Sports
Photos: GCHS Men's Alumni Basketball Game
TMA-sponsored event benefitting the National MS Society drew 18 former girls varsity basketball players back to the court they once starred on.
On Saturday evening the Garden City High School gymnasium turned back the clock for its returning basketball stars. The game was hosted by the Men's Association with Bob Basel and Mickey Paxton running the point for the evening.
The night also featured Garden City historian and long time PA announcer Jake White pulling together all the basketball stats and filling in much "color commentary" for each of the players.
All proceeds from the reunion were targeted to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
At 5:30 p.m. the evening kicked off with the women's game featuring 16 players from the past four decades. From Nancy Lewis ('81), Anne Kelly ('82) and Kelly Seebeck ('93) to youngsters Barbara Sullivan ('11) and Jess Stein ('12), the ladies enjoyed running the court one more time.
All-time leading scorer Bethany LeSueur ('01), Stephanie ('05) and Diana Leondis ('10) and Christine LiCalzi ('06) all looked like they were looking to get a run with the current varsity. The game came down to a final free throw proving that these ladies were here to compete.
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The men's game followed a tightly contested women's game and in a similar manner went down to the wire. The game featured 48 alumni that spanned seven decades. From Keith Hertell ('60) to last year's graduate Spencer Bais, the Trojans alums were well represented.
With Gerry Kelly ('75) coaching one squad and current head coach Larry Steimer the other, the teams rotated their five players to keep fresh legs running the court.
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A highlight of the game was the opening tip off which pitted teammates and fellow 6'6" players Rick Herbst ('75) and Bruce Bergwall ('76) - Herbst got the advantage in this one.
Several highlights of the game were Keith Hertell ('60) sinking a three pointer, Bill Horstmann ('73) driving the lane several times for the baskets and Mickey Paxton ('79) hitting for an all time best eight points.
After the games the players, their families and friends enjoyed some well deserved food and libations at Doc O'Grady's.
