More than basketball

Basketball and the fight against cancer might seem like an unlikely ally to some.
But for the Turkey Valley Trojan hoops program it almost seems like second nature to help someone defeat an enemy that can be much more challenging than any opponent on the court.
So when the Trojans hit the hardwood in their first game back from Christmas break a week ago Tuesday against Postville – rebounds, steals and buckets that swished through a round, orange rim took somewhat of a back seat to Turkey Valley’s worthwhile cause.
Sure winning the game was high on the list, but there were other matters at play on this special night outside of what the final tally read on the scoreboard.
Just what was the objective of these hard-working and thoughtful Trojans?
That goal is to help Bree Balk knock out cancer.
So fans that made their way to the high school gymnasium just off Highway 24 outside the tiny town of Jackson Junction saw bright, turquoise shirts worn by all TV basketball players that read “Bree’s Support Squad.”
Turquoise is Bree’s favorite color and the grey lettering that adorned the clothing is the chosen color to help promote brain cancer awareness.
As far as how the game went, well that was all Turkey Valley, as they rolled to a convincing 62-17 over the winless Pirates. The Trojans, now 8-4 on the year and 6-2 in the Upper Iowa Conference, steamrolled Postville with a 21-0 run in the second half.
— For more on this story, see the Jan. 12 Tribune