In the very beginning
of the season, the Tide seniors found themselves in an unusual position for Pottsville Hoops - Losing. However, Seniors Brain
Hair, Bill Benson, Mike Grieff, Cory Mabry and Bob Whitman weren't ready to throw in the towel. After a major victory against
division leader Pine Grove, the Tide catapulted to seven out of 10 second half victories and a District XI playoff berth.
Bedson led all team scorers and placed in league standings with 19 points per game.
Witman, the only true "big man" in the offensive scheme led in the rebounding department. However, the offense was
not the team's main attraction- a mean scrapping defense captured center stage. "The defense was our meal ticket to a
successful season" explained assistant coach and defensive mastermind, Mr. Albert Portland. In his scheme, Witman had
the tough job against tough teams, playing leading scorers and rebounder's night in, night out.
For the seventh consecutive year the Tide Hoops team made the District XI playoffs.
Senior sixth man Dave Correll stated, "Our only goal was to make it to Stabler Arena." Grieff added, "We thought
a Cinderella season was within our reach."
The
Tide fell just one game short of reaching that goal. Against a big, quick Lehighton team, featuring a two-time all state guard
who scored 30 points, Pottsville fell short by a final score of 74-53. This ended their hopes of the Cinderella season.
"We set some pretty high goals for ourselves," commented Junior guard
Art Heffner, "and when we lost our final game, just one game short of playing at Stabler, reality set in a hurry. We
just seemed timid that last game."
There were
good points - the Crimson Tide finished at .500 with a team which lacked the key ingredient of height. They were 6-2 in the
second half and made districts. The team captured some tough wins. For example, the home victory over Pine Grove late in the
season was a game they were expected to lose. Above all, the team spirit was at its highest level in years as was fan support.
Coach Jim Steidle said, "I've never been this close to a group of guys as I was with this team!"
