SIDNEY - With a few exceptions, it was a showcase of the youngest Sidney graduates on the basketball court during the 21st annual Sidney Alumni Basketball Night, hosted by the Sidney Alumni Basketball Association (SABA), Friday, November 29.

Most important besides the good time enjoyed by all, was the more than $350 raised for the yearly scholarship offered to a basketball senior in June.

The hope for two games for the first time since 2004 were quickly dashed when only three of the "older generation" were able to lace up their sneakers. However, on the good side - and it gives hope to the future of the event - was the appearance of many recent SCS grads who could not wait to play at the Sidney Middle School gym.

It was quickly decided that the three old-timers would join forces with the "young guns" to play one very fast-paced game. Honorary coaches were Mike Brazee, long-time varsity head coach and still active, and his former JV assistant Bob Finnegan, a recent inductee into the Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame.

Dividing the teams was easy. Seven members of the most recent class to graduate (2013) made one team, joined by Class of 1987 teammate Nic Tartaglia and Joe Moran. Later, 2009 graduate Quinn Dorsey joined that team as well.

Meanwhile, the Class of 2011 decided they'd play together and agreed to take on 2008 Kody Westcott and the oldest member of the group, and founder of SABA, Greg Davie '76.

Hot shooting by the 13s got things started, with Hunter Sowersby hitting five quick points. But the 11s came right back and scorched the nets for 39 first-half points, led by Matt Vogel's 9 points and a similar total by Greg Davie, who made all three of his 3-point attempts. At the half, the 11s led 39-22.

The older team extended that lead into the 20s with hot-shooting from Vogel, Josh Wilce and Alex Heil. But late arrival Quinn Dorsey was a real difference-maker midway through the second half. He scored all 16 of his points in the last ten minutes of play, helping the younger team shave the lead inside of ten points with two minutes to go.

Dylan Umbra and Kody Westcott scored inside hoops, plus Umbra made a long three from the corer to seal the win for the 11s. Final score again, 74-64.

Voted Young Guns MVP for his 19 points and double figures is assists and rebounds was Matt Vogel. Umbra and Kody Westcott chipped in with 13 points for the winners.

Joe Moran was named MVP for the "old-timers". His stats are better left unmentioned, except for his generous donation to SABA, which is very much appreciated. Besides Dorsey' 16, the 13s were led by Hunter Sowersby with 14 and Joey Matzel with 10.

SABA would like to thank Mike Brazee, Bob Finnegan and Kevin Davie for their help in running a success event. Now the challenge is on to bring more alumni back for an even better Alumni Basketball Night next November!

Greg Davie

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

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