HAVRE — For most of the year, basketball teams across the Frontier Conference are rivals.
But for one day each summer, those rivalries are put aside for something much bigger.
The 10th annual Hoops for a Cause returns to Havre this weekend, bringing together coaches, players and communities from across Montana to support two young girls battling cancer: 14-year old Isla Doney of Havre and 10-year-old Callie Finnicum from Great Falls.
“If we can use basketball for one day to help somebody, I think we're doing some real good,” MSU-Northern women's basketball coach Chris Mouat said. “And that's kind of what it's all about.”
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Both beneficiaries have connections to Frontier Conference athletics. Doney's family has close ties to MSU-Northern, while Finnicum's connection stretches back to her mother, Katie, who played basketball for University of Providence coach Bill Himmelberg.
“We watched her kids be born and grow up,” Himmelberg said. “They're friends with my grandkids and hang out with them … and so they're close to our hearts.”
For the Finnicum family, the past eight months have been a whirlwind.
Callie began experiencing pain in her leg last fall. Her family initially thought it was growing pains, but the pain continued and she eventually began limping. When swelling and a lump appeared, an X-ray revealed something much more serious.
Callie was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in early December and began chemotherapy two days after her biopsy.
Her mother said Callie's treatment included an intense pediatric chemotherapy regimen and a major surgery to remove an eight-inch tumor from her femur. The procedure required removing part of her leg, and Callie now uses a prosthetic.
Despite everything she's endured, Katie said her daughter has maintained the same personality that defined her before the diagnosis.
“I'm so proud of her for everything she's been through,” Katie said. “She's only had a handful of days where she's been down in the dumps, which anybody would be. She just doesn't let cancer get her down.”
Callie has even found a creative outlet during treatment.
Over the past eight months, she has written and published three children's books featuring a character named Lucy. What began as one story quickly turned into a series.
“I don't know any other 10 year olds that have written three books in eight months,” Katie said. “So it's pretty neat.”
Callie recently reached a major milestone when she finished chemotherapy and rang the bell surrounded by family, friends and members of her medical team.
But her treatment isn't finished.
Katie said Callie still needs surgery to remove spots from her lungs. She'll also continue receiving scans and blood work every three months, undergo physical therapy and require ongoing prosthetic care.
Through it all, the Finnicums have felt support from both near and far.
“Everybody has just really wrapped their arms around us,” Katie said. “We cannot thank them enough for that.”
That sense of family extends across the Frontier Conference.
Mouat said programs throughout the league have contributed to this year's event, while donations have also arrived from outside the conference. He said items have come from programs including South Carolina women's basketball, along with Montana State and Montana.
The response from Great Falls and Havre has also exceeded organizers' expectations.
“This year, off the charts,” Mouat said. “It's going to be a record for us for sure.”
The event centers around a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, but Mouat said one of the most important moments comes when the basketball stops.
During lunch, organizers have an opportunity to explain to the young athletes why they're there, recognize supporters, give away donated gear and hold auctions.
“I think that's pretty neat when the kids do realize why they were there, beyond basketball,” Mouat said.
And there is still time to be part of it.
Thanks to an anonymous donor, registration is free for participating teams this year. Community members are also invited to attend, watch the games and take part in the silent and live auctions.
For a conference defined by competition during the season, Mouat said Hoops for a Cause offers a chance to show what its coaches and players share when the scoreboard is turned off.
“We have a lot of good people in our league,” Mouat said. “For one day of their summer, they'll give everything up to be here to help people.”
For more information check out the Hoops for a Cause Facebook page.
