GULF SHORES — Inspired by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the V Foundation, South Baldwin Christian Academy hosted its own version of Coaches vs. Cancer on Friday, Jan. 19, during an in-county matchup against Central Christian School.

A full-capacity gym saw both crowds show their support throughout the middle school and varsity games by wearing colors that represented various forms of cancer. Both basketball teams also wore commemorative warmup shirts during pregame festivities.

An awe-inspiring speech also preceded the boys’ varsity contest where South Baldwin Christian’s head coach Dave Jackson was the keynote speaker. He shared the testimony of a close friend going through her remarkable journey, Mrs. Erin Black.

Once again, fans from both teams rallied in support and donated to the Black family to assist with the battle.

South Baldwin Christian Academy Athletic Director Jason Norris said the event was all about those moments beyond the game.

“Central Christian prevailed in both varsity games but the night was more than winning or losing, it was a show of solidarity amongst rivals in support of cancer awareness in Lower Baldwin County,” Norris said. “It is our hope that all Baldwin County schools do something similar during the month of January and as a collective county, set the standard across the county. This will be an annual event for South Baldwin Christian Academy Basketball.”

During intermission of Friday night’s varsity basketball games, shooting contests were held where the winners received prizes. The youth shooting challenge winner walked away with their favorite candy and the half-court shot winner took home a gift card to Culvers.