The bleachers were packed Saturday night for the Rivalry of Legends, a “grudge” match between basketball stars from two rival Orillia high schools.
While the athletes were older and undoubtedly felt a little sore Sunday, a good time was had as players from ODCVI and Twin Lakes clashed in a fun-filled game at Twin Lakes.
The two rival teams had some classic, dramatic clashes from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s; they often battled each other in the city championship finales or in key games at the annual Blackball Classic.
Despite the rivalry, the local athletes were, mostly, friends and whenever they got together in recent years, they inevitably recalled those glory days on the hardcourt. For years, they talked about playing one last time.
And on Saturday night, they did just that. Former Twin Lakes coaches Randy Kitchen and Paul Hopper returned to coach the T’birds and long-time local referees Stuart Finlayson and Doug MacMillan also returned to officiate the game.
In the end, ODCVI managed to earn bragging rights, as the Blues prevailed 46-38.
But the big winners were The Sharing Place Food Bank and the KICX 106 Toy Drive as fans were encouraged to bring donations to the two causes. Lots of food and cash were raised through the contest.
The alumni game was organized by Scott Mitchell and Adam Danko.
Suiting up for the T’birds were Mike Abbott, Glen Bursey, T.A. Crook, Jeff Deimling, Aaron Duncan, Joel Duncan, Nathan Duncan, Joel Kitchen, Wesley McBride, Scott Mitchell, Clint Popp, Lee Robertson, Frank Stones, Shawn Sugden and Jon Vodarek.
ODCVI players included Adam Danko, Gibb McGugan, Ian Smith, Danny Souter, Ron Hendy, Josh Morgan, Dan Reid, Rob Gordon, George Karahalios, Dean Carney, Steve Keyzer, Jeff Danko and Ben Lowry.
