On-court participants spanned five decades, from the Class of ’82 through the Class of ’25. Spectators included an alumna from the 1950s. 

The “Vets” squad covered an impressive range with graduates from the 80s, 90s, 00s, and the Class of ’14. The bulk of the “Youngsters” roster graduated between 2018 and 2025.

The Youngsters won 89-76 in an entertaining affair with several highlights for both teams. Scoring was balanced, but the young legs built an early lead thanks in part to 2017-18 captains Peter Gardner ‘18 and Ryan Kotin ‘18. The old legs refused to quit. Down 16 early in the second half, the Vets cut the deficit to 10 on multiple occasions. Julian Pavlin ’10 and David Leigh ’06 sparked significant runs for the older group. On the younger side, 2025 Scholar-Athlete recipients Ollie Feder ‘25 and Ryan Feder ‘25 displayed their 3-point touch in sealing the contest. 

“It’s a longstanding tradition,” noted Director of Athletics Teddy Frischling ’89. “It’s fun that everybody knows Saturday of Thanksgiving at 4:00 PM, there will always be people coming back. Everyone is together, whether you played basketball or not, and it happens organically.” 

Frischling, Jared Leake ’91, and Jesse Rosenfeld ’92 supported in the crowd. All scored 1,000 points, are members of the Dalton Athletics Hall of Fame, and played collegiately. Rosenfeld helped Princeton to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Fellow Dalton Hall of Famers Roy Samuelsen ’73 and Michael Kaden ’83 attended. Kaden suited up for the veteran team. 

“It was nice to see 30-plus alumni come back,” Frischling said. “If you’re ever around Saturday of Thanksgiving, there will be a group of people playing, whether you want to play or watch.”

The alumni donned their new “Dalton Basketball” shirts and enjoyed a postgame pizza celebration.