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Attica native remembers local basketball tourney from 1975

Posted by Philip Anselmo on January 5, 2009 - 4:37pm
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Many thanks to Sean Feeney for sending along this remembrance:

I remember playing in what I think was the original Batavia Lions Club tournament in December 1975 while playing for Attica. We played Batavia in the opener losing by a point or two to Batavia led by now coach Buddy Brasky and Jimmy Orosco. Kevin Kellogg and Doug Miller were our leading scorers. We played Notre Dame in the consolation game. ... I do not remember who Batavia played in the final. I believe Buddy Brasky was the tournament MVP.  Myself and I think Jimmy Orosco were on the all tourney team with someone from ND and the other team in the tourney. Batavia warmed up to the Ohio players "Love Rollercoaster".

The Batavian is great. I love catching up on high school sports back in WNY!

Sean Feeney
Alpharetta, GA

I wanted to post this to the site to see if it sparked any other memories in our readers. Was this the original Lions Club tournament in 1975? Or did it start later on, in 1982, as we had believed? Do you remember? Did you play?

Posted by Michael Berardini on January 5, 2009 - 5:57pm
I believe it was called the Batavia Christmas Tourney.

Played at BHS GYM. Do the names Andy Vogl and Mark Francis ring a bell for BND?
Posted by Paul Spiotta on January 5, 2009 - 6:55pm
The Batavia Lions Club Holiday tournament began in 1982 as they recently completed their 27th Annual event.

However, in December 1974, the first Batavia Christmas tournament was played at Batavia High School, with Batavia, Notre Dame, Albion, and Hilton participating.

Batavia defeated Albion and Notre Dame defeated Hilton to set up the first ever game between Batavia and Notre Dame in any sport.

Batavia defeated Notre Dame 67-65 to win the tournament. Randy Morien was named tournament MVP. Other starters for Batavia included myself (Paul Spiotta), Sonny Love, Jimmy Orosco, and Pat Parry. Batavia was coached by Bill Brady.

Starters for Notre Dame included Andy Vogl, Mark Francis, Mike Cordes, Tim Burns, and Tom McGrath. Notre Dame was coached by Bob Derck.
Posted by Brian Hillabush on January 5, 2009 - 9:08pm
Wow, great story. Of course the Lions took over in 1982 ... I don't really have any information on tournaments before that. "Love Rollercoaster" wow. Little before my time. I think Batavia came out to Lil Wayne this year.