Dominic plays reunion game

[Sir Lawrence]

Red Devil reunion brings back basketball memories

BY JOSH CHAPIN • STAFF WRITER • August 25, 2008

   
Richmond's basketball past was front and center Saturday night at Tiernan Center.


It was just like old times for fans and players alike during the Richmond reunion that featured about 30 former Red Devils facing off in a Red vs. White exhibition game.

Dominic James wowed the enthusiastic crowd of about 2,000 with a rim-rattling dunk -- then paused to dish out a hug to a special friend.

"It was very nice," said Natasha Snyder, the recipient of many a greeting from James during his playing days for RHS. "It did bring back a lot of good memories."

For Natasha's father, Jim, as well. "It was really touching when he came over and gave her a hug and a kiss like he used to in the old games," Jim Snyder said. "He's just a special individual."

Natasha Snyder was seated near the south basket with her guide dog, Checkers. She has limited mobility as the result of her battle with cerebral palsy with tremors.

James was happy to see Natasha and the rest of the Richmond fans who attended the benefit for Townsend Center

Robert "Boogie" Sanders organized the event.

"I'm just glad I'm in a position I can give thanks to the people who helped me get where I am right now," said James, who is preparing for his senior season at Marquette. "Without the Richmond fans and my family, I wouldn't be in the position I am at this point."

James was eager to play in the alumni game. "I gave Boogie my word from Day One. Any opportunity I have to help a good cause, I'll do it."

James averaged 12.9 points, 4.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game his junior season.

He's fourth all-time at Marquette in career assists and 15th for points.

He's also starting under a new coach. Buzz Williams replaced Tom Crean, who is now head coach at Indiana University.

"I've got a freshman mentality, just being excited to play," James said. "I can't wait."
Keeping score

This was a lot looser game than usual for Gary Eagles.

The longtime Richmond scorekeeper didn't have much pressure making sure the right points went to the right players. "If you make a couple mistakes, nobody cares," Eagles said of tracking Saturday's statistics. "The game doesn't count."

It was exciting, though, with Dedric Thompson posting game-high honors with 28 points for the White squad.

But, James scored 22 and Gary Sellers 20 during the 108-90 victory for the Red.

Seeing many RHS standouts back on the court was a thrill. "I've seen people I haven't seen in years and years," Eagles said. "I've kept score for almost everybody out here. It brings back fantastic memories."

It did for the players, too. And for the coaches. "I remember being up in the top row and watching a lot of those guys in their primes," said Curtis Wright, who coached the Red team and is the head boys basketball coach at Ben Davis.

"It was great to see the community come together and show each other a lot of support."

http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080825/NEWS02/808250322

[Murffieus]

I hope there was no admission charge-----I know a guy that lost a year of eligibility by playing in front of a paid admission audience in the summertime.

[Sir Lawrence]

I hope there was no admission charge-----I know a guy that lost a year of eligibility by playing in front of a paid admission audience in the summertime.

From the NCAA rule book:

14.7.3.1 In All Sports.

(a) High School Alumni Game. A student-athlete may compete in one game a year involving players from the student-athlete's former high school and its alumni team. In sports other than basketball, this game must take place during an official vacation period of the institution's academic year.

[MUEng92]

Is that a joke?

I cannot believe there is a rule for this specific situation.  I don't think I have even heard of having a HS alumni game.

They can't figure out how to crown a legitimate champion in football, but at least the NCAA has HS alumni games figured out!

[Sir Lawrence]

Is that a joke?

No joke.  Direct quote from the rule book. 

[muwarrior87]

Is that a joke?

I cannot believe there is a rule for this specific situation.  I don't think I have even heard of having a HS alumni game.

They can't figure out how to crown a legitimate champion in football, but at least the NCAA has HS alumni games figured out!

we just had a hs reunion soccer game a few weeks ago. I'm sure it's more common than some would think

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I'm running in a alumni cross country meet next week at my former high school.  My former high school does this for cross country, soccer, basketball and hockey.  Alumni come back and a play a game (or a meet) against the current team.  It acts a pre-season scrimmage ...... and they usually serve coffee and donuts.