For the Red Bluff High School freshmen girls basketball team, winning has become a tradition. But thanks to their coaches and a desire to help their fellow citizens, this group of ninth graders is continuing another tradition of community service. Reporter Rick Carhart has their story in tonight's Kids In Action.
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They make a statement as soon as they enter the gym.
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Sporting their pink camo "shootaround" shirts, everyone knows this team has come to play.
Ashlyn Griffis says, "we're really confident in each other, we play really good together..."
Hailey Pritchard says, "we definitely have a lot of chemistry together, we're all really good friends."
Each year, coach John Wheeler's hoop squad plays a home game as a community outreach. This Tuesday, they'll fill the gym to help the Military Family Support Group Of Tehama County.
Coach Wheeler says, "i'm looking forward to seeing military personnel in the stands, the color guard as well and for these kids to see that they're the reason it's packed."
The team is full of players with military connections.
Ashlyn says, "my brother Tommy, he's in the Air Force right now...my stepdad was a Marine and my Dad was in the Navy."
Cara Hencratt says, "my brother just got out a couple years ago....and he had two tours in Iraq."
Hailey says, "my stepdad is currently stationed near Kabul, Afghanistan."
At Tuesday's game, the team is encouraging fans to bring in items for care packages sent to troops deployed overseas. And these girls know first-hand how important a small piece of home can be.
Ashlyn says, "every time he got a letter he'd call us, and it meant a lot to get something knowing we're thinking about them."
Hailey says, "it makes me feel good that we can make their stay over there a little more comfortable."
Their coach introduced the idea to the team, but it was the girls who decided to boldly wear their message.
Coach says, "we wanted them to get involved in something additional that would help them recognize their place in the world."
And they have taken their winning ways off the court and into the community.
Ashlyn says, "knowing that we're supporting them and still thinking about them..."
Coach Wheeler says, "you couldn't find a better group of kids."
In Butte County, I'm Rick Carhart for Action News.
The "Veterans Game" will be played on Tuesday, January 24 at 4:30 at Red Bluff High School. All military veterans are encouraged to attend in uniform, and will be admitted for free.
And if you know a young person who should be featured on our Sunday 'Kids In Action', you'll find the nomination form on our web sites.
