VIDEO: 'All for Elli" Chant Greets St. Michael Teen at Basketball Game

For the third consecutive year, the night was a resounding success for the girls' basketball team at St. Michael-Albertville High School (including a second-straight win) as they strived to raise money for one of their own. 

The Knights girls' team pulled off a 20-point win over Buffalo, making up for a heartbreaking, overtime loss on the boys' side to the Bison. 

But the highlight was a chant for someone who wasn't ever going to play. 

"All for Elli" has been the rally cry for friends, relatives and even classmates of Elli Hoffmeister, the St. Michael teen battling a rare disease. 

On a mobile device? Click here to view the video. 

Kent Hamre, head coach of the girls' team, sent this note: 

"A huge thank you to the students, staff, fans, and community of St. Michael-Albertville (and Buffalo) for the success of the All for Elli night at the girls’ and boys’ basketball double header on Friday night. The outpouring of generosity raised almost $4,500 for Elli and her family. Aside from the financial contribution, the support shown for one of our own students was second to none.  Elli was definitely the star of the night!! She sat right behind the players’ bench, took pictures with the players, was the first 'starter' announced prior to the girls’ game, drew the winning raffle and 50/50 tickets at halftime, and participated in a circle of support with the players and coaches from both Buffalo and STMA to conclude the night.  Elli and her family were very appreciative of the event and had huge smiles on their faces all night!  The biggest smile (and perhaps a few happy tears) may have been when her peers were chanting 'all for Elli' as she walked onto the court to be introduced."

The girls' team has used the "Coaches vs. Cancer" night to give back to the Letellier, Purohit and Juntenen families over the past two years, and the Hoffmeister family this year.