Basketball 87 Years Ago

History - Marion

Basketball 87 Years Ago

Basketball story written in 1962 by John Rich, about a game played in March 1912.

A dozen boys in Marion High School decided to have a basketball team. They had no coach, even borrowed the money to buy the ball and suits from Tom Clark, who was a real fan.

They went on to win 16 games and lose one - with it the overall championship of Wayne County. In the 65 years of basketball, this was the only team to take that honor. The final game was played without the service of Karl Snitzal, who was confined to his bed.

The following is a clipping taken from the Palmyra paper of March 7, 1912.

'The Marion High School team proved its superiority over the Newark High School basketball five, by winning the best two out of three games with that team. Before one of the largest crowds ever gathered in Palmyra Grange Hall, Newark went down to defeat, Tuesday evening at the hands of the fast Marion High quintet. By winning this game Marion won the championship of Wayne County.

'Marion started the scoring when Allen made good on a shot from the foul line. Then Newark registered three field baskets in succession. After that Marion picked up and at the end of the first half the score was 14 to 12 in Marion's favor.

'In the second half, Newark shifted its men about. Nieskes took Martin's place at the left forward, and Martin shifted to left guard. Rich, who had been playing guard against Martin, played a great game and seemed to have been too fast for that player. In this half, a good many fouls were called on the Newark team by Referee Crawshaw, and Allen had little trouble pitching them in. Marion scored 18 more points in this half and allowed Newark 12. The final score being 32-24.

'Crawshaw of Syracuse Y.M.C.A. refereed a good game and was 'right there.' He kept the game well in hand at all stages.'

Baskets from field: Rich 6, Allen 5, Smith 2, B. Martin 3, Lord 3, Bennett 3, Nieskes 2. Baskets from fouls - Allen 5, Bennett 2.

Time of halves, 20 minutes.

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