ROCKINGHAM — Wearing special pre-game t-shirts, the Richmond Senior High School boys’ and girls’ basketball programs, as well as the cheerleading team, held a cancer awareness night Tuesday.
Between the varsity games against Pinecrest High School, players, cheerleaders and coaches were called out to half court as part of the school’s “Ballin' for a Cure” initiative.
While each person was called, a name of a person affected by cancer was also read out in honor or memory.
“Tonight was a big night,” head boys’ basketball coach Donald Pettigrew said. “And it was more than just winning both games against Pinecrest. We came together to show our support and love for so many in our community who have been impacted by cancer.
“This was our way of encouraging those who are still battling,” he added. “We are all one big family and I’m proud of everyone for participating. Even though we’ve lost some people to cancer, we were able to honor their memory.”
The final two names to be called were Tim “TR” McCaskill and Alex Quick, a pair of Raider basketball alumni, both of whom are cancer survivors.
McCaskill, a 2007 Richmond graduate, played for the Raiders in 2004 and 2005. He was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, but earlier this month he celebrated 10 years of being cancer-free.
A 2019 graduate and a multi-year varsity starter, Quick was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. It was announced that he is currently in remission after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery.
“It was so great to have TR and Alex here with us tonight,” Pettigrew said. “They are a part of our Raider family and when they fight, we fight with them. Both of those guys gave their all to our program and this was just a little gesture to show them that we are 100% with them.”
Both McCaskill and Quick walked out to half court and embraced Pettigrew and several other members of the Raider coaching staff.
“Tim and Alex, your journeys remind us of the power of perseverance and the importance of hope,” Arthur Gilliam said. “Please join us in a round of applause for these two warriors, survivors and champions — on and off the basketball court.”
Raider basketball players who recognized someone affected by cancer were Amer Morrison, Ahaiver McDonald, Davion Ingram, Jayden Hamilton, Dominic Tillman, Tyshawn Harris, coaches Keith Parsons, Frank Harrington and Pettigrew.
Representing the Lady Raiders were Jasiah Gilchrist, Olivia Brown, Quanna Bostic, J’Nasia Neal, Madisen Jackson, Jamyia Lindsey, Kaniah Little, Kaylan Parsons, Ella Parker, and coaches Taneika Reader and Deloris Covington.
Many of Richmond’s cheerleaders carried posters which recognized the people they were honoring.
Those cheerleaders were Makayla Brown, Madalyn Burnett, Nevaeh Harris, Riley Howell, Trinity Lockhart, Mattie Moss, Addison O’Neal, Bailey Rheault, Anna Stogner and Emma Williams.
Below are photos of Tuesday’s Balling for a Cure ceremony, taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar.
