AA State Title-1993
by wintercp@wilkes.edu

In April of 1993, the Carbondale Area Chargers(29-0) and George Jr. Republic Tigers(29-0) squared off for the AA state title in front of a sold out Hersheypark Arena crowd. That season, George Jr. was dubbed as the best team in the state, regardless of class. In the papers the morning of the game, George Jr. was favored to win by 15, although both teams were undefeated. George Jr. took an early 9-2 lead and it looked like the paper would be correct. Minutes later, after a foul and 2 consecutive 3 point baskets by junior guard Chris Daley, Carbondale Area took the lead and the 4,000 fans that traveled to see the game knew that Carbondale could play with the Tigers and the confidence began to build. At the end of the FIRST quarter, the score was 25-24 in favor of the Chargers after a Danny Seigle slam dunk to send the
arena into a frenzy. The second quarter was also a scoring fest at the teams entered the locker room at 43-42. The second half was ball control and defense. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the score was tied at 55, as fans, players, and coaches knew this game was for the ages in PA basketball history and would come down to the wire. With the score tied at 63, George Jr. tried to hold the ball for the final 1:30, but Chris Daley came up with another big play and poked the ball free from the point guard to cause a steal and a final
Charger possession with :11 seconds remaining. As the final play developed, the ball went to the wing to senior guard Mike Connor who short-armed a shot from the corner with a few seconds remaining. As the ball bounced from the front of the rim, a George Jr. defensive player batted the ball toward their
own basket, resulting in one of the most memorable plays in recent memory. As Leo Skorupa for the Chargers caught the tipped ball, he realized only a second or so remained on the clock and fired up a desperation toss from his hip as he was clobbered by a defender. The ball took two bounces around the rim and fell through as the buzzer sounded for a state title, perfect season (30-0), and incredible upset.
The next season, Carbondale would again make it to the state championship with a perfect record (29-0) but would lose to Aliquippa in the final. The record of 59 straight wins in boys AA still stands today and young players who one day hope to put on a Charger jersey see the banners hanging in the gymnasium
as a dream to what might come in the future. Former players, coaches, fans, and the local community still reminisce about the Carbondale Area teams of the early 90's who at point, from 1990-1994 compiled a record of 105-7. I believe the 93 AA state championship is the greatest game i have ever seen to this day
and should be mentioned on your site.