By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The Pelham High School faculty used the high-flying dunking skills of former Mississippi State University basketball player Brandon Vincent to edge their younger student counterparts Oct. 18 in the school’s gym.

The faculty team edged members of the PHS girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball teams 64-61 after trailing by double digits most of the game.

“I think our team played pretty well tonight,” said a winded Joel Floyd, the PHS varsity basketball coach and a member of the faculty team.

“Of course, it helps when you have someone who played for Mississippi State who can dunk on top of people,” Floyd added with a laugh. “I am actually very surprised at the outcome of this game.”

The faculty-student basketball game was part of a full night of basketball action at PHS, as part of the school’s basketball season kickoff night. In addition to the faculty-student game, the night also featured exhibition games between Helena Middle School and Riverchase Middle School, dunking contests and three-point shootoffs.

“This is sort of our midnight madness. The kids always get excited and come out here to support us,” Floyd said.

The PHS boys’ basketball team will tip off Nov. 11 at John Carroll Catholic School, and the varsity girls will begin play Nov. 8 at Clay-Chalkville.