:10—If you’re going to get started, let’s get started in the beginning. Player turned coach, Rich Allew took his star-studded team to Connie Hawkins gold right out the gate. Some would suggest that it’s an easy run with the likes of Norm Nixon, Bobby Franklin, Kirk Bruce, John Marshall and Craig Prosser, but players and coaches know how hard it is to control the stars. Hey, you tell “Big John” Marshall to sit down and shut up…and Coach Allew did!
:09—Not much more can or has to be said after you say “Big John.” 6’6” 250 pound mmmaaannn. John Marshall out of Clairton by way of Penn State and the European League, one of the great immovable forces of the game.
:08—Look, if for over 30 years in a city the size of Pittsburgh you say “Magic” and everyone knows who you’re talking about, that tells you all you need to know. “Magic Mike” Williams representing North Side and well, but not just a hoop star, Magic had the football and softball skills as well but took his superior basketball talent to Div. I basketball south of the border…down Mexico way!
:07—She has joined the ranks of those great female basketball players from Western PA that others would be compared to. Out of Mount Alvernia High School, a legit star, Karen Hall took her skills to UNLV. She became the first woman to play in the Connie Hawkins League Men’s Division and the first to win a title as a coach… “Back to Back”…BAM!!!
:06—Smooth as the other side of the pillow, the back of your hand…and yes, real leather, Brace Lowe played the game cool, calm, and collected. A combination of quickness and power, with superior leadership skills moves him into the Hall and guess what? Today he’s still a leader…and still cool.
:05—Jeffrey Hutcherson…part of the 1978 Div II Cheyney University National Champions, the only male basketball player out of Pittsburgh with an NCAA championship (The other is a woman Swin Cash) and his picture hangs in the Cheyney University Hall of Fame. Lightning quick, tough and above the rim. You know Jeffrey better as Whitemouse!!! Now you know.
:04—Darrin “Skywalker” Walls. Here’s the compliment. This Waynesburg College Hall of Famer is one of the smartest, nicest and quality young men I – HAVE – EVER – KNOWN, but don’t get it twisted. He will eat you alive. End of the night while he’s shaking your hand and flashing that smile, he just gave you 30 points, eight of which would come on power dunks, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocked shots…a-huh…now you remember!
:03—So you’re forgetting the PIAA Title and the national domination he showcased leading Cincinnati University to Final Four status. So I guess you forgot he was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks. I’m guessing you may have forgot the legend that is David “Puffy” Kennedy because of the magnificence of his son D.J. a legend still in the making. But I bet you this, I bet you remember him going by you. I bet you remember the work that wiry frame gave you in the paint and I know you remember that look in his eye when he knew…that you knew your time was up!
:02—He was a man among boys before the phrase became popular. Always the gentleman, but there was never any doubt about his dominance on the basketball court. Pure power and grace. This Duquesne University star was as good as anybody anywhere at any time. I’m sure he will tell you that his greatness is showcased best through his very successful children and the icing of this legendary cake is he’s the only man I ever saw dunk on Connie Hawkins…and for real. Of course by now you know I’m talking about the greatness of Bill Clark.
:01—I could, in fact, write a book on this guy. Last and by no means least, he is without question the most dominant basketball player in Pittsburgh high school history…for that matter, the same is true regarding his remarkable career at Pitt University. This Hall of Fame legend simply destroyed teams single handedly and you only need to call Patrick Ewing to be reminded of his dominance. And just for fun while we continue to wait for his uniform jersey to hang from the Peterson Event Center rafters…he gave you “15 years” in the NFL. You don’t have to ask nobody…you know it’s “Sam Bam” Clancy.
:00:00—DOUBLE OVERTIME
Meet and salute these “Connie Hawkins” legends when inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 3rd Annual Pittsburgh City League High School All-Sports Hall of Fame Inductions, along with those pictured here, Sunday, Nov. 6, at the world famous Heinz History Center. Reception at 5 p.m. Awards at 6 p.m. $50 ticket for adults, $25 for 12 and under, free admission to the History Center 2-5 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, no alcohol, Dress to Impress, 50/50, autographs and photographs and “The Night of the Champions!!!” (Be reminded the event sold out the first two years.) Only 100 tickets left as we speak. 412-628-4856 for info.
~ GAME OVER ~
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