On a brisk evening of December 12, 2023, a historic basketball clash unfolded at St. Rita High School. The Providence Catholic High School Celtics triumphed over the St. Rita High School Mustangs with a striking 60-41 victory. But beyond the score, this day marked a monumental occasion for the Mendel Men – the Mendel High School Basketball Revival Game, a cherished reunion after more than thirty years.

The evening commenced with a heartwarming reception, a tapestry of nostalgia and camaraderie. Mendel Alumni Association’s Vice President Kelvin Lovely (’78) and Board Member Billy Hilbring (’81) played gracious hosts, weaving together the past and present of Mendel’s basketball legacy. Laughter and stories echoed, bridging generations.

Before the game, a poignant Moment of Silence permeated the air for Ben Reilly, a figure synonymous with Mendel’s basketball heritage. As Mendel’s pioneering coach and a St. Rita Alum, Reilly’s legacy as a revered high school and college basketball referee was honored. His recent passing on November 26, 2023, added a solemn note to the event.

In a symbolic gesture of unity and respect, players from both Augustinian high schools donned Mendel shirts for their warmups. Mendel’s own Coach Mike Sheahan and Coach Mike Flaherty observed from the sidelines, embodying the spirit of Mendel’s basketball history. The halftime event was a spectacle of honor and remembrance, as players from Mendel’s golden eras – the 1950s through the 1980s – were celebrated before an appreciative crowd.

The hospitality of St. Rita, under the leadership of Coach Ross Burt, Athletic Director AJ Avery, and President Deacon John Donahue, was exemplary, adding warmth to the event. The success of the game, coupled with the enthusiasm of attendees, sparked conversations about making this Revival Game an annual tradition – a beacon of legacy, sportsmanship, and community.