. “He’s done all he can do to help. Just raising awareness is important because early detection is one of the biggest ways to prevent breast cancer.”

Martin, in turn, presented a flower to Bates for being “the sweetheart of the night” for her role in making the benefit game happen. While Martin asserted that she was “the backbone” of the event, Bates was quick to praise the Rampage in turn for its growth over the course of the past year, with increased attendance that she attributed to crowd-pleasing attractions such as audience-participation games between quarters and a DJ to provide music during play.

Rampage coach Chuck Fraine is no stranger to contributing to breast cancer awareness and prevention, since the disease has touched his own family.

“I can’t say enough about this cause,” said Fraine, who’s donated to breast cancer charities through youth organizations and fellow sports professionals. “I’m a big charity guy anyway.”

Fraine expressed just as much enthusiasm about the near-turnaround of the day’s game, which saw his team down by nearly 30 points at the halftime.

“We got a lazy start and weren’t playing with intensity, but many of our players weren’t used to playing together,” Fraine said. “At the half, we were hard on ourselves and made the decision that we would come back from that deep hole. Ultimately, I don’t think we lost so much as we ran out of time.”

The Rampage’s next game is set for Saturday, March 3, at the Marysville Boys & Girls Club.

Copyright 2013 Marysville Globe   (Copyright Terms)
Updated 476 days ago   Article ID# 1477212

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