Typically when the Bobcats take on the Bees on the basketball court, heated matches ensue.

The longtime conference rivals draw large crowds whenever they match up, so coaches of both Bridgman and Brandywine girls and boys basketball teams decided to take advantage of the large attendance and host a benefit game.

On Dec. 16, the Brandywine gymnasium was filled with pink T-shirts with the words “Rivalry for a Cause” and both teams’ mascots. The shirts were sold by members of all four basketball teams to raise money for the Brian Parker Foundation.

The not-for-profit organization was created in honor of Brian Parker, a Niles boy who succumbed to leukemia in 1980 at the age of 14. As thanks for the support they received from the community during Brian’s battle with cancer, Dick and Judy Parker created the foundation in their son’s honor in order to help Michiana individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

Although Brandywine came out on top of the scoreboard in both games, all teams could be commended for their efforts to help a foundation that helps combat an issue almost everyone has faced in some way or another.

Lady Cats basketball coach said funds are still coming in, but they expect to have made more than $3,000 to donate to the foundation.