"Good As Gold"
After a four year absence, the Schuylkill League Trophy was returned
to the hallways of PAHS along with hard earned round-ball respect. As Jack Frost rolled into town, all eyes, filed with excitement
over the possibility of a championship season, focused on the varsity boys' basketball team. Returning 10 members, the Tide
was forced to handle the pressure of being favored to win the division before setting foot on the hardwood.
Starting the season with a challenging non-league schedule, the Tide split its
first four games, but bounced back to go on a five game winning streak, This included capturing the Boyertown Christmas Tournament
championship, winning the games by an average of 34 points. Guard Jim Scharadin and center Kris Armson were named to the All
tournament team with fellow Senior John Plachko was voted the most valuable player. "It's was an honor, but it didn't
matter just as long as we won the tourney, which I think gave us some momentum," noted Plachko.
Tamaqua put a damper on the Tide's first league game. Unfortunately for the opposition,
this provoked Pottsville to go on a tear. Senior Mark Laubach commented, "Our practices leading up to the streak were
the best of the season. The intensity level really set the tone for the games."
Shamokin eventually halted the streak at 10 games but the team got back to work winning their
last two league contests to clinch the Division I title. To close out the regular season Glen Mills came to town for a non-league
game. Although the squad lost, home was truly sweet for the Tide who went 9-0 at Martz Hall.
Many wondered how the Tide would react when they faced Tamaqua in the league playoffs. All questions
were put to rest as the club went ahead by as many as 24 in the first half and held on to advance to the finals against
Schuylkill Haven. Haven took an early lead requiring the Tide to press and force some Haven turnovers which reversed the momentum
of the game. As a result, the Pottsville bus came home with the nets and the Schuylkill League gold. Adding to the emotion
was Armson scoring his 1000th point. This allowed him to join John Plachko who scored his 1000th in the second Tamaqua game.
In the District XI quarterfinals the third seeded Crimson Tide was caught off guard
by Liberty. Making several late charges, time ran out in the game as well as in the Tide's season.
