On a night filled with history, nostalgia, and school spirit, the Benet boys’ basketball team made students, both past and present, proud.

However, this was not just any routine victory for the Redwings. The game, played on February 19, was held in the Alumni Gym, an older, smaller venue that hosted many a game throughout the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, and even into the 2000s. Benet alumni can fondly recall the state record 102 straight home games won in that gym from 1975 to 1987.

The winning tradition was maintained by the 2016 team, who donned throwback uniforms at the request of junior Jack Nolan. By a final score of 56-48, the Redwings defeated Marian Central Catholic, a conference foe, to solidify their place atop the ESCC standings.

Redwing Nation came in droves to watch the first game in the Alumni Gym since 2010. Borrowing chants of yesteryear such as “Don’t Ruff the Duff,” the students cheered in a gym that had been designated for junior varsity games since St Ronald’s gym was built. Standing in the bleachers and on the old stage, the students created a vibrant, deafening atmosphere that certainly aided the Redwings in their victory.

“It was a great environment,” said senior Jason Malonga. “This game – we’ve known about it for about a week now – was a really big game. It was a really good atmosphere.”

In the win, senior James Dockery led the Redwings with 20 points, Malonga added 16, and senior Danny Sobolewski, as well as Nolan, pitched in 9.
The Redwings are aiming for more than a conference championship. The 3-loss squad is hoping to make another run to the state tournament, where they finished second in 2014.