At the beginning
of this term, basketball was only a secondary sport in Pottsville High School, but this year's team had such a successful
season, that it is now a leading sport, There has been no basketball of any account since 1905, so that the team was a welcomed
by everyone.
The services of Mr. F.T. Toohey
were accrued as coach, he being a former Pottsville star. He proved very efficient and was well liked that he was again chosen
for the baseball team coach. Mr. H. Portz, though his kindness, officiated at most of Pottsville's home games. He was fair
and well liked by the patrons of the team.
The team
is very grateful for the aid given by Pottsville. Big Team: without this help it would have been impossible for Pottsville
High School to have a team. The student body also helped faithfully and without the famous cheers the team would not have
had so much success. Messers. Brobst, Deisher, Switsavage and Raring cheerfully led the cheering section.
The team, while not a record breaking team, did things which would make any loyal
student proud. It held the great Mahanoy City High School five to the low score of ten points, while our boys made nine points
themselves. Who does not remember that game? The constant cheering on both sides, the record breaking crowd, and the final
result, which is far from disgrace. Critics say it was the best game played at the Armory this season, and that night even
the critics of Pottsville High School Athletics(former students) cheered for the Crimson and White.
The team held Buck Run scoreless for a twenty minute period, and while the Pottsville
team gathered twenty points. This feat has seldom done throughout the history of basketball. The record score of 76 points
against Frackville High, the highest ever made by a Pottsville High School team.
Through the financial help of students, and donations from Mr. Briggs, who take an active interest
in the team, and Miss Critz, acting for the girls hockey team made it an assured success. The team sincerely appreciates all
the help given them, for they now have equipment and a satisfactory reserve fund, that will start them on the road to success
next year. This years record with 21 games played was 12 wins and 9 losses, for a winning percentage of 57.1. The Crimson
Tide scored a total of 474 points to their opponents total of 400 points.
Personnel of Pottsville High School Basketball Team 1920-1921
Hill,Forward (Captain). One of the best defensive centers in this region. He out-jumped most
of his opponents and kept the scoring of his man at minimum. In the middle of the season, Hill was forced to retire from the
game for the season. He will be back next season.
Martz,
forward, Also jumped center during absence of Hill, and became acting Captain. One of the heaviest men on the team and a hard
player.
Bushar, Forward, A steady and consistent
shooter. He leads in serving and also was the team's regular foul shooter. Should be a valuable asset to next year's team.
Seaman, forward, Although he started out at guard, he later played all positions.
An accurate shot and may develop into a wonderful pivot man.
Brigham,
guard, Mock is a steady guard, who often went up the floor to cage a "few". One of the reasons why opposing forwards
never made more than one or two baskets.
Manwiller,
guard, Here is the other reason, especially noted for his wonderful back court game. More than a few passes, he intercepted,
when the rest of the team were elsewhere, an accurate shot, and wonderful dribbler.
Clayton, forward, "Yokamo the Jap," fitted in better at guard than forward.
He was very rough at times and held his own in enough games to earn the varsity "P".
Beck, forward, A forward who made it difficult for opposing guards to hold guards to hold. Should
be a valuable man next year. Joined the team late in the season.
Jenkins,
Manager, Jack handled the club in excellent style and proved a necessity to the success of the team.
Noecker, assistant manager and mascot. The future manager who was constantly
at the manger's side to carry out his orders and learn the business.
Captain Hill, Manager Jenkins, Bushar, Martz, Seaman, Brigham, Manwiller and Clayton earned the varsity "P".
Parties, social and dances! What would this year have been without
them? School had not been in session long when social activities began. New and different affairs created great enthusiasm
and were looked forward to with eagerness.
