PERSONALITIES
PLACES
PLAYERS
EVENTS
PENNSYLVANIA
BASKETBALL
HALL OF FAME
TEAMS TO REMEMBER
PERSONALITIES PENNSYLVANIA |
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TEAMS TO REMEMBER |
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All-Star, All-Pennsylvania, All-Time Team, chosen in 1984 by the Pennsylvania Magazine, (Winter Issue, 1984, page 48). First team: center-Wilt Chamberlain, forward-Paul Arizin, forward, Tom Gola, Guard-Bob Davies, Guard-Earl Monroe. Second Team: center-Tom McMillan, forward-Maurice Lucas, forward-Jack Tyman, guard-Guy Rodgers, guard-Pete Maravich, guard/forward-Geoff Petrie.
Ambridge High School, Ambridge, PA. The 1967 team of Dick DeVenzio,
Dennis Wuycik, Frank Kauffman, Walt Ostrowski, and Phil DePasquale is considered
one of the all-time best teams in Pennsylvania high school basketball in
an 3/5/99 article by Ron Cook in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Chuck DeVenzio was the Ambridge coach. In the state championship game that
year, Ambridge defeated the Chester Clippers 93-61. (Chester starters were:
Ken Shamberger, Paul Williams, Eddie Swain, Harry McLaughlin, and Steve Powell).
Both teams entered the game undefeated! The game was played at the
Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg.
(Photo: Dick DeVenzio as a Duke player) See
Hall of Champions
HERE
 Photo credit: Wilkes Barre Times Leader (11/18/03). Story credit: Lane Filler |
American League Champs (1948-49) -the Wilkes Barre Barons Front row: Marty Zipple, Bob McDermott, Ted Hanauer, Cas Ostrowski, Pete Pasco. Back row: Bill Chanecka, Herk Baltimore, Steve Chanecka, Bells Calone, Milt Teaco. They defeated Hartford 127 to 77 to win the title. The game was played in the 109th Field Armory before a reported 3,367 fans. The team also won the championship in 1958, 1959, 1969, and 1973. In 1956, they defeated the Syracuse Nationals of the NBA 78-67 in an exhibition game at the Armory. |
Berks County: Team of the 1950's. Barry Boyer, Brandywine Heights(1957);Arlan Burkert, Fleetwood(1957); George Conrad, Mount Penn(1952); Mike DePaul, Central Catholic(1951); Ron Druckenmiller, Kutztown(1957); Ed Jablonski, Central Catholic(1955); Bob Mantz, Mount Penn(1954); Willie Pegram, Reading(1957);Sam Preston, Reading(1957); Ron Weidenhammer, Kutztown(1950). (ReadingEagle, Dec 26, 1999).
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City League Champs (1928-29) -the St. Mary's Boys Club Left to right, Front row: Bucky Kneidel, Bill Valentine, John Skok. Middle row: Cliff Sorg, Dick Rogan, Hub Minnick, Jake Rinella. Back row: Major Brock, Jim Goetz, Tuffy Ryan, Ed Boardman, and Coach Dan Phelan. Other teams in the league that season were the CYMA, the Parish "5", and the K of C. The league played it's games in St. Marys, PA (Elk County) at the St. Marys Boys Club on the third floor court of the South St. Marys Street court where the walls were out of bounds on the sides and there were a few bleacher seats at the end where the steps to the third floor were located. (Credit: Louie Uhrenick, St. Mary's Daily Press) |
Carlisle High School. Won four consecutive AAAA state championships,
a Ripkenese-type record that may never be equaled with Billy Owens and
Jeff Lebo leading the way.
1985, CARLISLE 74 BRASHEAR 64; 1986, CARLISLE
51 KISKI AREA 49 ;
1987, CARLISLE 48 MEADVILLE 47; 1988, CARLISLE
80 PITTSBURG CENTRAL. CATHOLIC 54.
Cavalier Eighth Grade All-Tournament Team(2001): Adam Simbeck (St. Marys Cavaliers), Marcus Genevro (St. Marys Cavaliers), Matt Varacallo (DuBois Central), Matt Feeney (Erie St. Luke's), Nick Haller (Erie St. Luke's), Brian Hahn (Oil City St. Stephen's), Rob Hersch (Erie St. Luke's).
Coal Twp. In 1953, the Coal Township High
School "Purple Deamons" coached by Walt Marshall defeated Williamsport 60-57 to
win the Class A District 4 Championship. It was Coal Township's first
title since 1938. They were led all season by the Duda twins, Johnny and
Eddie (photo left). Other team members were: Richie Johns, Bobby Dansavage, Carl
Petrovich, Joe Sabel, Carl Olly, Johnny Pogozelski, Bernie Romanoski,
Franics Gotaski, Bob Lauer, and Dan Murdock. The "Purple Deamons" trailed
32-25 at the half. A tip-in by Francis "Fancy" Gotaski at the one minute
mark brought Twp to a 57-57 tie. A basket and a foul shot tallied with ten seconds to
go by Johnny Duda secured the victory. Today, Coal Township is part of the
Shamokin Area School District. (Credit: Shamokin News-Dispatch).
Columbia High School (district 3), from 1953 to 1963
under the leadership of head coach, Elmer Kreiser, an innovator of the
game, they compiled a 205-37 won-loss record (85%). During his 11
season tenure, his well-drilled teams captured 7 Section titles, 6 County
titles, and 3 District Three Class B championships. His District playoff record
was 12-4, and his state playoff record was 5-3. The 1958 club was state Class B
runner-up. His teams twice went on win streaks of 30 games or more. Some of his
top players: Lamar Kauffman, Ted Carey, John Betrone, Jerry Raifsnyder, Hi
Fitzgerald, Cy Young, Dan Monk. Kreiser was a teacher and administrator for 35
years and in 1990 was inducted into the Bloomsburg University Hall of
Fame. (Credit: Bud Tangert, Lititz).
Darby-Colwyn (district 1)- won consecutive class B state titles with
perfect seasons in 1962, 1963, defeating Mercer both times 51-42, 61-45.
Led by Charlie Coleman, a 6'1 "do everything" type who was named to americas top
100 players as a senior('63). Top players scanning two year reign were Coleman,
Hal Booker, Adrian Harman, Dave Kennard, Ron Baldino, Ed Robinson, Jim Realer.
Between Mar '61 and Dec '63 coach Hal Blitman's Rams won 54 consecutive games.
(streak stopped by Sharon Hill 52-45. See
Hall of Champions
HERE
(Credit: Bud Tangert, Lititz)
Eastern Professional Basketball League (EPBL/EBA ERA). 50TH
ANNIVERSARY TEAM
Charlie Criss, G-Hal Lear, G-Jack McCloskey, G-Stacey Arceneaux, F-Bill Chanecka,
F-Tom Hemans, F
Julius McCoy, F-Roman Turmon, C-Ken Wilburn, C-Stan Novak, Coach
Others receiving consideration: Paul Arizin, Waite Bellamy, Jim Boeheim, George
Bruns, Joe Caokovio, John Chaney, Wally Choice, Rich Cornwall, Chick Craig, Mack
Daughtry, Alex Ellis, Dick Gaines, Art Heyman, Jim Huggard, Bob Keller, George
Lehmann, Brendan McCann, Bob McNeill, Jack Ramsay, John Richter, Jerry Rullo,
Chink Scott, Bill Zubic. See their EPBL page HERE
Elk Lake High School. Bob Stevenson, All-State in 1977 led Elk Lake
(Dist.12) to a two year 61-1 record, including perfect 36-0 mark and 1977 state
class A championship; he averaged 39 ppg. in eight state playoff games spanning
two years; had 55 pt., 18 rebound, 10 assist output as Elk Lake defeated
Shanksville 94-60 for the state title.
(Credit: Bud Tangert)
Farrell High School. They won back to back state titles in 1959 and
1960 under Coach Eddie McCluskey. They were led by Brian Generalovich and
Willie Somerset, both inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame. In 1959,
Farrell defeated Chester 76-66, and in 1960 they defeated Radnor 61-40. Farrell
also won the title in 1952, 1954, 1956, 1969, and 1972. They also reached
the championship game, but finished second in 1943 and 1951.
See
Hall of Champions
HERE
 Seated from left, Joe Daley, Jim Kennedy, "Herky"Gaughan, Joe Vivacqua, and Joe Neary. Standing, Assistant Coach Jerry Purcell,Assistant Manager Mickey Sweeney, Gene Malarkey, Ed McDonald, "Red"Woods, Joe Dougherty, Frank Carado, Manager Nick Martino, and Coach Joe Luscan. |
Girardville St.
Joseph's Catholic High School 1950-51 League Champs They defeated Pottsville Catholic 51-49 to win their League Championship then lost to Bethlehem Catholic 59-50 in the first round of the 1950-51 PCIAA Class B Playoffs. Today, students from Girardville attend Cardinal Brennan. |
Harrisburg Patriot News "Team of the 20th Century. Sam Bowie
(Lebanon, 1979), Robert Davies (Harrisburg John Harris, 1937), Charles Dudley
(Harrisburg John Harris, 1968), David Twardzik (Middletown, 1968), Billy Owens,
Carlisle, 1988). The December 5, 1999 article then listed 45 other players
who were considered for the elite circle of 5 which were selected.
Grouped by decade: 1920's:
Charles Lingle (Harrisburg Tech); 1940's:
Dick Snyder (Lebanon), Lou Brown (York), Gilbert Reich (Steelton);
1950's: Terry McGovern (Lykens), Hal Brown
(York), Clyde Washington (Carlisle), Dave Graybill (Harrisburg John Harris),
John Clark (Harrisburg Catholic), Henry Carlton (Harrisburg William Penn),
Charlie Sexton (York); 1960's: Tony Kinn
(Bishop McDevitt), Rick Alexander (Harrisburg William Penn), Clarence Smith
(Susquehanna Twp), John Lentz (Lebanon), Mike Katos (Lebanon), Dennis Stewart
(Steel High), Tom Hess (Cedar Cliff), Keenan Preston (York), Henry Brown
(Middletown), Kevin Morrissey (Trinity); 1970's:
Pete Kramer (Camp Hill), Jim Wells (Milton Hershey), Mike Scheib (Millersburg),
Bert Kreigh (Lower Dauphin), Hank Kuzma Jr (Hershey), Reggie Wells (Milton
Hershey), Delmer Beshore (Red Land), Jerry Radocha (Red Land), Maxie Wiley (CD
East), David Lewis (Harrisburg), Dave Brown (York), Randy Dufin (East Pennsboro),
Kurt Kanaskie (Cumberland Valley), Greg Manning (Steel High);
1980's: Brian Dean (Susquehanna Twp), Jeff Lebo
(Carlisle), Rod Brookin (Steel High), Matt Roadcap (Millersburg);
1990's: Brian Pearl (York Catholic), Andy Panko
(Bishop McDevitt), Dave Grabuloff (Middletown), Craig Brown (Steel High), Quincy
Wadley (Harrisburg), and Dan Buie (Harrisburg).
(David Jones, Patriot News, 12/5/99).
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HARRISBURG TECH 1920 BASKETBALL TEAM
1ST
PENNSYLVANIA HIGH SCHOOL
STATE CHAMPIONS
John
“Fog” Smith held his forwards to 5 field goals in four playoff |
Players from left to right: (standing) Gilbert Ebner, Clarence “Doc” Miller, Tony Wilsbach, Calvin Haps Frank, Percy Grubb, John “Fog” Smith; (sitting) Carl Beck, John Beck, Chas “Buddy” Lingle, Vic Bihl, F. Emanuel, Hen Kohlman (manager) |
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| (Credit: William T. Smith, John Harris Class of "55). | |||
Hazle Township High School:
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Mountain League
Champions, 19377 |
Hazle Township, 1936-1937 school year |
Irwin High School was in
existence for only twelve years:1946-1958. Can the win-loss record of Irwin be
matched or come close by
another school? In twelve years, Irwin won 286 games and lost 52! The
Black Knights won 10 section titles, 5 WPIAL titles, 5 PIAA Western
Regional titles, andwon 4 PIAA State Class B State Titles in five trips to the
big game! Don Rose coached Irwin High School to back to back titles in 1947 and
1948. He also coached Irwin to the 1950 state title game where they lost
to Kutztown 48-47. Irwin won the 1953 state championship with coach Joe McMunn
and repeated as state champion in 1954 under coach Lyman Stough. Has there ever
been a team to repeat twice like Irwin did in the history of PIAA basketball?
In 1958, Irwin High School was merged into the Norwin School District.
(Credit: James Weaver, Las Vegas, NV)
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1930-31 Girl's League Champions Mauch Chunk Twp. Jr. Sr. High School- Harry Miller was the coach. This school later became Nesquehoning High School. In these days, the girls game was played with offensive players at one end of the court and defensive players at the other end of the court. (Credit: Margaret Mary Dobash) |
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McAdoo High School. McAdoo borough was
incorporated on July 8, 1896. Its first settlers were the Irish and Welsh who
came into this region in the early 1850’s. The first factory
originated in 1896 manufactured shirts, and employed about sixty people
when they first opened.
According to the Payer Page Webpage, McAdoo, the northernmost coal
town in Schuylkill county, was sometimes called the 'Only Wild-West Town East of
the Mississippi.' ... The 1945 high school team won the very first Class B
boy's basketball title in the PIAA. Prior to this year, there was only one state champion
in Pennsylvania. In September of 2006, the 1945 McAdoo team will be inducted
into the Hazleton
Area Sports Hall of Fame. Representing District 11, McAdoo defeated
Conneautville from District 10, 52 to 28 in the title game held at Rockne Hall
in Allentown. The McAdoo "Maroons" coached by Sammy Boyle finished the
season with a 22-3 record. The members of the team were:
Jack Patton (captain), John Bielen, Albert Reba, Charles Edwards, Frank
Nicholas, John O'Donnell, John Bilock, Joseph Albano, William Winslow, and
Michael "Mickey" Felock who tied a PIAA scoring record with 38 against Fell
Township in the playoff run.
(Credit: Ray Saul, Standard-Speaker, 7/23/06)
(Photo credit:
http://pws.cablespeed.com/~sfpayer/
McAdooHighSchool/pages/McAdooPix.htm
Mercer High School (District 10). Reached the state
Class B finals five of six years from 1962-1967. Lost three consecutive ('62,'
63, '64). Won back to back titles in '66 and '67. Find their rosters and
game by game results at their website at
http://www.mercerbasketball.com
(Credit: bud tangert, lititz)
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Midland High School. The 1965 team led by Norm Van Lier and Simmie Hill won the state championship. Midland High School no longer exists as it vanished in educational merger mania. This team is ranked as one of the top three all-time in Pennsylvania basketball lore. Hank Kuzma of Steelton was the coach of this team. See Hall of Champions HERE Photo left: Norm Van Lier (from Midland H. S., he went on to St. Francis College and then the Chicago Bulls). |
Monte Carlo Hotel of Johnstown. They defeated Tragon's American 84-73 in the finals of the 1967 Altoona YMCA Senior Tournament. Monte Carlo also won the 1965 and 1966 titles. Don Kessel with 22 and Joe Calderone with 20 led the winners. Other members of the winners were: Charlie Jeffers, Paul Schmidt, Bill Vyhonsky, Emil Bolha, Carl Sax, and Joe Kruzewski. Joe Calderone was named the Tournament MVP. (Altoona Mirror)
Monticello Delaney Rifles
of Pittsburgh, one of the first African-American teams. Between 1909
and 1913, an African American club owner named Cumberland Posey created
the stellar, undefeated team, the Monticellos of Pittsburgh. In 1913, he
organized a new championship team, The Loendi Big Five. This African
American team dominated the world of black basketball until the arrival of the
familiar New York Renaissance (The Rens) of 1923-1949, under the
ownership of Robert J. Douglas, and the Harlem Globetrotters,
established in 1927, but had to travel about America playing only other
all-black teams. The Loendi Big Five Team of Pittsburgh
played a style of basketball which was aggressive, quick, and very physical.
(Credit: the C.W. Post B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library found online at
http://www.liunet.edu/cwis/cwp/library/aaitsa.htm#basketball).
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Northwest Pennsylvania All-Star Teams, 1975. One
of the first girl's all-star basketball games ever played in Pennsylvania
took place at St. Marys Area High School in St. Marys, PA when the West
Girls defeated the East Girls 81-61. Sharon Haggarich (left) from Smethport
with 23 points was named the East MVP and Cindy Diatko (right) from Kennedy
Christian was named the MVP for the West. |
| The Northern Tier's 1956 League All Star
Team. Front row (l to r), Fred Howell (Eldred), Melvin "Skip" Rote (Smethport). Back row (l to r), Jim Drabant (Eldred), Van Campbell (Coudersport), Tom Irons (Otto Twp), Mike Gamble (Port Alleghany). The second team included: Snow (Otto), Phillips (Oswayo), Shields (Eldred), Simms (Smethport), Maynard (Coudersport). Photo credit: Bradford Era. |
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Overbrook Hilltoppers won three
consecutive Philadelphia City Championships from 1957 through 1959. Strongest
of those teams was probably the 1957-58 team, generally considered the
second-best team to come from Philadelphia behind Wilt Chamberlain's 1954-55
squad. The team went 22-0, won the Johnstown Tournament, and beat Jack
Kraft's Bishop Neumann squad 71-54 in the city title game. Starters at the
beginning of the season where 6'8 Sr. Wayne Hightower (Kansas), 6'3 Jr. Ralph
Heyward (Kansas, Seattle), 6'1 So. Walt Hazzard (UCLA), 5'11 Sr. Richie
Richman (Villanova) and 5'8 Sr. Howie Horenstein (Temple). Horenstein
graduated at mid-term and was replaced by 5'11 So. Wally Jones (Villanova).
They averaged 75 ppg. while allowing 46 ppg. Hightower (20.6 ppg.) and
Heyward (15.9 ppg.) were the leading scorers. Hightower was a Parade All
American in 1958 and Heyward received similar honors in 1959. Hightower (10 yrs), Hazzard (10 yrs) and
Jones (11yrs) all played in the NBA. (Credit: Tom Taylor)
Pennsylvania, 1995. HOW GOOD WAS THE PENNSYLVANIA TEAM that defeated Maryland in the PA/MD Shootout? Five of the 12 players who played were mentioned on the 1995 USA Today Team: Vince Coppola, 6-4, Pittsburgh Seton LaSalle, 20.5; Vince Graham, 5-9, Belle Vernon, 29.7; Andre Howard, 6-6, Overbrook, 15.8; Gabe Lewullis, 6-6, Allentown Central Catholic; Justin Stewart, 6-5, Hempfield (Landisville), 18.7; and a sixth player Andy Panko of Bishop McDevitt was later named the Pre-season Player of the Year for 1998 in College Basketball by the Sporting News for Division III and later played for three teams in the NBA.
Philadelphia Sphas. At one time they were the most dominant team
in professional basketball. The Philadelphia Sphas were organized as
an amateur team in 1918 by Eddie Gottlieb, Harry
Passon and
Hughie Black shortly after their graduation from South Philadelphia High School.
Their plan was to organize a semi-professional basketball team consisting
entirely of Jewish players. The team featured many of the eastern United
States' outstanding college graduates. From 1933-1946 they dominated the
American Basketball League, winning seven league championships during those 13
seasons. For four years prior to that, the team won three Eastern League
Championships. Following World War II, in 1946, the Basketball Association of
America, forerunner of the NBA, made its debut and the ABL ceased to be a major
league. The Sphas continued to play in the minor league ABL until 1949.
(Credit: Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame-on the internet:
www.phillyjewishsports.com)
Philadelphia 76ers of the 1960 's. Picked by USA
Today as the Team of the Decade for the 1960 's in the NBA. Team
members included Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham, Luke Jackson,
Chet Walker, and Wally Jones. They went 68-13 in the regular season and ended
Boston's run of eight straight titles.
(USA Today, 1/3/00)
The
Pittsburgh Pipers won the first ABA championship in 1968, then moved
to Minneapolis. It happened after they won the championship in the
inaugural season of the American Basketball Association. Connie Hawkins, the
most maligned and underpaid superstar in sports, lifted the Pipers to the title
before an unexpected crowd of almost 11,500 at what is now Mellon Arena.
After that championship season, team owner Gabe Rubin sold the Pipers to a
Minneapolis lawyer, who promptly moved the club to the Twin Cities. After
one season in Minneapolis, the Pipers were reclaimed by Mr. Rubin, who returned
the team to Pittsburgh.
But by then, Connie Hawkins was gone and so were the
wins. An innocent man, he had been blacklisted from the more established
National Basketball Association for supposedly consorting with a gambler to fix
college games. While with the Pipers, Hawkins had sued the NBA with
the help of Pittsburgh lawyers David and Roslyn Litman. The Litmans
exposed the NBA's allegations against Mr. Hawkins as fraudulent, and the league
awarded him a $1.3 million contract with the Phoenix Suns. He had made about
$23,000 a year with the Pipers.
(Milan Simonich, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Pittsburgh Rens: The team existed from 1961 until
1963. This photo is of the members of the ill-fated American Basketball
League in 1961-62. They finished with a record of 23-19 in the first half
and 18-21 in the second half. Team members: Top, Coach Johnston, Rollins, Boylard, McCoy, Lear; Bottom, Mangham, Curtis, Washington, Hawkins. This
was the first year for the league. The Cleveland Pipers won the championship.
(We had misidentified Jim McCoy as his brother Julius McCoy.
Jim was an All-American at Marquette while Julius was from Michigan State.
This entry was updated, thanks to information provided by Chris Nugent on
6/25/02).
Plymouth VFW Team. They won the well-known Rogers Tournament
three straight years
(1953, 1954
and 1955), one of only two teams to ever achieve that feat and to
retire the championship trophy. Members of the 1954 championship squad
were: Larry Kendig, Ed Davis, Larry Ksanznak, John Bresnanhan, Len Batroney,
Carl Pulchauver, Frank Kopicki, Bernie Mikolonis, and Joe Sikora. The
Rogers Tournament was held in the Wilkes Barre YMCA and was first staged in
1931, and still in existance, making it one of the longest running tournaments
in Pennsylvania basketball history.
(Information credit: Dr. Tom Trosko
Regar's Five of Reading. Entering the 1938 season, optimism ran
high. The team had won the Berk's County League the two previous seasons,
they returned "Pete Yousatis (touted as the "most talked about player playing
amateur ball in Pennsylvania), and the previous season they won a record 91
games vs six lossses.
(Lancaster Daily Intelligencer Journal, Dec 3, 1938).
Schenley High School, Pittsburgh. Ron Cook writing for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette (3/5/99) rates the 1971 Schenley team with Maurice Lucas, Rickey Coleman, and Jeep Kelly as one of the best high school teams to play in Pennsylvania basketball history. That Schenley team, representing District 8 and the Pittsburgh City League, defeated Norristown for the AAA Championship 77-60. See Hall of Champions HERE
Simon Gratz High School, Philadelphia. The 1993 team led by Rasheed Wallace, 6 '11 and 223 pounds, compiled a 31-0 record and the earned the 1993 USA Today National Championship. Rasheed, who once blocked 27 shots in one summer camp game later went on to fame at North Carolina University and then to the professional ranks.
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Susquehanna Twp. High School's 1980 Class AA State Championship Team holds the record for most games ever played in a season in Pennsylvania boy's high school basketball-38. The previous year , they played 32 games(29-3).Their 1980 record was 35-3. They defeated Greensburg Central Catholic in the 1980 AA title game. Can you name the team that has won more games in one season? There is one and the answer is on our records page. |
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In this 1980 photo, the team is at the state capital building being congratulated by then Governor Dick Thornburgh and State Senator Jeff Piccola. The Governor is presenting a state proclamation. To his left is Troy Keys, Brian Dean, and Senator Piccola. On the far right is Principal Tom Miles, then to the left, Athletic Director Lana Glaser and assistant coach, Randy Brenner. |
Steelton.
The
1926-27 basketball team compiled a record of 23-1 winning the State
Championship by defeating Sharon 34-26. The lone loss that year was to Lebanon
High 35-30, but Steelton avenged the loss to Lebanon by beating them 56-19
in their second meeting. J Nelson Hoffman was the Steelton coach.
Steelton scored a total of 870 points to their opponents 567 for the season.
Miles Fox of Steelton was All-State in basketball & football that year.
Fox went on to the Naval Academy where he died
suspiciously.
(Credit: Eddie Albert, Steelton)
St. Josephs Parish CYO
(1953-54). The team, led by Joe Duffy, not only won the league title, but also
captured the Philadelphia Archdiocesan crown by beating Allentown's Our Lady
Help of Christians. Representing the Philadelphia Archdiocese, St. Joseph's was
entered in the Mid-Atlantic States tourney, where they beat the Baltimore
diocesan champion in two overtimes. The locals were eventually eliminated by the
Washington, D.C. diocesan titlist 33-26.
The team was coached by Walter "Smokey" Moser for 14 years. He was
inducted into the Panther Valley Parochial League's Coaches Hall of Fame in 1972
during ceremonies observing the 25th anniversary of the league in Lansford.
A picture of the 1953-54 team and the trophies they earned were still on display
in the St. Joseph Church in Jim Thorpe in November of 2004, fifty years later!
(Credit: Lehighton Times News Online found
HERE ).
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St. Marys Legion Club Team. A powerful semi-pro/independent team from Northwestern Pennsylvania in the 1950 's and 60 's led by the rebounding of Harrison Schlimm, Mark Schaut, and Ed Bosnick, the scoring of Bob Simbeck and "Tubby" Hasselman, along with the steady play of Victor Straub, Tom Bauer, George Bauer (there were two George Bauers), "Allie" Mulcahy, Sam Nissel, Joe Geci, Greg Schlimm, Herb Straub, Fred Jessberger, Jack Dailey and Jim Mallison. Coaches included Don Clark, Jack Dailey, Bill Reuscher, and A. J. Straub. |
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Uniontown Red Raider Basketball Team of 1964. They
went undefeated and are considered one of the top 10 teams in Pennsylvania High
School basketball history. They beat the vaunted Midland team with Norm
Van Lier and Simmy Hill to win the WPIAL Championship (46-43). It featured All
Stater Stu Lantz (Nebraska-LA Lakers, San Diego Clippers and Detroit Pistons),
Ben Gregory (Nebraska football), Pat Yates, Ray Parson (Minnesota, football),
and Jim Rae.
They defeated Plymouth-Whitemarsh at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Arena
(62-51). See
Hall of Champions
HERE
(Credit: Edward A. Owens,
http://redraidernation.com)
WEST PHILADELPHIA ('75-'77)- Coach Joe Goldenberg's Speedboys strung
together three incredible seasons:
25-0, 24-2, 30-0,(79-2 overall) capturing three consecutive Philly Public and
City league titles. A Philly sportswriter labeled '77 squad (30-0) as "Gene
Banks' Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings". The 6'6 Banks was named Co-Player of the year. Other members of the starting five: 6'7 Clarence Tillman, 6'7 Vincent Ross, guards Mike Nichols and Daryl Warwick.
Team was ranked No. 1 prep team in the country. See
Hall of Champions
HERE
(Credit: Bud Tangert)
Williamsport (1999). The 1999 Williamsport Millionaire state championship team was one of the best ever. That team included Chevy Troutman who went on to play at Pitt and had arguably one of the best inside/outside teams ever assembled. Taurance Johnson complimented Chevy well and that team had a 4 guard rotation who were all seniors and all 4 guards made over 30 three pointers on the season. The team also had wins over Jameer Nelson and Chester as well as Matt and Pat Carroll from Hatboro-Horsham....not to mention the '99 team won the state championship game by 24 points.... one of the largest margins in history. (Credit: Derek Slaughter).
Zembies, Central Pennsylvania
Recreation League team (Circa early 1980's) won the McCarron tourney in
Allentown and swept the tourneys and leagues in the Harrisburg area. Pictured
are Beau Gantz (Millersville), Scott Mountz (California of Pa.), Chuck Clement (Canisus),
Kevin Morrissey (East Stroudsburg), Jeff Thompson (Dickinson) and Jim Rowe (Mt.
St. Mary's) in the back row, Jeff Ebner (Clarion), Tony Ebner (Buffalo), Jay
Rountree (Old Dominion), Mike Scheib (Susquehanna) and Jim Agnew in the front
row.
(Credit: Jeff Thompson)
The most famous team of all-time?
1952 Hickory High Huskers from the film
Hoosiers.
