High Schoolers Surprise Elementary Basketball Team with Cheers

After the 4th graders became the 'mini student section' for the high school team, the high schoolers returned the favor.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A group of 4th-grade basketball players in Salt Lake City, Utah have been enthusiastically cheering on the Alta High School basketball team for the past couple of years. After the high school team advanced through the playoffs, one of the elementary students asked a high school senior to come to his team's game. Not only did the senior show up, but he brought the entire high school team to support their biggest fans. The heartwarming display of community and support between the two teams has gone viral.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of sports to bring communities together, as well as the positive impact that high school athletes can have on younger students. The 4th graders' dedication to cheering on the high school team, and the high schoolers' willingness to return the favor, demonstrates the value of mentorship and the way that simple acts of kindness can inspire hope.

The details

The 4th-grade basketball players have been attending Alta High School's games for the past couple of years, sitting together on the opposing team's side of the bleachers and enthusiastically cheering on the high schoolers. After the Alta team advanced through the playoffs, one of the elementary students, Owen, asked senior Dash Reiser to come to his 4th-grade game. Reiser not only showed up, but brought the entire Alta High School basketball team with him to support their biggest fans. The high schoolers cheered wildly for the 4th graders, celebrating their every steal, foul shot, and basket.

  • The 4th graders have been attending Alta High School's basketball games for the past couple of years.
  • On February 20, the Alta High School team advanced through the playoffs.
  • On February 21, the high school team attended the 4th graders' game.

The players

Abby White

A mother of one of the 4th-grade basketball players.

Owen

A 4th-grade basketball player who invited the high school senior to his team's game.

Dash Reiser

A senior on the Alta High School basketball team who accepted the 4th grader's invitation and brought the entire team to support the younger players.

Alta High School Basketball Team

The high school basketball team that enthusiastically cheered on the 4th-grade basketball players.

4th-Grade Basketball Players

A group of elementary school students who have been dedicated fans of the Alta High School basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I think that kind of fueled their fandom a little bit — they felt like a part of something bigger.”

— Abby White, Mother of 4th-grade basketball player (TODAY.com)

“Once the whole team was there, they just started going wild for the boys: any steal, any foul shot, any basket, they just were on their feet and not just clapping, but screaming and jumping up and down.”

— Abby White, Mother of 4th-grade basketball player (TODAY.com)

“As a parent, you're teaching your kids what matters in life, you're hoping they're going to be good people and be kind, and you hope other parents are teaching their kids the same things. This experience gave me hope in all of that paying off.”

— Abby White, Mother of 4th-grade basketball player (TODAY.com)

“I knew as soon as we made that announcement that everyone was going to come because we have great kids in our program that love supporting others.”

— Dash Reiser, Alta High School Basketball Player (TODAY.com)

What’s next

The 4th-grade basketball team and the Alta High School team plan to continue supporting each other at their respective games throughout the rest of the season.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of sports to bring communities together and inspire acts of kindness. The mutual support and enthusiasm between the 4th graders and the high schoolers is a testament to the positive impact that mentorship and community can have on young athletes.