Alumni basketball game rekindles Hernando–Horn Lake rivalry for charity

Photo: (From left) Ricky Robertson of Hernando and Akeem Caddell of Horn Lake are among the top athletes scheduled to compete in Saturday’s alumni charity basketball game at Hernando Middle School. (Courtesy photos)

HERNANDO, Miss. – A DeSoto County basketball rivalry is set to return this weekend when alumni from Horn Lake and Hernando high schools hit the court for charity.

The alumni basketball event, organized by Darrell Currie and Tim Loyd, will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, at Hernando Middle School gymnasium – the former high school gym. Action tips off at 10 a.m. with a three-point contest before girls, boys, and alumni matchups between the two schools.

Loyd said the event is already near a sellout, with limited tickets possibly available at the door. “We’re doing this for the community, for the schools, and to honor the players who came before,” Loyd said. “It’s a chance to bring people together, celebrate the past, and support the future.

Featured Alumni Players

The showcase will highlight several standout names. Horn Lake’s Akeem Caddell, who went on to play collegiately and professionally overseas, will return to the floor. Hernando will be represented by Ricky Robertson, a former All-American high jumper at Ole Miss who competed for the United States in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Caddell will be joined by Horn Lake alumni including Dee Woods, Josh Jones, Michael Pollard, Dominik Major, Kendrick Moore, Bruce Jacobs, Dee Montgomery, AJ Thomas, Dr. Sebastian Perry, Jerrel Bernard, Keno Jones, Ladarius Mason, Jamyre Moffett, and Coach Zatyrusious Jones. Robertson said he would be bringing several familiar names with him to the floor to take in the game, as well.

Awards and Community Recognition

In addition to the games, Loyd will honor alumni and community leaders with awards. Among those recognized will be Dale Thompson, a member of Hernando’s state championship girls basketball team, and Danny Phillips, who played a key role in organizing youth sports at the Hernando Civic Center.

“This is for the entire county,” Loyd said. “We want to bring Hernando and Horn Lake together, honor our past players, and give back to the schools. It’s about community spirit and building momentum for future championships in all sports.”

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
• Time: 10 a.m. start (three-point contest, followed by girls, boys, and alumni games)
• Location: Hernando Middle School gymnasium (former Hernando High School gym)
• Tickets: Nearly sold out; limited availability possible at the door (capacity 1,000)

The day will feature men’s and women’s alumni games, black-and-gold contests, and multiple three-point shootouts, promising plenty of action and nostalgia for fans across DeSoto County.