SIDNEY - Make it an even dozen for the Sidney Alumni Basketball Association.

For the 12th year Sidney High alumni, both local and from around the country, returned to the court of their alma mater for the annual Basketball Night November 29. Around 40 guys came to play, ranging from perennial "Old Timer" Dave Ineich from the Class of 1956 to several members of the 2003 League Champion Warriors.

In the Old-Timers game, there were two missing components to the fun for the first time. Coach Doug Fessenden and Class of 1969 standout Dave Gill were unable to attend after they had been part of the first eleven Alumni games.

A few new faces did show up, however, including several who switched to the Old-Timers game since passing the "official" cutoff age of 35. One new player was Jon Jay DeTemple, Class of 1961. Jon has returned to be the guest speaker at the previous night's Alumni Sports Hall of Fame dinner and induction. He made the comment that it had been 42 years he had last played on the SHS hardwood, and we're glad he did.

Two alumni regulars out with injuries became coaches for the Old-Timers game, Steve Schaeffer ('69) and Greg Davie ('76). Greg did make an impromptu appearance at the foul line for Jeff Hathaway ('80) making one of the two tries.

As for the game itself, the teams were divided into the oldest and youngest together as one unit and those in between as the other unit. Apparently the Class of 1981, who came with five very able bodies, took advantage.

Classmates from that year Mike Hamilton, Scott Dewey and Carl Roof combined for 32 points but it was MVP Tim Elwood ('75) who led the way with 12 for the victorious White squad. A 32-21 half-time lead expanded to a final score of 65-44.

For the Maroon team, Tom Woodruff ('82) sparked the inside game with ten points, followed closely by Tim Cutting ('85) with nine and Dave Ineich ('56) who scored all eight of his points on consecutive shots in the second half.

In the shooting contest, former teammates Rick Mirabito ('76) and Tim Elwood faced each other with Rick coming out on top.

When the younger set came out, the pace was noticeably faster.

In lieu of coaches (current Sidney coaches Mike Brazee ('76) and Bob Finnegan were in Windsor for their season-opening tournament), captains for the night were Teddy Boice ('92) for the Maroon and Mike Hamilton ('81) for the White.

Yes, Mike played in both games, as did older brother Paul Jr. ('77). This was to keep a Hamilton tradition of two generations going - Paul III ('01) joined his dad on the Maroon team.

A hectic first half saw all but one player score points, an Alumni first. Team Maroon led 47-40, despite six 3 pointers by Team White

Again, former teammates were the finalists in the shooting contest, Jon Carvin and Eric Miley (both Class of 2000). Eric, Sidney's all-time leading scorer, took the trophy this year.

The second. half pace slowed considerably. Team Maroon led most of the way, although Team White made repeated efforts to grab the upper hand. The final score 75-66, was not as close as the action indicated.

Voting for the MVP was done by crowd approval, since a candidate from each team deserve the award. With the game-high 19 points, Aaron Wood ('00) won out over Teddy Boice ('92), who finished with 15 points.

Mike Hamilton matched his earlier game's total with 11 for the white team, while Don Wood ('01), and Jerry Warner ('93) has 12 and 10 respectively.

Last year's recipient of the Sidney Alumni Basketball Association Scholarship, Doug Bryden of the Class of 2003, played in his first Alumni game, joined by Garrett Munro. For Garrett, it was the first time he played alongside his brother Robb ('96) on the Sidney floor. That is one of the favorite Alumni Night traditions, who brothers (or sons) can share the moment.

The SABA Scholarship will continue, thanks to the funds generated by this event. Thanks also to the Tri-Town Boys and Girls Club and Sidney Booster Club who helped with tickets and concessions.

After the gym doors were closed, the fun continued at Toddie's for some food and conversations. We always must thank Steve Schaeffer ('69) for keeping yet another Alumni tradition alive! -

Greg Davie

For photos of this year's game, please click here

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