High school sports are one of the most influential times in many people’s lives. For a time, it was a lot of people’s identity, especially when it came to being a high school athlete. Revisiting the moments that high school sports brought would be an interesting event to experience.

Here at James C. Enochs High School, head coach Craig Bernardi, along with others, helped put together the first ever Enochs Basketball Alumni Game. This event became an exciting and anticipating game for people who were a part of the Enochs basketball community. Players, coaches, parents, family, friends, and students were all able to come together for a reunion to remember and connect on the times spent playing basketball for Enochs High School. 

The range of players consisted of alumni who graduated all the way back from the class of 2009, to the earliest of last year’s class of 2023. Players were divided among two teams, where each team had a mix of players from older classes and younger classes.

The game itself was a fun and exciting experience for players and fans watching. To everyone’s surprise, the game was actually extremely close and high scoring. In fact, the game came down to Marcus Purugganan’s final 3 point shot attempt to tie the game, which he, unfortunately, missed. Players from both teams were able to make it an extremely competitive yet extremely fun game to watch. The final of the game was 77-74 with the team of Kevin King, Isaiah Toma, Ryan Orona, Cale Ramel, Mark Ismail, Daniel Gallego, Coach Miera, Braeden Leonetti, Caleb Whorton, Timothy Martinez, Matthew Page, and Gavin Taa taking the win for the first ever Enochs Alumni Game. 

Some notable players from this game included Nephrey Donasco, Isaiah Toma, and the current Enochs basketball team’s very own Coach Mierca. Nephrey brought back that dominating force he had when he was in high school, getting high flying blocks on one end of the court and crafty finishes and jumpers on the other. Isaiah was able to bring us back to the days of his raining 3 pointers, splashing three consecutive 3’s to seal the game for his team. And last but not least, Coach Mierca, who came into the game with his high energy and competitiveness. Being a part of the class of 2009, which was the last time Enochs won a league title, Coach Mierca took his championship mindset into the game as he crashed the boards, hustled on defense, and made crucial baskets for his team. Being the most entertaining player out there, he was also one of the most out of shape players as well. By halftime, coach Mierca was gassed from his everlasting effort. But seeing the tenacity Coach Mierca played with fired up current players, electrifying the environment of the game.

One of the most entertaining parts of the game also included an Enochs basketball alum, Keith Orona. Although Keith could not play, he participated in the game by being the play-by-play announcer. Keith’s commentary was hysterical as he made jokes and references to past memories of his time playing basketball for Enochs. He even made some slight insults on some of the players’ performances, which brought out a good laugh for everyone. But when the game became close and intense, Keith made sure to match the flow of the game to his energy in his commentary, which made the game even more enjoyable to watch.

All in all, the first ever Enochs Alumni Basketball Game was one of the most entertaining school events to watch. It was awesome to see old faces, as well as some new, representing Enochs once more. The game brought together everyone who has been a part of the Enochs basketball community in an exciting and fun way and hopefully we can experience this again in for future years.