Behind the sharpshooting of Pat Mattson and some ferocious interior play by Vesna Sophan and Tyler Levin, the 2003-2005 squad emerged as undefeated champions of the 2012 EHS Alumni Tournament, knocking off the 2008-2009 crew by two points in the championship game. While the '03-'05 crew were the chalk favorites to take home the hardware as the 8-team tournament began, they ran into a tough '08-'09 squad led by Flynn Mattson that was determined to win their first championship. What ensued in the championship game was a big brother-little brother duel for the ages, with each Mattson brother matching the other with one long range bomb after the other. In the end, the fresh legs on Paul Swanson ('03) - who made it in time for the championship game after getting off work - proved to be the difference, as the more veteran team prevailed. Below are the results from the day's action:
1st place - '03-'05
2nd place - '08-'09
3rd place - '91-'97
4th place - '06-'07
5th place - Pre-'88
6h place - '98-'00
DNP - '01-'02, 10
DNP - '11-'12
As this was the last tournament to be held in "The Pit" before the facility gets a facelift this spring, there were many encouraging developments this year that show the tournament getting stronger. This year marked the first time in nearly a decade that strong alumni participation allowed for an 8-team tournament. More encouraging was the strong presence of players from the 2000's, as each year from the 21st century was strongly represented. In comparison to three years ago when there was no alumni participation from the '05-'09 classes, it's wonderful to see the young bucks out there supporting their program (even if it means us older guys have to chase around young athletes full of energy...not so fun:).
In total, this year's tournament was a great success, and many need to be thanked for their efforts to help keep this community event growing and thriving:
- EHS Blue and Gold Club: Thanks for supporting the event by providing the capacity to reserve the gym from the Everett School District, and for providing the necessary insurance coverage for such an event. We simply couldn't have the tournament without your support; thank you.
- Ross Rettenmier, Allan White, and Dave Rucker: These members of the Alumni Tournament Committee helped brainstorm ideas and coordinate vital planning details to help make the event a success. As the point person from a B&G Club perspective and probably the most decorated EHS basketball alumni member in our community, Ross was instrumental in setting up all the logistical details for gym rental and insurance, and helped coordinate the creation of a fundraising letter to help support the basketball program. Allan was amazing handling the majority of tasks the day of the tournament, including the sign-in table, t-shirt distribution, and concessions. He also coordinated volunteers that assisted throughout the day who helped make the tourney a success. Dave spearheaded efforts to make the tournament t-shirt happen by getting a donation of shirts from H&L Sports. This group has been helping organize the event the past three years, and are passionate about keeping the tradition alive. If you see them around town, please thank them for their efforts.
- H&L Sports and Screen Printing Northwest: These two local businesses again pledged their tournament support by supplying yet another amazing tournament t-shirt. H&L donated 100 t-shirts, and Screen Printing Northwest provided the logo design and screen printing. Please show your support for these entities by giving them your thanks and your business throughout the year.
- Erin Rettenmier: Big thanks to Casey's wife for volunteer to be the tournament photographer for this year's event. She took some amazing images from the day's festivities, including many gems of me getting beat on defense repeatedly by younger, more athletic players. These pictures will run on a slideshow on the blog throughout the year, so feel free to stop by and check them out.
- John Richer & the EHS Varsity Basketball Team: I don't think enough credit can be given to John for his commitment to this year's event. His willingness to commit his players to the tournament for the entirety of the day's events was vital. The kids did a WONDERFUL job officiating, and took that responsibility very seriously. While it goes without saying, John understands the connection between the history of the program and his squad, and the tangible effect it has in showing his players they're part of something that's bigger than themselves. The community is lucky to have him on board as the program's Head Coach, and I thank him for his dedication to the Alumni Tourney and EHS Basketball.
- The Alumni: Your willingness to come out and compete keeps this tradition alive. Additionally, your financial contributions will prove helpful to the long-term viability of the program, as over $500 was raised to help support the EHS Basketball Program.
Well, it's a wrap on another year of action. See you all next year in new and improved "Pit 2.0"!
Bobby Thompson
Class of 1996
