Basketball players walk off court to defend bullied cheerleader with Down syndrome

The cheerleader was being bullied during a basketball game when some very unexpected people came to her defense.

Desiree Andrews has Down's syndrome. But the sweet girl doesn't let that stop her from participating in school and extra curricular activities, including cheerleading.

During a basketball game at her school, Lincoln Middle School, in 2015 Andrews was faced with bullying from some spectators sitting in the stands watching the game.

Fortunately for her, some of the players heard what was going on, and decided to leave the court to come to her defense.

TODAY'S TMJ4 reported on the wonderful actions of the young students who stepped in to prevent the bullies from continuing their unkind tirade simply because she is different

The three boys, Miles Rodriguez, Chase Vasquez, and Scooter Terrien, said that they were angry to hear that she was being picked on.

“It’s not fair when other people get treated wrong, because we’re all the same,” said Terrien. “We’re all created the same; God made us the same way.”

As a result of that incident, the boys became good friends with Andrews, fondly calling her D, and walking with her to class during school hours.

“They have really stepped up, almost like they are big brothers to her,” basketball coach David Tolefree told Fox News. “It’s good to see.”

Other students at the school were also drawn to the happy young girl, and she made many new friends after that.

For her part, Andrews thought that the boys' actions were “sweet, kind, awesome, amazing.”

They even started calling their gymnasium "D's House," and the sports director had a banner made reflecting that sweet nickname.

Andrews' father, Cliff, also thanked the boys for coming to his daughter's defense.

Teachers at the school reported a wonderful increase in school spirit since the three boys came to her defense during their game.