Saratoga beats Redwood in interstaff charity basketball game that raises $10,000

Saratoga High principal Paul Robinson dribbles up the court against a defender from Redwood Middle School on Feb. 27. Robinson also participated in a free throw-shooting contest at half time against a robot created by the M-SET robotics team.

Even though a group of Saratoga High teachers beat a group of Redwood Middle School teachers 51-36 on Feb. 27, the real winner was the charity the game benefited.

Even though a group of Saratoga High teachers beat a group of Redwood Middle School teachers 51-36 on Feb. 27, the real winner was the charity the game benefited. The game raised a total of $4,000 for the Saratoga Sub-acute Hospital, which was matched and then exceeded by the 1440 Foundation, bringing the total amount to around $10,000, principal Paul Robinson said.

The game was competitive and heated. When two teachers exchanged heated words after a hard foul on the court on Feb. 27, the crowd — a mixture of Saratoga and Redwood students — erupted in frenzied excitement. Of course, the teachers shook hands shortly after tempers cooled down.

“The chippiness was great,” junior Ethan Gelfand said. “It added emotion to how they played and you actually felt like these old men [and women] were actually trying the best they could to win the game for their school.”

There were a number of hard fouls; at one point, Redwood Core teacher James Conn fell to the floor and rolled for a few feet, forcing him leave the game.

“I got way more into the game when there were huge fouls that caused a lot of noise,” Gelfand said.

School psychologist Michael Slone led Saratoga in points (10) and rebounds (9). History teacher Jerry Sheehy connected on multiple long range bombs, starting fast and ending with a total of nine points. History teacher Mike Davey, who had five assists and zero turnovers, guarded Redwood’s main offensive threat, Clifford Horton. History teacher Matt Torrens chipped in with a few turnaround jumpers, going for six points.

At half-time, Robinson handily beat the Robotics Team’s free throw shooting robot.

“It was a fun game to see how much energy our lifeless teachers actually had,” Gelfand said. “Nothing is more entertaining than going to a game of a bunch of men over the age of 40 playing a game of basketball.”

Assistant principal Brian Safine, who organized the event, announced and also played, said he appreciated the support of the community.

“It was so gratifying to see over 700 community members at the game,” he said. “I believe our students, parents and staff members enjoyed seeing teachers compete against each other. It was fun to organize something completely different and very worthwhile.”