Bigger Than Basketball: Bishop Carroll & Central Cambria Unite for an Unforgettable Sideline Cancer Rivalry

Less than a mile separates Bishop Carroll and Central Cambria High Schools, but when these two communities come together for Sideline Cancer, the impact reaches far beyond the court.

The 4th Annual Girls Sideline Cancer Game tipped off an unforgettable stretch of basketball where rivalry met purpose. Bishop Carroll entered the matchup undefeated at 6-0, fueled by a strong start to the season and a roster firing on all cylinders. Led by Emily Lucko’s consistent double-double performances and supported by steady guard play and sharp shooting from Ava Pablic, Madison DeLauter, Raigan M., and Sarah Miller, the Lady Huskies showcased how complete this team has become.

Central Cambria came in with a 3-2 record, carrying momentum from a magical 2024-25 season that saw them reach the PIAA Quarterfinals in 3A. With strong guard leadership from Alaina Long, lights-out shooting from Katie George, and a tough interior presence from Gianna Grimaldi, the Lady Red Devils proved once again why this rivalry is as competitive as it is passionate.

In front of a loud, electric crowd at Bishop Carroll, the girls delivered a hard-fought battle worthy of the Sideline Cancer stage. Bishop Carroll emerged with a 47-43 victory, reclaiming momentum in the I Can Cup series. Emily Lucko led all scorers with 19 points, while Ava Pablic added 15, as the home crowd celebrated not just a win—but a night dedicated to something bigger than basketball.

The following evening, the spotlight shifted to the boys for the 5th Annual Sideline Cancer Game, as Central Cambria hosted Bishop Carroll in another chapter of this intense crosstown rivalry. Once again, the gym was packed, the energy was high, and the mission was clear. This game honored Central Cambria Class of 2021 graduate Sara Miller, who is bravely battling cancer while also navigating the challenges of insurance coverage. The donation reveal at the end of the third quarter underscored why Sideline Cancer exists—to rally communities around those who need it most.

Central Cambria entered the contest at 3-2, led by standout guard B. Swope, a familiar name in Sideline Cancer games who has delivered big moments year after year. Bishop Carroll countered with a team riding a two-game winning streak, anchored by Jace Casses, who had already made a name for himself as one of the area’s most dynamic scorers.

What followed was a performance for the history books.

Trailing by 13 points in the first half, Bishop Carroll stormed back behind an unbelievable effort from Jace Casses, who poured in a Sideline Cancer record 47 points—even while facing double teams for much of the night. His scoring outburst propelled Bishop Carroll to a 74-65 victory, snapping a two-game losing streak against their rivals and giving BC a 3-2 lead in the I Can Cup series.

Jace’s 47 points broke the previous Sideline Cancer scoring record of 36, set last season by Somerset’s Eve Housley against Penn Cambria. In a twist that feels almost too perfect for a Sideline Cancer story, Eve and Jace are boyfriend and girlfriend—adding yet another layer of connection to a night filled with special moments.

While the wins, records, and rivalries made headlines, the true victory belonged to the communities of Bishop Carroll and Central Cambria. Two nights. Four teams. Packed gyms. And one shared purpose—to support those battling cancer and remind them they are not alone.

That is the heart of Sideline Cancer.

If you are a school, coach, or community member interested in hosting a Sideline Cancer event and making a real impact through the power of sports, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Jordan at [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.

Believe Always

More Than a Game: Sideline Cancer Opens Basketball Season with Altoona vs. State College

The start of a new basketball season always brings excitement, but for Sideline Cancer, it also brings purpose, hope, and community—and this year’s first Sideline Cancer basketball game of the season delivered all of that and more.

The season tipped off in a big way as State College High School hosted the Altoona Lady Lions, marking the first Sideline Cancer basketball event of the year. From the moment the doors opened, it was clear this night was about more than just basketball. With purple filling the gym and Sideline Cancer graphics proudly displayed, the energy in the building reflected the heart of what these events represent—students, athletes, families, and communities coming together to support those battling cancer.

Coming into the matchup, both teams had high expectations. State College entered the night at 1–1, with both games decided by a single possession, relying on quick guard play and transition offense. Altoona arrived with a 1–2 record, highlighted by an impressive season-opening win over Hollidaysburg in front of a packed home crowd, followed by tough matchups against Upper Dublin and Spring-Ford. With both programs eyeing Mid-Penn League success, a District VI title, and a potential PIAA playoff run, the stage was set for one of the best games of the Sideline Cancer season.

And the Altoona Lady Lions did not disappoint.

Altoona went on the road and earned a commanding 67–42 victory, securing their second consecutive Sideline Cancer win at State College. The night was a true team effort from start to finish. Raylin Eyer led all scorers with 14 points, knocking down two three-pointers and setting the tone offensively. Senior point guard Zaelin Hkai put on a show, dazzling the crowd with her vision and leadership, finishing the night with 13 points and 8 assists. Kendall Cogan added a strong double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Brionna Hudson, returning from injury, made an immediate impact with 12 points in her first game back. It was, without question, a complete team win.

While the action on the court was electric, the true victory of the night was what happened beyond the scoreboard. Once again, Sideline Cancer demonstrated the powerful role high school athletics can play in making a difference. By combining competitive basketball with a meaningful cause, this event reminded everyone in attendance that sports can be a platform for hope, generosity, and support for families facing cancer.

We are incredibly grateful to both State College and Altoona for their continued participation and commitment to the Sideline Cancer mission. Their willingness to use their platform to help others is what makes these events so special—and why they continue to grow each season.

This game was just the beginning. With many more Sideline Cancer events planned throughout the basketball season, the momentum is already building, and the impact will continue to reach far beyond the gym.

If your school, team, or community is interested in hosting a Sideline Cancer event and being part of something bigger than the game, we would love to connect with you. To learn more or to host an event, please contact Jordan at [email protected].

Together, through sports and community, we continue to Believe Always .

Bellwood-Antis Hosts Record-Breaking 4th Annual Sideline Cancer Homecoming Game

The lights were bright, the stands were packed, and the energy at Bellwood-Antis High School was electric as the Blue Devils hosted Bishop Guilfoyle Academy for their 4th Annual Sideline Cancer Homecoming Game — a night that was truly bigger than football.

What began in 2022 as a single act of community giving has now become one of the most powerful traditions in Bellwood-Antis history. In just four years, the school has donated over $15,000 through Sideline Cancer events, with each year growing in both excitement and impact.

This year’s game was one for the record books — not only on the field, but off it.

A Night of Competition and Compassion

The evening kicked off with Bellwood’s traditional homecoming parade before fans packed the stands for kickoff against rival Bishop Guilfoyle. Both teams came into the matchup with strong seasons and even stronger motivation, ready to battle it out under the Friday night lights.

Bishop Guilfoyle entered with a (5-1) record and a three-game winning streak in Sideline Cancer Games, while Bellwood-Antis — coming off key wins over Tyrone and Central — was determined to defend their home field and their community cause.

The game itself was a thriller. Bellwood’s defense shined, keeping BG’s high-powered offense in check for most of the night, while Blue Devil standout Alex McCartney found the end zone twice to tie the score in the second half. In the final minutes, BG senior Jacob Kissell connected for a late touchdown, securing a 21–14 win and extending Bishop Guilfoyle’s Sideline Cancer streak to four straight victories.

After the game, Kissell and the Marauders celebrated by hoisting the Sideline Cancer trophy — a tradition this senior class began back in 2022. Over the years, BG has now helped donate more than $20,000 to 10 cancer patients, showing that their victories go far beyond the scoreboard.

Bellwood-Antis Sets New Record: $10,000 Donated

While the competition was fierce on the field, the biggest win of the night came from the Bellwood-Antis community. Through incredible teamwork, generosity, and heart, Bellwood raised a record-breaking $10,000 for three local cancer warriors:

• Ethan Zook, Bellwood Elementary Student
• Mark Miner, Bellwood Maintenance Staff Member
• Tina Brubaker, Bellwood Community Member

The Homecoming Court — Lily Gerwert, Alyssa Briggs, Marissa Cacciotti, Lindsay Campbell, Chloe Stoltzfus, and Lily McNeils — led the charge, selling over 1,200 t-shirts, accounting for more than $6,000 of the total donation. Add in basket raffles, community contributions, and Sideline Cancer gear sales, and Bellwood’s Homecoming Game became the 7th school ever to hit the $10,000 mark through the Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program — and the first football program to do so!

Together, Bellwood-Antis and Bishop Guilfoyle’s efforts combined for nearly $12,000 raised, making this matchup the third-largest philanthropic total in Sideline Cancer event history.

A Community That Continues to Give

For event coordinator Ali Stinson, this game represents the best of what small-town spirit can achieve:

“Our first Sideline Cancer event was held in 2022 and has grown every year since it began,” she shared. “In total, together we’ve raised $29,781 for people right here in our community battling cancer. I simply can’t put into words how grateful I am to work and live in a district that always rises to help others. Your generosity is inspiring — our kids are beyond blessed to be surrounded by people like you.”

From the basket donors and boosters to the parents, students, and volunteers who made it all happen — every effort mattered. Local businesses like Cosmic Charlie’s Coffee House, Martin Oil, Carmosinos, Sheetz, and Main Street Mercantile stepped up to support the cause, while families worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring everything together.

Bellwood’s Sideline Cancer tradition has become a shining example of what happens when a community unites around a mission of hope, faith, and compassion.

Together We Can Sideline Cancer

Sideline Cancer would like to thank both Bellwood-Antis High School and Bishop Guilfoyle Academy for their continued leadership and heart. What started as a single event has grown into a regional movement that changes lives — one game, one patient, one act of kindness at a time.

Together, We Can Sideline Cancer.

If your school or organization would like to host a Sideline Cancer event, become a sponsor, or make a donation to support patients in your community, please contact Jordan Griffith at [email protected].

Follow @sideline.cancer on Instagram to see highlight videos, photos, and more inspiring moments from the Bellwood-Antis vs. Bishop Guilfoyle game.

Celebrating Three Sideline Cancer Leaders Named to Blair Living Magazine’s 20 Under 40

Sideline Cancer is proud to congratulate three incredible members of our family – Jordan Griffith, Sierra Cobler, and Caitlyn Stewart – on being named to Blair Living Magazine’s 20 Under 40 Class of 2025.

This recognition is part of the Altoona Mirror’s 18th annual 20 Under 40 awards, which celebrate outstanding young leaders across our region. Nominations come from area leaders and businesses, and honorees are chosen by a dedicated committee of volunteers, including former managing editor Neil Rudel.

The criteria for selection include:

• Business success
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Commitment to community service and improving life in our region

Jordan, Sierra, and Caitlyn embody all of these qualities and more. Together, they co-founded the Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program, which has become a cornerstone of Sideline Cancer’s mission.

The Impact of the Patient Assistance Program

In the midst of the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic, when the sports world came to a standstill, Sideline Cancer courageously pivoted to focus on Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and Patient Assistance. What began as a bold decision has grown into an extraordinary initiative that provides direct financial support to individuals and families facing cancer.

At the heart of this program is a community-driven fundraising model, where proceeds from Sideline Cancer merchandise sales generate essential funds for patients. For every item sold, $5 is allocated to patient assistance, including $1 from every bracelet.

Since launching in January 2022, the program has raised more than $200,000, providing hope and critical support to over 50 patients across Central Pennsylvania and beyond. Events are now hosted at more than 25 schools and universities in three different states, expanding the reach and impact of this movement.

This work would not be possible without the generosity of sponsors, donors, and community partners, who continue to fuel the mission and bring hope to families in need.

Why This Recognition Matters

Jordan, Sierra, and Caitlyn’s leadership in creating and growing the Patient Assistance Program reflects the very best of what the 20 Under 40 honor represents: vision, determination, and a heart for service. Their recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of how community-driven leadership can change lives.

We are so proud to see their dedication recognized in Blair Living Magazine and the Altoona Mirror’s 20 Under 40 Class of 2025.

Join the Movement

If your school, business, or community is inspired to get involved, we would love to partner with you. You can help by:

• Hosting a Sideline Cancer fundraising event
• Becoming a sponsor or donor
• Selling or purchasing Sideline Cancer merchandise

For more information about our Patient Assistance Program and how to become a sponsor, please visit:
Sideline Cancer Patient Assistance Program Sponsorship

You can also reach out to Jordan Griffith at [email protected] for details on participation or support.

Congratulations again to Jordan, Sierra, and Caitlyn — your Sideline Cancer family celebrates you today and always!