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ALEXANDRIA -- The Juniata Valley girls basketball team held its CHAMP game Thursday night by raffling off more than 30 baskets and holding several contests throughout the Lady Hornets' game against Williamsburg to raise money.
"CHAMP is a Huntingdon County organization that selects families in need," Juniata Valley coach Liz Radabaugh said. "It's almost like a mini THON. Students from each school select captains and organize fundraisers throughout the year. There will be an event in spring at one of the schools where there will be a dance. It's a competition between the schools to see who can raise the most money. This is Anna (Taylor's) fourth year being a captain. She really takes it to heart and does a lot of work for it throughout the year. An event like this, where we have a lot of the members of the community here, really shows what this community can do when they come together."
CHAMP has existed for 12 years and raised nearly $1 million for more than 120 families over that time.
Despite Williamsburg winning the game, Taylor scored 13 points and had 14 rebounds and the fundraiser was a success.
"CHAMP is so important to me," Taylor said. "I have been part of it since my freshman year. We're about to hit the million dollar mark here in my senior year, and I want to bring home the CHAMP Cup again. This is a way I can bring the community together. We had baskets raffled off, 50-50, chuck-a-duck and halfcourt shots. It wouldn't have been possible without my friends and family."
Taylor is Juniata Valley's only senior and scored her 1,000th career point earlier this season.
"I know how much this community has done for me," Taylor said. "They have helped me out so much. I feel like it's my duty to give back to them in return."