By Glen Rosales
Special to the SUN

It’s a year removed from the gold anniversary, but to celebrate the rich basketball tradition of Española Valley High School over its 51-year history, some 30 former players will take on the current varsity Sundevils in a pair of alumni games Thursday at the school.

The free event is open to the community and designed to acknowledge the continued success of both the boys and girls hoops programs, while also celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary, said girls coach Ray Romero, who is not only an alum, but also a parent of three players who will participate. He has also coached in the boys and girls programs.

“It’s a good mix of alumni throughout the different years and different eras” he said. “It’s going to be a really nice time.”

The girls/women’s game will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by the boys/men’s game at 7 p.m.

Some recent grads, like Jordan Duda, who is now playing at Northern New Mexico College, will get a chance to play against his brother, Jerek Duda, who is finishing up his senior year.

Romero’s sons, Ray and Jeremy Romero, who played from 2007 to 2012, will get a chance to share the Española gym floor together. And, they’ll get to watch their sister, Kaitlyn Sanchez, as well.

Coach Ray Romero said he’ll be nominally coaching his current Sundevils, but will have a rather loose rein on the group in what should be a good learning experience for his players.

“I want it to be more fun, more enjoyable for everybody,” he said. “I’ll have one of my assistant coaches there and I’ll be there. It will be good. Ten of my 14 girls are going to be playing. They’ll all get the opportunity to play more. I have three eighth graders who played JV, and a couple of freshman who played varsity and JV will get a chance to play varsity.”

As for the level of play, that remains to be seen, but expect both sides to come out wanting to grab bragging rights.

“I know the alumni want to win,” coach Ray Romero said. “And I know the high school players want to win. I think it will be more of a fun thing. Both teams want to win and it will be good competition. It will be fun for the fans and both programs.”

And getting a chance to rub shoulders with the players who built the Sundevils programs into what they are should benefit those who are coming back, he said.

“I think they’re going to enjoy meeting them,” coach Ray Romero said. “They’ll meet some of the other players who have made a really good legacy. Boys and girls and we’re building back to those strong programs. We’re getting better every day.”

Alums scheduled to participate

Men: Luis Alvarado, Kevin Coffeen, Isaac Cordova, Joseph Cordova, Steven Cordova, Jordan Duda, Jayden Duran, Josiah Fresquez, Chris Guillen, Melaki Jones, Jeremy Romero, Ray Romero, Emilio Samaniego, Nathaniel Suazo and Jordan Trujillo.

Women: Leana Atencio, Rozlyn Baca, Aria Chavez, Kaylee Chavez, Laura Duran, Nisa Duran, Sandra Gonzales, Alexis Lovato, Naomi Martinez, Kaitlyn Romero, Helena Sanchez, Miranda Sanchez, Selina (Vasquez) Bustos and Brittany (Padilla) Sandoval.