The event started out as a friendly challenge between two groups of young folks at Sand Springs Baptist Church (SSBC). There was a group of young men who played ball to stay in shape, and there was another group who played this past season at Alba-Golden High School.

A game for bragging rights had been in the making. Then tragedy struck.

Joshua Matthews came to Alba with his bride Ashley about twelve years ago. As Sand Springs Youth Pastor Kevin Wright related, “Joshua came to our youth program at Sand Springs, just walked in and said, ‘What can I do to help?’”

Wright came to count on Matthews for much of the preparation work of the youth group ministry. He handled all the audio-visual equipment and any computer issues. Wright paid him one of the greatest compliments someone can earn: “He lived authentically in his faith,” he stated. 

Matthews was also always early to the youth group ministry, usually arriving on Wednesday evening before Wright.

That is, until a recent Wednesday afternoon, when a collision in the construction zone on US-69 took his life. Wright admitted that he felt uneasy throughout that evening’s ministry session, as Matthews was not there. 

Later that evening, the news became known. Matthews had been struck down. He left his wife, Ashley, and two young children.

The tragic passing of a young father will change the lives of the Matthews family. It also changed the conversation among the young men who had been planning that basketball challenge.

The game was still on, but it became a fundraiser for support to the family.

In a manner which is typically ‘Alba-like,’ the benefit just happened. 

Alba-Golden ISD offered the gymnasium. James Spurgeon and Austin Woodrum, a 2009 AG grad, volunteered as officials. Another AG grad, Otis Lee, stepped up and played an amazing version of the national anthem on his guitar.

At the door, there was a small table where folks could make a donation to the family on Venmo or Cash App. There was also a cash bag into which yet another volunteer received donations.

The gym began to fill. Although it wasn’t the same size crowd that an Alba-Golden vs. Emory game might bring, it was still well-attended. It is estimated that 350 people were at the event. 

Judging from the manner in which the Sand Springs team ran through their pre-game drills, it was going to be a serious basketball game. 

Before the action began, however, recent AG graduate Will Louderman offered the invocation. His prayer related thanks for the opportunity to support the Matthews family, and asked that comfort be provided them.

Following Lee’s excellent rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, introductions of each team were made. Sand Springs Baptist Church sported custom jerseys with “SSBC” on the front and “John 16:33” embossed across the back, atop the numbers.

That verse from the Gospel of John was also open and highlighted in a Bible on that small table as one entered the gym. It says, “I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Ryan Gonzalez of SSBC scored the first points of the game with a long three-pointer which brought a huge cheer from the crowd. The first quarter offered some quality basketball. Tough man-to-man defense on both ends of the court kept the scoring at a premium. 

Alba-Golden’s Boogie Trimble hit a three-pointer in the closing seconds of the quarter and was fouled on the shot. It was the only whistle of the quarter, as it was clear that both teams were used to self-regulating. Trimble sunk the free throw and the quarter ended in a 10-10 tie.

The Panthers maintained the edge through the first half, taking a 21-18 lead at the break.

At halftime, a generational three-point shooting contest entertained the crowd. Bubba Peebles and youngster Hazir Mataj faced off from beyond the arc. It took Peebles most of the way around to range in on his jumper. He finished with two baskets. Young Mataj quickly sunk four shots from distance and cruised to victory.

The third quarter started with a frenzy of action, but few shots fell at either end. SSBC took a lead with 2:00 to play in the quarter, and never relinquished it. At the quarter break, SSBC held a narrow 27-24 lead.

In the final period, the Panthers first tried to spread the SSBC five out and, later in the fourth, they started to apply some half-court pressure, but the SSBC team would not break. 

SSBC neutralized Alba-Golden center Blake Harris with some tough double-teams. Meanwhile, drives by SSBC’s Jake Osbern, Gavin Parker and Cameron Lennon, on-court leadership by Garrett Wright and inside work by Ryan Gonzalez put up 13 points in the final period.

SSBC secured the bragging rights with a 40-34 win.

The basketball fundraiser garnered $4,745 for the family – money which will surely be needed in the short term, and may ease just a bit of uncertainty in the immediate future. 

It wasn’t the only benefit from the night. When asked if they were family, Gary and Linda Johnstone summed up the event by simply stating, “Yes, our church family.” 

James Parker noted that it was a special night because alumni and current athletes are coming together for a common cause. Kacey Poole agreed, saying, “it’s just what we do; we love them (the Matthews) a whole lot.” 

Benney Albers confessed, “Tragedy can happen to any of us, and it will. It is wonderful to have a community like this.”

Ashley Matthews, maintaining her composure and emotions as best she could, struggled to express herself. “I am overwhelmed,” she said.