By Mitchell Enger, Cole Cox, and Alex Sage
The 5th Annual South O’Brien Alumni Basketball Games were held on Saturday, Feb. 3, at noon in the South O’Brien High School West Gym in Paullina. Thirty-six former players participated in the event. Jim Wagner and Eric Koehlmoos served as referees for the event. 
The players were divided into 5 teams with each team playing 2 games. Midway through the event, players could enter a 3-point shooting contest, which was new this year. Adam Paulsen (‘12) took home bragging rights and a trophy, swishing an impressive 18 of 25 shots. 
Nic Faust, a ‘08 grad and former South O’Brien basketball player, has been one of the event organizers since its beginning in 2019. Faust said the event provides an opportunity for former players and fans to celebrate South O’Brien’s rich basketball tradition. 
Proceeds from the event, including player registration fees, the 3-point contest entry fee, and fan admissions will benefit the South O’Brien High School Boys Basketball Program. Just over $1,000 was raised, according to SO’ Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Kiley Yates.
 Alumni players wore black and white reversible game jerseys, which were made possible by donations from O’Brien County AG Supply, JW’s Bar & Grill, and South O’Brien Insurance. 
South O’Brien Alumni, as well as Paullina, Primghar, Sutherland, Calumet, Germantown, and Gaza alumni, were invited to participate. Players from recent years as well as players going as far back as 1978 came out for the event.  Faust said, “It’s a great opportunity for past players and fans to reconnect.”