Crim: Four decades later, 1984-85 Pittsfield boys basketball team still creating memories

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | December 16, 2024
Jane Fischer holds up her cellphone to take a photo of members of the 1984-85 Pittsfield boys basketball team — from left, Paul Petty, Tim Fischer, Coach Dave Bennett, Jeff Hayden, Assistant Coach Len Onken, Phil Hoover, Frank McCartney and Layne Bennett — after Friday night's high school basketball game between Riverton and Pittsfield in Voshall Gym. At right taking photos is Ruth Bennett. | David Adam photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — It was an opportunity to turn back the clock and enable a band of brothers to reunite and reminisce about their accomplishments on the basketball court four decades ago and the friendships that have endured since. The 1984-85 Pittsfield High School basketball team is remembered as one of the best in school…

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50 After 50: After rare regional loss, No. 15 Saukees return to Champaign and put pieces in place for state championship

By David Adam, MRN Editor | March 4, 2022
Front row from left, Josh Townley, Doug Wade, Shane Norton, Greg Scott, David Bess, Brian Feezel, David Marable. Back row, Joe Jennings, Trent Fischer, John Leithoff, Tony Baker, Troy Taylor, David Fox, Coach Dave Bennett. | Photo courtesy of Dave Bennett

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: After new coach arrives, No. 34 Saukees become first of many sectional champions

By David Adam, MRN Editor | January 19, 2022
Front row: manager Rich Ruble, Bill Stone, Steve Adams, Rick Frazier, Rich Ellis, Danne Durall, Tracy Shelton, Joe Petty, manager Tom Craft and manager Todd Halpin. Back row: Coach Dave Bennett, Bill McCartney, Jeff Stauffer, Doug Newman, Don Newman, Chuck Baker, Grant Smith, Scot Wade, Pat McCulloch, Terry Leahr, Coach Jim Shields. | Photo courtesy of Dave Bennett

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Before becoming one of Illinois’ most successful prep coaches, Bennett says injured foot was costly for No. 44 Saukees

By David Adam, MRN Editor | December 27, 2021
Front row: Chris Miller, Marcus Zumwalt, Steve Personett, Todd Cawthon, Louis Koncor, John Hill, Bo Baer, Craig Riley, Steve Whewell, David Bess. Back row: Coach Bruce Everetts, Coach Jerry O’Brien, manager Bobby Scranton, Jeff Rupert, Troy Fischer, Brian Daniel, David McCartney, Lee Bennett, Jerome Heavner, Scot Moore, Brandon Moore, Coach Dave Bennett. | Photo courtesy of Dave Bennett

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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