While battling
youth and inexperience the Tide basketball squad tried to keep court order in the competitive Schuylkill League. With all
the key players from last year's District XI championship squad lost to graduation, it was well known that the 1990 Boys basketball
squad would be young and inexperience. As the season began, team members hoped lack of varsity experience would be overcome
by hard work and team unity. After a dismal 0-5 start, however, it became obvious that youthfulness would hurt the Tide. "We
lost many games we should have won, because our inexperience hurt us during crunch time," Confessed Sophomore John Plachko.
Even after dropping the first five contests
on their challenging non-league schedule, the Tide rebounded to defeat Owen J. Roberts and Boyertown to win the Boyertown
Holiday Tournament and regain their confidence going into Schuylkill League play. "It was an exciting tournament both
days and capturing the championship was rewarding," commented Senior Joe Lishman.
Entering league play with renewed confidence the squad quickly compiled a 2-1 league mark.
After a rare loss to Blue Mountain, victories came over Pine Grove and North Schuylkill. Disappointment followed, as t he
Tide dropped three consecutive league games to Mount Carmel, Shamokin and West Hazleton. An 81-50 triumph over Tamaqua came
between setbacks to non-league rivals Governor Mifflin and York Catholic to set the team's mark at 5-11 entering the second
half of the Schuylkill League season.
Despite showing
signs of marked improvement in 72-47 victory over North Schuylkill, the squad continued to struggle for the remainder of the
campaign. Following four consecutive defeats, including close losses to Mount Carmel and est Hazleton, the Tide closed out
the season with a 92-81 win at Tamaqua. The victory gave the squad a final league mark of 5-9 and a season record of 7-17.
Some teams members didn't think that the numbers told the whole story. "Our record doesn't show how much we improved
throughout the season," argued John Cantwell.
Keith Fetterolf led the club in scoring throughtout the season. The co-captain averaged over 13 points per game, while Plachko
and Senior Sean McGowan each contributed nine per contest. Fetterolf also recorded the game-high total with a 32 point performance
in the title game of the hoiday tournament. "It was a very exciting game. Actually, it was an emotional victory for the
entire team," explained Fetterolf. Seniors Ty Steidle, Joe Lishman and Gary Yeager, as well as Cantwell, were looked
upon as role players as starters or reserves.
Even
through the frustrating season, the reserves continued to support the starters while also gaining valuable varsity experience.
Significant game time seen by the underclassmen ensured a more experienced squad for next year, and the improving play of
sophomores starters Plachko and Kris Armson has led to high hopes for the future. "We struggled this year and lost
most of the big games, but that will just provide extra incentive to win the big ones next year," stated Plachko.
With the Tide capturing the Boyertown Hoilday Tournament, Senior Keith Fettrolf was named
tournament Most Valuable Player. Fetterolf paced the team with a 13 point per game average. Sean McGowan and John Plachko
led the squad in rebounding. The Tide averaged 55 points per game this season.
