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KAYSVILLE -- A Davis County junior high girls' basketball team that dedicated the season to their cancer-stricken team captain played in the district championship Wednesday afternoon. While the final score wasn't what they wanted, they did get a surprise visit from their teammate.
Fourteen-year-old Madey Slaughter was diagnosed with bone cancer in January. Shortly after that, her team dedicated a game in her honor. They won with a buzzer-beating three-point shot. Since then, they've won game after game for her.
"We've had a couple of overtime games; three one-basket games. The girls learned to dig down and step up," said Coach Ron Osborn.
Wednesday, their hard work landed them at the district championship game against the Millcreek Mustangs. To her team's surprise, Madey's dad wheeled her into the gym at Davis High School seconds before the game started.
"I didn't even know it was going to happen," Madey said. "It was amazing."
She took her place on the bench next to her coach and got to work cheering for her team. Players from as far away as Lindon came to the game, wearing the wristbands Madey's team sold to raise money for her chemotherapy.
"We had it on at all of our last games just in honor of Madey," said Josey Walker, who plays on the Oak Canyon Jr. High basketball team.
The Falcons fought hard, sending the game into overtime after being down at the half. However, when the final buzzer sounded they had lost to the Mustangs, 29-22.
"They did good, and they shouldn't hang their heads," Madey said. "I think we came up top with heart."
Her coach echoed Madey's sentiments in his final pep talk to the team.
"We played our hearts out. We did it for Madey. We did it for each other," Osborn told his players.
He said the entire season has been a difficult, but valuable lesson for his team.
"They realize winning is important to a degree, but it's not everything anymore," Ozborn said.
Madey's next round of chemo begins Tuesday. For more information on her fight against cancer, CLICK HERE.
There has also been a charity account* set up to help pay for Madey's medical expenses. If you would like to donate to the "Madeline Slaughter Treatment Fund," you can do so at any America First Credit Union branch. You can contact George Slaughter at slaughter.gs@gmail.com with any questions.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
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*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
