NATCHEZ — Some of the best Natchez High basketball players of the last 20 years were on display at Mary Jean Irving Memorial Gym Saturday evening.

The school hosted its first annual Alumni All-Star game for both the girls and boys teams.

“The school system has had some funding cuts, and I just felt like (putting on this tournament) was something I needed to do for the city to bring back unity,” event coordinator Corey Isaac, Natchez High class of 1997, said.

Isaac now lives in Dallas but he called a bunch of former players to get together and play in the event, he said.

The event featured a girls game, boys game, three point shooting competition, skills competition and tributes to a few deceased Bulldogs.

The girls took center stage first, and the girls Gold Team defeated the girls Blue team 50-36.

Wennifer Noble, who currently lives in Baton Rouge, scored 14 points for the Gold Team and also won the girls three-point shooting competition.

“I love Natchez High and I love basketball. I actually missed work today, so it was worth it,” Noble said.

Gloria Lewis, class of 2003 was MVP of the game.

One of the elder Bulldog alums, and member of the 1993 state championship team, Tracy Brooks, scored two points in the game and really enjoyed coming back to Natchez High, she said.

“It was just fun, it’s probably been ten years (since I have been back),” Brooks said.

“I had a great time, and its good exercise.”

In between games there were tributes to Mary Jean Irving, former Natchez High basketball coach, and three former Natchez players, Edwin Harris, Jarrod Ford and James West.

The boys took the court for the second game and it was a high-scoring game, highlighted by class of 2000 star and current Natchez High assistant coach David Haywood.

Haywood scored 38 points to lead the Gold Team to a 87-75 victory.

“It felt real good (to get everyone back together), a lot of guys came from out of town,” Haywood said.

“Every year it’s going to get better.”

Troy Moore, class of 1997, led the Blue Team with 22 points.

Isaac was happy with the turnout and hopes that the event will be bigger and better in years to come, he said.

“I didn’t expect as many people because it’s our first year,” Isaac said.

“Hopefully next year we can make it a three-day weekend event.”