The eighth-grade girls basketball team at Whittell High School has been doing a lot more than shooting baskets.

They kicked off their season this month by rounding up some money to get pink backpacks to support Kathy Bluethman (aka Ms. B), the school’s dean and athletic director who is battling breast cancer.

Drue Chapman came up with the idea and everyone quickly jumped on board.

Drue Chapman, Michelle Barnes, Ali Copsy, Ms. B, Hannah Brunsman, Tommy Espisito (coach), Sammy Forvilly, Gigi Stetler, Kaitlyn Kjer. (Not pictured: Chelsea Brocket and Heather Wright) Photo/Provided

“These eighth-grade girls are very special and when they say hello to me during the day, my heart stays so strong,” Bluethman said. “These kids are my angels staying with me through all my chemo.

“People ask why do I go to work so much when I’m sick and I say that being with these kids I don’t think about my illness. There are many angels at GWHS. I let the girls know that I’m a strong Amazon woman with a spear to kill the cancer.”

Bluethman has had some success with chemo, but will have to head back to surgery in October.

The girls say their winning season has everything to do with wanting to play strong for Ms. B.