Local high school basketball fans will remember a time, from the mid-1990s, to early in the 2000s, when ODCVI and Twin Lakes waged war on the hardcourt in some epic basketball battles.
These were intense games in which emotions surged with each basket, when a foul could spell the difference between a momentous win and a heart-breaking loss.
“We had narrow wins and close defeats in the city championships and Blackball and the games always seemed to end in dramatic fashion,” recalled former Twin Lakes hoops star Jon Vodarek. “We have all remained good friends and we all talk about that era.”
Talk in recent years has turned to getting back in the gym.
“We decided we should get the teams together again, have a grudge match and a few laughs,” quipped Vodarek.
And, now, finally, it’s happening, thanks to the efforts of organizers Scott Mitchell and Adam Danko.
The throwback match between the old cross-town rivals, dubbed a Rivalry of Legends, is set for Saturday night at Twin Lakes with tip-off slated for 6:30 p.m.
There is no admission fee for the alumni contest but donations would be appreciated. The teams plan to donate proceeds to a local, as-yet undecided charity.
The Twin Lakes squad will be coached by Paul Hopper and Randy Kitchen, former teachers and long-time coaches at the west-end high school.
Suiting up for the T’birds, trying to recapture the magic of their youth, will be 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 Vodarek.
Donning the old familiar blue uniforms for ODCVI will be 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.
If you're looking to take a trip down memory lane and re-live some local sports magic, you won't want to miss this game at Twin Lakes.
