Teams

1953-54 (Chicago) DuSable Boys’ Team

Year Inducted: 1974

Category: Teams

Schools / Organizations: (Chicago) DuSable High School

Biography: (Chicago) DuSable HS.  The 1954 Panthers are considered by many to be the finest basketball team ever developed in the Chicago Public League.  They won 31 consecutive games before bowing to Mount Vernon 76-70 in the 1954 Illinois State Championship game.  DuSable pioneered the fast break, full court pressure, and pro socks in Illinois basketball history.  This team was the first Chicago team ever to compete in the Illinois State Championship Game.  The Panthers opened the door and paved the way for Championship runs of Marshall, Carver, and Hirsch.  They tore down racial barriers of select hotels, motels, and eateries that formerly denied accommodations to the African-American athletes in Illinois.

Team Members in the Picture:

Back row (L to R): Jesse Dixson, Sterling Webb, Ernie McMillon, Gene Howard, Brian Dennis, Coach Jim Brown

Front Row (L to R): McKinley Cowesen, Sweet Charlie Brown, Karl Dennis, Shellie McMillon, Paxton Lumpkin