Rodney Dixon’s varsity boys team gots in its final game of the spring Friday night when it fell to the JEHS alumni 90-82.

“It was a good experience. The alumni cam out and donated money before the game,” Dixon said of the charity contest that raised approximately $200 for the basketball and cheerleading programs. “Even half that money is enough to send two more players to camp.”

The game featured 12 John Essex alums, including Linden High School principal Timothy Thurman and Marengo County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenny Collier.

The game’s leading scorer was Cemex employee Joseph Bailey, who put up 29 points on the night.

“They led pretty much the whole game,” Dixon said of the alumni players. “They pounded it to the inside. They only shot threes if they were wide open.”

Dixon said his varsity players took advantage of the experience and enjoyed the moment.

“To give the John Essex kids credit, they really had fun with it,” Dixon said.

Senior Zack Fluker put up 21 points in the game. Junior A.J.Bennett scored 18 while junior Tavoris Merriweather scored 14.

“It was a good experience to see the old John Essex play with the new John Essex,” Dixon said.

The game was used to help raise funds for the various camps in which both the basketball and cheerleading programs will take part this summer.