ST. PAUL – St. Paul Saints basketball players took on former student-athletes of the St. Paul Regional High School during the 2024 Clash of the Saints.
The event took place on Dec. 18 and featured men's and women's alumni teams and in the end, both alumni team prevailed over the current Saints.
"It feels good to win," said Helmon Ndose, who was part of the school's graduating class of 2023. "A couple of years ago, I was the one getting crushed," he added with a laugh.
Zachary Quinton is from the graduating class of 2024 and felt similar. "We didn't want them to win . . . that was the goal."
Winning aside, the alumni were more grateful for the opportunity to be back at the high school.
"I feel so old right now," said For Ndose. "But it feels good to be back here trying to spread some love."
Quinton agreed. "It's good to hook up with the boys again and get a good game going."
Teacher Brandon Strocki, who helped organize the event, said the Clash of the Saints serves as a fundraiser for both the St. Paul food bank and the school's basketball program.
"There's lots of work behind the scenes," he said, thanking the many volunteers who made sure the event ran smoothly. "It's a long process to put together. It's why we do it only every two years."
He also thanked all sponsors, including Lakeland Family Eyecare, who was the title sponsor for the event.
"It was another great night tonight," he said.