This week in VG Blue Devils hoops history
By Tony Hooker
We’re continuing our look back in basketball history, taking a look at the last four VGHS teams to win boy’s regional tournaments, with a little Girl’s bb thrown in for good measure.
1959
Ran down by Riders
Occasionally, the third time truly is the charm, and so it was for Arcola as they defeated the Blue Devils 53-51 in the two teams third meeting of the season. The Devils, playing without Bob Gaines, who is still fighting off the effects of The Mumps, were led by Jim Duncan, who tallied 17 points. Danny Corbin continued his strong play, adding 11. With the Devil loss and an Oakland win, the Oaks moved into first place in the Okaw Valley Conference.
Bust Broncos
Bob Gaines’ return to the lineup paid immediate dividends as the Blue Devils got back on the winning track by defeating Cerro Gordo. The Blue Devils set school records for accuracy, both from the floor (.653) and the free throw line (.840) in the win. Jim Duncan again led the way, scoring 31 points. Gaines added 15, and Corbin and Jackson each chipped in 10.
1965
Fell Oaks
Strong guard play led VGHS to a smooth 82-56 win over Oakland, their fifth win in a row. Larry Sigler had 25 points and Chuck Smith added 17 and John McGrath and Don Burgett helped out with ten and nine points respectively for the Blue Devils.
Horsed by Trojans
VGHS saw 4 starters foul out in a 69-60 home loss to Charleston. Larry Sigler led the VG attack with 13 points and Gary Brown added 11 for the Blue Devils, who shot a chilly .274 from the floor in the loss.
Over run by Warriors
After winning five in a row, the Blue Devils dropped their second contest in a week, this time falling to Tuscola 112-91. Brown hit for 24 points, Sigler added 19, John McGrath chipped in 16 and Jerry Harvey reached double figures with 10 in the loss. The Warriors were led by Mike Carrol and Don Fortney, who poured in 39 and 35 points, respectively. Hoot Gipson also chipped in 20 for TCHS.
1975
The Blue Devils got back to their winning ways with a 67-46 road victory over Bement. Steady Stan Prosser scored 14 of his game high 24 points in the first half to set the tone, and then Brian Carr closed things out in the second half, scoring 17 points on the night. Joe Waymire and Tim Keith each had 11 as VGHS earned at least a share of the LOVC conference title with the win.
1984
Tame Warriors
Doug Reed scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half, and Mark “Tree” Waymire pumped in all 14 of his points in the second half as Villa Grove defeated Tuscola 63-52. Kevin Moraski helped out with 13 points and a career high seven assists and Andrew Turner chipped in with 11 points and five dimes of his own for the balanced Blue Devil attack. Reed pulled down ten boards and Waymire had eight second half rebounds and two blocked shots as he dominated the last part of the game. Steve Bates netted 25 points to lead Tuscola.
Collar Bulldogs
Kevin Moraski had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead Villa Grove to a 66-46 win over Bement. Andrew Turner added 12 points and Tree Waymire helped out with 11, all in the second half. Tim McHenry also reached a milestone, scoring the first points of his varsity career in the win. Coach Marty Hinton saved his praise for a bench player, however. “I felt the big key was the contribution made by Chris Brown,” Hinton said. “Chris steadied the offense, made some big buckets and passed well. Although Brownie wasn’t flashy, you couldn’t help but notice his performance tonight.”
Girls BB
Trampled by Riders
Lori Knight had 14 points, but it wasn’t enough as VGHS fell to Arcola 79-31.
Uncrown Rajahs
Marie Kleiss poured in 15 points, Lori Knight added ten, and Cathy Homma helped out with eight as the Blue Devils defeated Atwood-Hammond 37-21.