Articles
We would like to encourage you to read some of the books we have listed. They are great reads on basketball in our state. You can order these books through Amazon or email me at firchau@sbcglobal.net and I will put you in contact with the author. If you prefer to call me, I can be reached at 312-501-5174.
“Men of Granite” by Dan Manoyan (2007, Authorhouse)
Hall of Famer, Dan Manoyan, sports journalist, researched the facts about the 1940 Granite City High School State Basketball Champions after reading Jim Enright’s book “March Madness, The Story of High School Basketball in Illinois”. Dan’s masterpiece shares with us the story of a group of young boys whose parents emigrated from Eastern Europe and settled on the poor side of Granite City. These boys on a daily basis faced the same prejudices that today’s immigrants are confronted with. “Men of Granite’ guides us through their maturation and how they became the nucleus of an outstanding basketball team. Granite City’s best player Andy Phillip, (the son of post World War I immigrants) will lead his teammates to a state championship. The reader will enjoy their journey and how this unique team will help unite a divided Granite City. Andy Philip is known as one the “Whiz Kids” at the University of Illinois. He was a college “All American” and was an outstanding NBA player. You will see his “All American” Trophy at our museum, courtesy of Dan Manoyan. If the funding can be found, Dan’s book may be made into a movie, it’s that good.
“Basketball: Basic Suggestions For Becoming A Better Shooter, Player, and Person” by George Ted Farmer (2016, Printed by George Ted Farmer”)
George offers 19 suggestions to boys and girls who want to become a better basketball player. As you read his book you will discover that George also provides guidance in making the “right life choices”. We suggest you contact George at 618-277-6081 or email him at gtedfarmer@aol.com (George is an IBCA Hall of Fame Player and scored 2,420 points at Valier High School.)
“Warriors Forever” by John Gile, (2017, JGC/United Publishing Corp Books)
“Warriors Forever” will take you back to 1955 & 1956 when Rockford West High School became only the third school to win back to back state championships. There are great stories about the players and Coach Saudargas. You will travel back in time as the Rockford Community unites and celebrates with the “Warriors” on this wonderful and suspenseful journey. Discover how Rockford West scores 6 points in one second to help win the 1955 state championship.
“Sweet Charlie, Dike, Cazzie and Bobby Joe – High School Basketball in Illinois”, by Taylor Bell (2004, University of Illinois Press)
Taylor Bell is one of finest when it comes to covering high school basketball and is in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Taylor traveled the state interviewing and recording oral histories from the great players and coaches in our state. He then told their stories in this wonderful book. You will be an expert on Illinois High School Basketball after reading his book.
“Stand Up and Cheer, A Century of Blue Devils Basketball” by Matt Schuckman, (2006,The Quincy Hearld Whig)
Basketball is just not a game at Quincy High School, it is an event. If you haven’t attended a game at Quincy High School you will be glad to know this book comes with a DVD and it will show you what the pregame excitement is all about. Quincy High school is called by many the “Basketball Capitol” of Illinois. They have had so many great coaches, players and teams that each page is stamped with “Greatness.”
“Home Sweet Hardwood, ATitle IX Trailblazer Breaks Barriers Through Basketball’ by Pat Mckinze-Lechault, (2013, WordPress Book)
Books on Illinois High School and College Girls Basketball are few and far between. Reading this book will take you back to the 1970’s when Girls Sports were in business because of Title IX. There were states where Girls Basketball thrived, unfortunately Illinois was not one of them. Girls basketball did exist in our state until 1919, and then disappears. From that period on till Title IX is passed all the girls had was GAA and “All Sport Day”. Pat’s book will chronicle you through her life but especially her playing days at Sterling High School and Illinois State University.
“The Amazing Appleknockers, Illinois Cinderella Basketball Team of 1964” by Teri Campbell & Anne Ryman, (2010, Lusk Creek Publishing)
One of the best reads on Illinois High School Basketball. Teri & Anne spent seven years researching and writing this wonderful book about tiny Cobden. You will bond with the players and Coach Ruggles as they grow together and become the darlings of Illinois in 1964. Many will tell you they are still the “darlings” of Southern Illinois. There are many highs for the reader, but there are some pages where you will tear up. Teri helped the Basketball Museum of Illinois record an oral history with the Cobden Team and Coach Ruggles from the Appleknocker Gym.
“Once There Were Giants, How Tiny Hebron Won The Illinois High School Basketball Championship And The Hearts Of Fans Forever” by Scott Johnson & Julie Kistler (2002, Multi-Ad Services, Inc.,)
No team in the annals of state tournament history has captured more hearts not only in Illinois but nationwide. Hebron is the only District School to win the State Championship. Nine thousand copies have been sold and Scott says the book is going to have a second printing. Four of the Hebron starters are still with us today and are Illinois’s finest basketball ambassadors. Julie and Scott masterfully take you on this wonderful journey and every page makes you wish you were there to witness this great basketball history.
