The
1974-1975 basketball season opened the eyes of many Pottsville fans. The Tide proved that they could stay on any floor with
any team. They compiled a respectable record of 18 wins and 11 losses. In the second half of the East Penn league play, the
Tide finished strong with three "do or die" games to have a chance at the District XI crown. Being 7-2, the Tide
also finished in a first-place tie for the second half of the East Penn League but was beaten by Dieruff. Coach Kline showed
confidence in his team as they advanced further in district play. This year's seniors were Todd Kline, the Tide's second leading scorer and seventh leading
scorer in the East League: Tom Francavage, the Tide's big man who controlled the boards; Jerry
Flannery, the third leading scorer on the team; Mike Smink, Irv Shappell, and Bob Umbenhauer, the Tide's very capable back-up
man.
In this year's Christmas Tournament, the
defending champion Crimson Tide got bye a strong Saucon Valley team to advance to the finals against Cedar Crest. Cedar Crest
built up a good lead and thought they had an easy win, but the Tide began to hit and gave 200% hustle, only to fall short
by two points. Todd Kline and Pat Flannery were among 4 playes to honored on the All-Tournament Team.
With two big wins over West Hazleton and Northampton, the Tide moved into semi-finals
of District XI, with three other East Penn League teams: Easton, Allen and Dieruff. The Tide was beaten by Dieruff, but still
had hope of making it to Inter-District Play. The Tide played a magnificent game in defeating East Penn League Champion Easton
to advance further into district as the number 3 team from District XI.
The Tide played one of their best games to defeat favored Williamsport. The win made the Tide the first team since 1942 to
win a game in Inter-District Play. The Tide's next outing was with Plymouth-Whitemarsh who defeated our team. The Tide played
another terrific game but didn't get any of the breaks which are needed to win any game.
The underclassmen starting on the Varsity were Pat Flannery and Tim Siket. Pat was leading scorer
for the team and fifth leading scorer in the East Penn League play. Tim was a fine rebounder and came through with some clutch
free-throw shooting. Other members of the team were Greg Flannery, Bob Carter, Paul Davis, Paul Barnwell, and sophomores Dennis
Kline and Ernie Haynes.
Coach Steidle's J.V. team compilied
a winning record and Coach Power's freshmen team went undefeated. Congratulations go out to all three teams on a very fine
and successful season.
