
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Not only did he organize Chief Sealth International High School‘s first-ever Nels Enquist Alumni Game – that’s Sealth athletic director Sam Reed refereeing as Tosha Brown (’08) gets post-tipoff air supremacy for the women’s Blue Team. That was the color of victory in both games, each one a “red vs. blue” match.

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But the night was not about who won or lost – but really and truly, about how they played the game. And that they played the game at all. It was in tribute to former Sealth athletic director Nels Enquist, who’s in the group photo above, holding a plaque. As Reed explained in the original announcement of the event earlier this month, “Enquist has dedicated a majority of his life to Chief Sealth and has walked the halls and athletic facilities as a student, coach, teach, athletic director, assistant principal, and now a retiree who still makes (time) to substitute regularly” – more than 40 years of involvement. The event proceeds will go toward alumni projects including dedicating the gym foyer to Enquist and replacing the championship banners in the Sealth gym. And the hundreds who came Friday night got to enjoy some spirited hoops:

That’s Devon Hall (’02) during the men’s game getting blocked by, from left, John Boyd (’82), Jaray Austin (’02), and Jason Hutson (’93). Along with the alumni games, the night included scrimmages with current girls’ and boys’ players, and a ceremony honoring Enquist – more than two dozen additional photos, ahead:
The night began with the scrimmages, important since the season is about to start. From the boys’ game, here’s LeAndre Dickerson looking for the pass:

L.J. Burns driving down the court:

The boys-varsity team plays Lakeside at home this Tuesday night, 7 pm. That same night, the girls-varsity team is scheduled to be on the road at Auburn Riverside, 7:30 pm Tuesday. A few views of their scrimmage preceding Friday night’s alumni game:

Above, Samantha Scroggins and Sidney Proctor. Next, Lani Taylor taking a shot:

Also playing Friday night: Musicians from the Sealth band, soldiering on despite a long day that had started with an appearance in the Friday morning Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown (WSB coverage, with video, is here):

Back to the alumni – more from the women’s game:

From the victorious Blue team, here’s Charmaine Barlow (’08) headed up:

Kim Stille (’96) fought to keep control of the ball:

Along with the players mentioned already, the women’s Blue squad also included Lilly Siatunuu (’96), Leslie Fausto (’96), Regina Rogers (’07), Natalie Mackey (’11), and Alyssa Palermo (’12). From the Red team, here’s 2001 alum Arlana Angel:

The women’s Red squad also included Usufono Kei-Satele (’96), Dorothy Talamaivao (’96), Sheila Lambert (’98), Leah Stewart (’00), Katie Jo Maris (’01 and the current Sealth girls’ head coach), Jasmine Walker (’10), and Kayla Modica (’10)

For the men, Melvin Jones (’07) helped pace the Red squad:

On the charge, Paulino Pablo (’04):

And John Boyd – not only a 1982 alum, but also immediate past principal – cheered a 3-pointer from the sideline:

But Blue was victorious. Here’s Robert Brewer (’87) shooting over Mike Anderson (’89):

The men’s Blue team also included Elgin Lambert (’83), Marcus Subblefield (’89), Michael Vo (’94). Jimmy Rainwater (’95), Devon Hall (’02), Elliott Holte (’03), JoeEvan Jones (’04), Robbie Graham (’07), and Reggie Rogers (’07).
But the spotlight shone brightest on the event’s namesake, Nels Enquist:

Sam Reed (with the microphone) says they’ll honor a different person or group each year, but it will remain the Nels Enquist Alumni Game: “The plan for next year is to celebrate what will be the 25th anniversary of the 1989 boys’ basketball state championship,” he says – since the game will happen just a few months before that anniversary.
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