Dear Editor:

On behalf of the Warren girls basketball coaching staff and myself, Lisa LaVan, I extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful Warren County community. Your unwavering love and support have played a pivotal role in making our recent journey to Tampa, Florida for the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational an unforgettable experience.

The trip, marked by its exclusivity and prestige, was a testament to the commitment of our girls to seek out the best competition and continually strive for improvement. Participating in the third-highest level of competition with over 20 bracket levels, our team faced formidable opponents, including the No. 3-ranked team in Florida in 1A, currently holding the top spot in the state. Despite the challenges, our girls emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience and dedication.

The two other schools we faced, both three times our size and boasting a combined record of 26-11, provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Beyond the basketball court, our girls had the chance to bond, experience new things, and temporarily escape the stresses of high school life. Some flying for the first time, working collaboratively to prepare meals, and taking on responsibilities such as housekeeping fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

Our basketball program has always prided itself on being hard-working and seeking out top-notch competition, both locally and nationally. None of this would have been possible without the generous support from our community. Your donations have made a significant impact, enabling us to provide these enriching experiences for our girls.

In the spirit of giving back, our girls are planning an ALS Awareness game on Monday, Feb. 5, against Oil City at home. We invite the community to join us in supporting Live Like Lou, a Pittsburgh-based ALS foundation dedicated to assisting individuals and families affected by ALS, as well as working towards finding a cure. Our donation will be made in memory of Ed Barney, the late father of our senior player, Caitlin Barney, who bravely fought ALS for 26 months before passing in October 2016.

We believe that life is about the experiences we share and the people we share them with. Thank you once again to the Warren County community for being an integral part of our journey and for making a positive impact on the lives of our girls.

Sincerely,

Lisa LaVan and the entire Warren girls basketball coaching staff