There were echoes Saturday in our main gym, as alums from as far back as 2004 and former grads and collegiate basketball stars who played as far apart as Florida and California got together for a fun hoops' game against our current varsity players. 
 
All in all, the Basketball Alumni event was a big success, featuring 17 who have come and gone who teamed up for a fun four-quarter contest against our existing squad. All in all, 155 total points were scored, with the alums still showing they can get up and down the court – at least most of them anyway. LOL
 
"I seem to be a little heavier these days," one of them said. "The pizza we had afterwards probably isn't going to help very much."
 
Another had to run to his car at halftime when he learned he would have to play, while another had to borrow a different sized jersey as the years have allegedly changed his shape a bit.
 
Regardless, it was all in good fun and it ended in a learning experience for all – our grads switched roles into mentors while our students took in life lessons. 
 
Props to our Alumni Department and our basketball coaches, as well as our P.A. Announcer and speaker Keith White, all who entertained, organized, and spoke both during and after the event. 
 
"Everyone here is part of a very special fraternity," Mr. White said to the entire outfit. "Many aren't privileged enough to be here so I hope none of you take this for granted."
 
Our former student/athletes also spoke afterwards – they inspired our current kids with their adventures after HIES and how our school has influenced them as they've gone forward. 
 
Alums who participated included Jaiah Scott ('04), Patrick Parsons ('04), Brent Duncan ('16), Jules Erving ('17), Edward Verdree ('17), Shay Sweat ('18), Jada Dodd ('18), Mykel Tubbs ('18), Dylan Jones ('19), Alex Hyatt ('19), Todd Ennis ('19), Grant Esler ('20), Justin Wilson ('21), Nicholas Verlander ('21), and recent grads Joey Holliday, Harrison Verlander, and Caleb Walker. 
 
Some of our former stars are still competing collegiately – Verdree is in his last year of football at Carson Newman as is Tubbs at West Georgia. Holliday is off to U. Penn, also for football.  Duncan, Erving, and Sweat played collegiate hoops – Duncan at the University of Tampa, Erving at Cal Berkeley, and Sweat at Agnes Scott. 
 
Thanks to all for a special day – seeing all the grads and current lads together in one room put exclamation points on who we are and what we're all about.
 
Great job…