TIM WEIGHT/For The Express A player on the ‘Blue’ team of the alumni game attempts to block Richie LaSalle’s shot during Saturday night’s alumni basketball game at Central Mountain High School as players of both teams look on.

The Central Mountain boys and girls basketball teams hosted its second-ever alumni basketball event on Saturday evening at Central Mountain High School. Participants could be graduates of Bald Eagle-Nittany, Lock Haven High School or Central Mountain and both girls and boys had solid turnouts.

“The event was a huge success, thanks to the many generous sponsors and all of the participants,” current Central Mountain High School girls basketball coach Scott Baker said. “The boys and girls Wildcat programs are thankful for all who made the event one to remember.”

13 women participated in the women’s game, which was won by the white team in a competitive, 38-35 contest. The white team was coached by longtime Bald Eagle-Nittany and Central Mountain coach Bob Heintz with the blue being coached by current Central Mountain coach Scott Baker.

The men’s game featured the white team coached by former BEN coach and Central Mountain JV coach Michael Monoski against the Blue team, which was led by former Lock Haven and Central Mountain coach Steve Turchetta. The Blue came out on top with a convincing, 71-45 victory with 20 men participating in that game.

In addition to the games, a 3-point shotting contest featured 14 alumni shooters. The final round saw Steve Shade face off against former Central Mountain and LHU standout Joe Walker as Walker edged Shade for the victory.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Mary Monoski of the white team attempts a shot duirng Saturday night’s alumni women’s basketball game.

The most senior participant on the night came as current Central Mountain freshmen boys coach and BEN Class of 1988 graduate Michael Smith participated. Smith received a small care package at halftime from current girls Wildcat Danica Kelly, who was the organizer of the event for her senior project and to benefit the boys and girls baketball booster programs. Smith received a few small things in the bag to help those aching muscles.

There were basket raffles and a 50/50 drawing as well as the sale of t-shirts to commemorate the event. All participants in the games received a game t-shirt with their name and number.

The boys and girls booster programs would like to thank its sponsors and volunteer referees for the games, Melinda Fenton, Tim Keohane, Albert Jones and Missy Blazina, who played in the women’s game before officiating the men’s game.

Sponsors for the event included, Haven Spa, Haffley Insurance Inc., Puff-N-Snuff, Inc., Lloyd’s Landscaping and Lawncare, Tom Booth Maintenance and Repair, NAPA Auto Parts, Miller’s Gun Shop and The Beauty Shoppe. The teams also thank the raffle and general sponsors.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Tara Mader of the white team attempts to shoot a ball as a defender on the blue team tries to stop her.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Summer Flanagan (3) of the blue team attempts a shot in Saturday night’s alumni girls basketball game against the white team.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Joe Walker contests the shot of Richie Lasalle as Dan Howard, Tanner Blazina and Mike Smith look on during Saturday night’s alumni men’s baketball at Central Mountain High School. The blue team won in convincing fashion, 71-45.