The Eagle “old-timers” got off to a slow start, but finished strong to capture a 54-44 win over the Pettus varsity basketball team on Monday night.

With representatives from as far back as 1974, the alumni Eagles trailed 9-8 after one period. The old guys then got hot, or finally got warmed up, and hit for 16 points in the second eight minutes. The varsity boys recorded 13 in the second to fall behind the alumni 24-22 at the halftime break.

The current Eagles regained their shooting eye in the third period and the lead at 39-36 going into the final stanza.

The fourth quarter belonged to the old-timers. They picked up their defense and lit up the scoreboard with 18 markers while holding the varsity to just five points. The final went to the alumni, 54-44.

A balanced scoring attack was the key for the former Eagles. No one player made it into double figures but Ten players did get into the scoring column. Israel Charles and Doug Martin led the way with eight points apiece. Greg Garcia followed with seven. Jeff Matus, Ricky Torres and Ernesto Gonzales all hit for six in the win. Justin Moravitz added five points while Jacob Martin and Carlos Flores had three. Jake Kinnamon closed out the alumni scoring with two.

Also playing for the old-timers were Rolf and Ronnie Beck, Michael Constante, Joel Hernandez and Danny Cabellero. The alumni were coached by James Dunn.

The varsity Eagles were led by Aaron Escamilla’s and McKinzie Torres’ 11 points. Hunter Tomlin made eight. Joe Jefferson added six points and Reyes Cruces had five. Ryan Beck closed out the scoring for the Eagles with three markers.

All proceeds from the current Eagles vs. the former Eagles went to the Pettus Athletic Booster Club.

The varsity Eagles will host their own New Year’s tournament beginning on Jan. 2. The Eagles play Shiner at 1:30 p.m. Friday and then come back at 7:30 p.m. to meet the Runge Yellowjackets. The Eagles will meet Ben Bolt on Saturday at noon to complete their round robin pool A play.

The tournament’s championship matchup is tentatively scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with the two top finishers in pool play meeting for the top trophy. Pool B consists of Seguin Life Gate Academy, Woodsboro, Nordheim and the Tuloso-Midway junior varsity squad.