HOT SPRINGS - The high school played host to the annual Hot Springs alumni basketball game on Friday pitting the current team versus players from past teams. The event served as a fundraiser and as a fun lead up to the 64th annual Homesteader Days celebration in Hot Springs.

The first game between the girls was a hard fought battle. Both teams pulled no punches in the game that saw at least one player from the alumni go down with an injury. With the high school team leading at the half, the coaching staff appeared to make some minor adjustments.

Despite an aggressive defense, the alumni were no match for the offensive onslaught of the high school team losing the match 33 to 22. Alyssa Foster led the team with ten points followed by the Schmeidbauer twins Laurel and Meara who each put up seven points. Kerry Fisher had six points for the alumni team.

It was a different story when the men’s alumni team and the boy’s basketball team squared off. The overwhelming size of the alumni team helped them drive to the basket, splitting the defense and allowing for easier penetration in the paint. The alumni won the game with a score of 64 to 49. Nick Pavelich led the team with 26 points.

Referee and organizer Lenny Page said he expected a tough match between the two teams.

“I thought the game would be close but the alumni were just too much for them,” said Page.

Page said he was satisfied with the turnout. About 50 people attended the friendly matches.

“We had a good turnout. I think in coming years attendance will get better and better. The community is really supportive of the event,” said Page.

The event served as a fundraiser, netting approximately $750 towards the construction of a new announcer booth for the football field behind the high school.