Records have a hard time withstanding the test of time, but, so far, this record seems to be timeless.

Sunday will mark 50 years since Jim Mahlmeister set the St. Joseph High School record for most points in a game. Ironically, Mahlmeister scored 50 points in a win against Windsor High School.

Since the 3-point goal wasn’t even in the thought process, the obvious question for Mahlmeister is, “How many of your baskets would have been behind the 3-point line.”

Now remember, I was in high school and scrimmaged against a younger Mahlmeister who would warmup with halfcourt set shots in the St. Joseph High School gym, so his answer didn’t surprise me.

“Probably 15 or 16,” he answered. “We weren’t real big, so I had to shoot a lot. I was in range as soon as I crossed the halfcourt line.”

J.F. Scherer is second behind Mahlmeister with 49 points.

Can Mahlmeister can still shoot them? Just ask him when you see him out walking the neighborhood. He’s still passing mail for the U.S. government.

Reds Caravan

The Cincinnati Reds media caravan makes its stop this weekend in the Tri-State area starting with Big Sandy Furniture in South Point/Chesapeake. The Reds will visit from 2-3 p.m.

After leaving Big Sandy, the Reds will be at the Huntington (W.V.) Mall from 4-6 p.m. On Sunday, the Reds will visit the Ashland (Ky.) Town Center Mall from noon to 2 p.m.

The guest list for the Reds includes second baseman Brandon Phillips and Reds minor league Player of the Year pitcher Homer Bailey. Broadcaster Marty Brennaman, CEO John Allen and general manager Wayne Krivsky will also be on hand.

National Anthem

Whether you’ve heard them or not, attend a St. Joseph boys’ or Ironton girls’ home basketball game to hear the national anthem.

Chris Laber, who still causes chills when he sings the Our Father in church, handles St. Joseph home games while Susan “River Chick” Taylor is often called upon at Ironton. Believe me, they’re worth the price of admission just to hear them sing.

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.