14th International Sports Classic Basketball

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By Bob Cohen

The 14th Annual Sidral Aga International Sports Classic came to an end late Sunday with the finals of the Open division basketball played in front of a full house at the Municipal Gym. Again in the finals was the Sidral Aga team, captained by Howard Kelsey and included a list of players that have played on a professional or Olympic level during their careers.

The last two years, the team suffered their first two losses in event history, facing the Mexican National team for the first time in 2005 and again in 2006. The Sidral Aga team is made up of players who have retired from competitive basketball and most fall into the over 45 bracket. Playing the younger and stronger Mexican squad was a difficult task and the "older" guys couldn't take the trophy in the finals in the 100+ degree heat inside the gym.

This year, the format changed, as a Masters division was formed and many from the Sidral Aga team played in the over 45 event. The Mexican Masters team was permitted to have any players that were over 40 years of age. The game was played at 6:00 PM on Saturday.

Playing as the Vancouver Shadows the old guys filled the basket quickly and often against their Mexican opponent, the Euro Oficinas and led 36-20 after the first quarter. The lead opened to 60-35 at the half and Captain Howard Kelsey led the way, scoring 18 points by halftime.

The Mexican team was outmanned and had only two players on the bench, but did have a strong big man inside and a good long range shooter that launched some "threes" from beyond 25 feet. Bob Hieltjes and Jeff Moore form the Vancouver squad helped Kelsey, who finished with a game high 26 points, by adding 16 each. The bench finished out the final quarter as the good natured Masters final was won by Vancouver 91-69.

The Sunday Open Division final was played Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM and many of the same cast was looking for a second trophy. Added to the Sidral Aga team was the best point guard from Mexico, Enrique Zuniga, who was permitted to play as the National Team was not involved this year. Add Barry Randall and Jeff Moore to the backcourt and Bob Hieltjes and Lars Hansen to the frontcourt and there was quite a team on the floor. Ron Putzi was the first man in from the bench to replace any player.

Their opponents were named Selecion Vallarta, the best players from the Puerto Vallarta area. The team lacked a bit in size and did not offer the challenge that the powerful National Team did the last two years. But the team was tough, aggressive and was quite familiar with the gym and the warm conditions with had always hurt the team from the north.

Sidral Aga opened up a 25-17 lead almost completely on the shoulders of Barry Randle, who filled the basket with four "three pointers" in the opening quarter. Zuniga handled the ball throughout the first half with assists to all his supporting cast, especially Randle. The lead at halftime was 42-31 as Vallarta was staying close enough to take advantage of any lapses by the older, more experienced team.

No lapses or collapses occurred as Sidral Aga won by a final of 71-57, with Randle leading all scorers with 32 points and Zuniga scored 16, most in the second half. The game might be the end of the long reign of the Sidral Aga team in open competition. The youngest player is 43 and there are a few that are over 50 and Kelsey might opt to play in the Masters in future years.

Another good year of competition and fun was offered at the Municipal Gym and after the final each winning and finalist team was called out and presented with trophies. This year that also included a girl's team for the first time. Photos of the closing ceremonies show just some of the participants and award winners.

Picture, After the basketball finals, all award winners were presented with trophies in a party like atmosphere.