Swish Away Cancer Returns: Ellicottville vs. Salamanca Tip Off 2026 with Hoops, Heart, and Hope
Swish Away Cancer Returns: Ellicottville vs. Salamanca Tip Off 2026 with Hoops, Heart, and Hope
The 6th annual Swish Away Cancer basketball game brings a heated local rivalry together for a powerful night of fundraising, remembrance, and community support.
The Ellicottville Eagles will tipoff the New Year on January 2nd for their 6th annual “Swish Away Cancer” basketball game versus the Salamanca Lady Warriors. The Ellicottville Eagles and the Salamanca Lady Warriors are competitively matched, creating an electric atmosphere around the upcoming match-up.
Tracy Rozler, Ellicottville Eagles basketball coach, paints the picture of team dynamic and preparation for the game. “Leading up to the Swish Away Cancer game against Salamanca, our team’s focus and togetherness really stand out. On the court, practices are intense and physical as we prepare for a tough, competitive rivalry game where every possession matters. Off the court, the cause brings us even closer, reminding us that this game is more than basketball. That combination of rivalry, toughness, and purpose makes this match-up special every year.”
She expands on their strategy off the play clock: “We are preparing by focusing on physical practices, game-speed drills, and attention to detail, knowing Salamanca always brings a tough, competitive style of play. We’ve emphasized rebounding, defense, and playing through contact, while also staying mentally locked in and united as a team for a game that means more than just the rivalry.”
Salamanca’s Lady Warriors Basketball coach, Joe Hinman, illustrates how the team’s dynamic assists how the team has prepared for this match-up. “It’s always an emotional day for our teams, especially during the ceremony immediately following the JV game. We honor Mark Chase (whom the event was initially dedicated to), a former teacher and coach at Salamanca. Our program also remembers Robin Crouse, grandmother of current and former players (also an avid Lady Warrior Basketball super fan), and Mr. Darren Ross, a father of current basketball senior, youth coach, role model, and social worker for the district,” he shared.
“We make sure we strategize for the game by ensuring our game plan is in place. This happens during the week at practices on the court. Off the court, our athletes reach out to friends and family and kindly ask for donations, specifically basket raffle items for our annual Chinese auction. We spread awareness for the event and effect of cancer through our social media, we sell t-shirts, host a bake sale and other fun activities the day of the event. All of the proceeds are donated directly to Roswell Cancer Institute and local food pantries.”
Anticipation leading up to this event runs high for both Hinman and Rozler. “I’m most excited to see our players compete with toughness and heart against a great rival, while also coming together as a community for such an important cause. Salamanca always brings a physical, high-level game, and I look forward to seeing our team rise to that challenge and play with purpose in a night that’s about more than just basketball,” said Rozler.
Meanwhile, Hinman shares, “Local rivalries bring out the best of teams - Salamanca versus Ellicottville is always a good game, often decided by a few points in the final minutes of every game. We always get each other’s best shots. Our JV teams often set the tone for a fun night with a 6:00pm tipoff. Aside from the entertainment on the court, we realize it is much more than a game as our athletes play not only for each other but for their loved ones. Two of our current players, now seniors, have been impacted the most by the loss of their family members. We battle for them and their loved ones in our fight against cancer.”
This annual ball game has become a cornerstone of the community, now entering its sixth year of swishing away cancer. For the Salamanca community, the game has raised a tidal wave of funds over the years, which are donated to Roswell and local food pantries in the Great Valley, Ellicottville, Salamanca, and Pine Valley areas. They are proud to release that they have reached their goal of $3,000 raised for the past 3 years. For the Ellicottville area, the event connects basketball with a broader cause, using the game as a way to raise cancer awareness and support while honoring those affected by the disease. This year, each team and surrounding community hope to break not just personal records, but records regarding money raised. Both view this impactful game as a chance to represent their communities as one, a chance to give back, and play for an impactful cause.
On a deeper level, this night of hoops and hope resonates with each team. “As a coach, this game means a great deal because it allows us to use basketball to support something bigger than ourselves. Raising money and awareness for cancer gives real purpose to the night, and it’s meaningful to see our players compete while honoring those who are fighting, surviving, or have been lost. For our team, it’s a chance to give back, represent our community, and play with heart for a cause that touches so many families,” Rozler elaborated. On behalf of the Lady Warriors, Hinman explains, “We circle this game every year as our most important. Our athletes know and understand this game means more than anything else - the championship games, the tough league games, and even senior night. It’s about our program, the ones we have lost to a terrible disease and just playing for each other on the court and for our community.”
The Junior Varsity teams will tip off at 6:00pm, followed by the varsity teams at 7:30pm. The ceremony will commence directly following the Junior Varsity game. Doors to the big game will open at 5:00pm, where guests can enjoy basket raffles, t-shirt sales, a bake sale, and the buzz of the basketball court. Join the community in coming together for a powerful night of hoops and hope.