Local rivals host friendly alumni game

Players of the past gathered together on Saturday afternoon after the first-ever Jac-Cen-Del/South Ripley girls basketball alumni game. The Lady Eagles walked out a 44-41 winner.

Once upon a time the ladies who took to the basketball court this past Saturday were bitter rivals. After all, that’s why any matchup pitting Jac-Cen-Del and South Ripley is a must-see for the community.

But this latest installment of the rivalry series was more so geared to be friendly and fun. Regardless, the inaugural alumni girls basketball game between the two was still competitive.

Alumni of all ages who had racked up numerous accolades and championships were on the floor for an event that came together this past summer and prior to the fall sports season. When it was all said and done on Saturday, Jac-Cen-Del squeaked out a 44-41 win in front of a very enthusiastic and appreciative crowd from both fan bases.

The following were those listed on the official rosters released by South Ripley High School. Others were added the day of the game: Jac-Cen-Del – Alyssa Hammond; Hailee Sizemore; Kelsey Adams; Kayla Bowling; Baili Miller; Rosie Newhart; Baylee Dwenger; Anna Hubbard; Kaytlin Sizemore; Emma Newhart; Aundrea Cullen; Annabelle Williams. South Ripley – Elexah Roepke; Katie Miller; Lexi Franklin; Gracie Gunter; LJ McQueen; Emily Flood; Kasey King Smith; Cameo Hamm; Toria Tucker; Morgan Brightwell; Cady Garcia; Cierra Copeland; Katelynn Samples; Jessi McConnell Sell; Ashlee Lauber Miller; Sealey Snyder Hyatt; Julia Rea Samples; Julie Lipperd Fisher; Rachel Mathes Lawhorn; Haley Bishop Pickett.

South Ripley’s boys basketball program is next in line to host an alumni game which will be held at the Tyson Activity Center on December 6 which will coincide with the Raiders playing a junior varsity/varsity boys doubleheader against North Decatur that evening at Tyson. The event begins at 10 a.m. and those wishing to participate can contact the South Ripley coaching staff.