Scientists have wondered for years: What do former basketball players do after a big delicious reunion banquet in their honor? Now we know. They chat, catch up, watch video highlights of their glory days, poke fun at each other’s missed shots, then take a nap—No, I’m sorry— I was thinking of “my” last reunion.

No, these still late-20-somethings then watched the present-day Pirates of 2012-13 following in their footsteps play a game they once owned— at least for a while—in their old gym.

At least, that’s what the wunderkinder who produced Fairhope High’s 2002-03, 32-1 season did Tuesday night. Some of the not-too-old, old-timers were not able to stay for the entire game with longtime rival Foley. Some had many miles to drive home to go to work the next day like Fred Rhodes, who drove in from Houston or Alan Whitney, whose young children were past their bedtime by the third quarter. Some, like Brian Hixon were unable to make it because of medical school residency exams. Apparently, that’s kind of a big deal.

But several did make it back to FHS for a night to remember the glory days of the glory boys who won 32 consecutive games by an average margin of 16 points per game. The ‘02-03 Pirates averaged 62 points per game and held opponents to 46.

Those able to make the reunion were varsity teammates Sean LeBlanc, Joseph Gill, Chuck Hartley, Micah Mesler, Sullivan Mills, Kaleb Smith, Rhodes and Whitney along with former coaches Curtis Brodie, Fenton Jenkins and former head coach Ralph Watson and scorekeeper Wayne Tait. Players Kevin Gray, Patrick Hogan, Skylar Miller, Hixon and team manager-videographer Ramone Black were unable to attend.

The players were also recognized for their inspiring contribution to Fairhope High and the community 10 seasons ago and were greeted before the game to loud applause by Foley Lion and Fairhope Pirate fans alike. Watson handed out their home white and road blue jerseys as they were individually introduced to the crowd.

“It was a magical time, an amazing year,” Watson said, now the head coach at Bayside Academy. His sons—Rushing (a senior) and Davis (a freshman) play for the Pirates and helped win the traditional rivalry game for the home team later that night.

“Rushing and Davis were a lot younger but they liked the excitement,” Watson said. “I think I tried to explain that you don’t usually get to win that many games in a row. Anyway it sure was fun.”

“But like I said before, what really got the job done was our defense. These guys just hustled every play and made good things happen for us.”

The Pirates remained at the top of the Alabama Sports Writers Association 5A team poll for more than seven weeks in the latter half of the season. But the magic ended when powerful West End—whose guards were about 6-foot-5-inches and whose post players were around 6-9 —broke the spell to hand the Pirates their only and season-ending loss in single elimination. The 5A state champion that year would be Wilcox Central.

“It was fun to see everybody,” Watson said. “I hope we can do it again and they can all make it then, maybe. It’s hard to win 32 in a row. That’s about the only thing that hasn’t changed. We’ve all changed. Kids grow up. Put on a few pounds—some have. But to win 32 in a row is still a hard thing to do.”