The Woodshed was packed on December 17th with friends, family, and over 50 alumni who came to cheer on their alma mater while connecting with old friends and faculty. Alumni and their families were specially invited to the catered event inside the Vikings Cafe, where they enjoyed food and fellowship with a view of the court, while Varsity Girls and JV and Varsity Boys Basketball teams took on Central Davidson High School. Alumni from 13 different graduating classes attended!
Adding to the specialness of this event was the fact that all teams were coached by SBCS Alumni. Although our middle school girls and boys teams did not play this night, are also coached by alumni– Allison Lloyd (‘03) is our girls Head Coach and Josh Merrit (‘14) is our boys Assistant Coach. Our JV boys team, coached by Jacob Thomas (‘13), fought hard and showed great teamwork, but was ultimately defeated 63-59. At halftime, cheerleaders performed their latest routine.
Alicia Kale, class of ‘15 and Varsity Girls Coach was proud of her team’s performance. Although they were defeated, this is a rebuilding year and the girls demonstrated
improvement. According to Coach Kale, “The outcome wasn’t what we had expected on alumni night, but I am always proud of our girls. I never have to wonder if they are going to give their full effort each game, and I’m looking forward to improving throughout the season. It was also great to see several friends whom I graduated with.” Coach Kale has built up an assistant coaching staff also made up of alumni, including Leah Gist (‘15), Hannah Collins (‘20), and Emma Miller (‘21).
During halftime of the girls’ game, Dr. Campbell MC-ed a game of knock-out with six to eight sporting alumni. They were cheered on by the crowd and it was very competitive, taking up the entire game break. Ultimately, Andrew Watkins (‘18) won the bragging rights of victor and a gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The Varsity Boys game had high energy both in the bleachers and on the court. Head coach Spencer Kale (‘11) and assistant coach RJ Hodges (‘13) fought a close game. During halftime, alumni came down to the court to be recognized, to the applause of the crowd. In the end, our boys took the win with a score of 63-59.
After the boys’ game, alumni and their families stayed for the alumni game. Former upper school principal, Mark Baker, and former athletics director, Drew Glupker, were invited to referee the game. It was fun for both players and fans, with a lot of hard work, laughs, and camaraderie. The final score was 96-93. Door-prize winners were Alvin Wolfe (‘15) and Eden Gfeller (‘21).