Don Byron Memorial Game Honors a Legendary Coach and Supports the Fight Against Cancer

Abington and Oliver Ames came together to honor a legendary coach and make a meaningful impact through the annual Don Byron Memorial Basketball Game, held at Oliver Ames High School.

The memorial matchup brought the Abington High School and Oliver Ames High School boys basketball teams together in remembrance of Don Byron, a highly respected coach whose influence on the game and on generations of student-athletes extended far beyond the court. Coach Byron passed away in June 2021 following a courageous battle with cancer, and the annual game continues to celebrate his legacy of grit, leadership, and love for basketball.

The evening served a dual purpose: honoring Coach Byron’s remarkable career while raising funds to support the fight against cancer and invest in the future of student-athletes. Raffles and silent auction items were featured throughout the night, with proceeds benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer and scholarships for graduating seniors within the Abington and Oliver Ames basketball programs.

Coach Byron’s impact on Massachusetts basketball was profound. Over a long and accomplished career, he coached at Oliver Ames and Abington, achieved membership in the elite 400 Win Club, and was inducted into the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. More importantly, he was known for the toughness, character, and respect he instilled in every team he led—values that were clearly reflected throughout the memorial event.

Players, coaches, alumni, families, and community members filled the gym in a powerful show of remembrance and support. The Don Byron Memorial Game once again demonstrated how high school athletics can preserve legacy, unite communities, and turn competition into purpose—ensuring that Coach Byron’s influence continues to inspire both on and off the court.