December 24, 2013 at 10:59 a.m.
RHS alumni basketball tournament sees record participation
RHS alumni basketball tournament sees record participation
Players ran the gamut in terms of age and experience, some graduated in the '80s while others donned cap and gown as recently as May.
There were early favorites heading into play on Saturday, but several of those projections changed quickly when a key no-show and roster changes changed things significantly.
A team consisting primarily of members of the White family and their cousins, the Mathews family, took home the title.
The result was not surprising as many of the members of that squad played key roles in Hodag teams of recent memory.
Class of 2007 graduate and University of Wisconsin-Superior standout Jake Smith was rumored to be competing on a team headlined by classmate Jesse Richter and 2005 graduates Drew Flory, Jake Nelson and Brian Geertgens, but he was unable to make the tourney.
Fellow 2005 graduate Nate Lemmens was also rumored to be playing on that squad, but he instead joined his brother, Derek Lemmens, on another team. The night before the tournament, Derek Lemmens and his Hodags took on the Nate Lemmens-led Wausau West Warriors, with Rhinelander coming out on top.
When the brothers teamed up the next day, many viewed their as the favorite, but they failed to make it to the finals. Damon Bradley, a 2009 graduate, said he thought the Lemmens duo would absolutely end up in a championship, but the Whites and the Mathewses were a significant challenge.
"The favorites were the Whites and Mathewses, or the Lemmens team," he said. "If they would have been in opposite sides of the bracket, they would have been in the championship game against each other, I think. The Whites and Mathews are tall and athletic though, so I'm not surprised they won it. They have a couple decent shooters too."
Ray Vermiglio graduated in 2008. He competed on a team that consisted of players from a number of different classes, including 2007, 2009 and 2011. His strategy was a simple one.
"We wanted to get there on time and not lose to the younger teams," he said.
Although the Whites were a formidable squad, Vermiglio said they benefited from some favorable circumstances.
"The competition was down this year, mostly because Jake Smith didn't play and the Lemmens brothers were both sick," he said. "The Lemmens' team was the favorite, but I'm not surprised the Whites and Mathewses won it. They're all tall and pretty athletic."
Ryan Kelly played with Vermiglio and said he though the Lemmens' team would win the tournament too.
"With Derek and Nate Lemmens playing together, and their team having won the tournament without them last year, I expected them to be the favorites," he said. "In that respect, I was surprised to see the White family win it, but they're all athletes and are all so tall, so that's a big advantage."
Even without the validation of the championship, players enjoyed competing in the alumni tournament, an event that's become a tradition in the area. For many, it's not so much about winning as it is about getting back on the court with friends and former teammates.
"The best part is definitely seeing everyone from your own class and past classes," Bradley said. "It's great getting together again for some friends and competition."
It's an event heavily anchored by the camaraderie that comes with playing Rhinelander basketball. Kelly, who's played in the tournament every year since he graduated, said it's something he always looks forward to.
"It's nice to see everyone again," he said. "It's just fun to compete in this tournament every year."
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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