1949 North-South
Cage Classic

1949 Roster

1949 Boxscore

NORTH-SOUTH NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP

Published in Converse Yearbook, 1949

by EDD KELLOW (Paducah (Ky.) Sun-Democrat)

HUBBARD, SOUTH forward from Mobile, Ala., goes up for a onehand jump shot. Knostman (15), northern center from Wamego, Kansas, and Southerner Quillen, Norton, Va., jockey for position under basket.
FOR THE first time since the late Dr. James Naismith combined a ball and peach basket to give America its biggest sport, high school basketball gained due recognition this past year. The North-South Cage Commission, a non-profit organization, sponsored an all-star schoolboy game at Murray, Ky., on Saturday, June 11. More than 2,300 shirt-sleeved fans saw the South win this cage Civil War, 53-50, while thousands of others listed in to a 33-station radio network.

The Yankees, sparked by clever Harold Christensen and a rebounding genius from Eau Claire's St. Patrick's high in Carl Glocke, jumped into a 12-1 lead and an apparent "March To the Sea." But they hadn't reckoned with the fighting youngsters from Dixie. Sparked by the fabulous Mason Cope, the Southerners came back, trailing 31-26 at half-time and leading 42-40 at the three-quarer mark. The last 10 minutres were a ding dong battle that saw the South gain a seven-point lead at one time. Ability to convert 23 of 39 free throws gave the South its win. Joe Richey, Doug Atkins and Lonnie Quillen figured promnently in the winners' triumph.

The 24 contestants, all having completed their high school eligibility, were chosen from a list of over 1,000 names submitted by 67 sports writers throughout the nation. Next year's game will be played outside in Cutchin Stadium, which seats 7,500.

FIRST ALL-AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL TEAM

MASON COPE
Brewers (Ky.) High
17 yrs. 6 ft. 2 in. 180 lbs.
All-State sensation. Scored 55 in one game, 660 in 27 games. A regular on Brewers team in 1947 and 1948 that won 70 of 72, finishing as runner-up in former year, as undefeated State champs in 1948. Won All-Purchase, All-Conference, All-District and All-Regional honors. Plays any position. Won Chuck Taylor Award as most valuable schoolboy cager in entire nation last year. In exhibition game against Beard, Groza and Jone of Kentucky, scored 14 points on the latter, making four baskets on faking him out of position. Season's top college prospect.

HAROLD CHRISTENSEN
Brigham Young High, Provo, Utah
18 yrs., 6 ft. 2 in., 165 lbs.
Captained his school to two straight Class B titles, making all-Utah teams both years. As sophomore, attained stardom as All-Regional, All-District, All-County nominee. Despite size, a great man on boards and his coordination an dreactions in defensive play are excellent. A master in maneuvering the ball down-court. Although a fne set shot, his main asset was in team play. Scored 360 points in 21 games last season. A star also in football, track and basebal. Son of Brigham young Univ. English prof. Planning an architecture career. Voted the outstanding Northern player in North-South game.

CARL GLOCKE
St. Patrick's High, Eau Claire, Wisc.
18 yrs., 6 ft. 6 1/2 in., 200 lbs.
Three-time All-Wisconsin Catholic center. Remarkably fast for big man. Fakes beautifully. Great in shifting into a favorable offensive position. Frequently hit more than 57% of shots in any game. Scored 450 last winter on 51% of tries from the floor. Terrific defensive rebounder and smart on defensive maneuvers. Northern team started to trail after he fouled out. Has fine pair of hands. A tip-in artist. Good hook-shot artist with either hand. Adept at feeding the ball and catching the open man on breaks past the pivot.

CONNIE MACK REA
Central High, Muncie, Ind.
18 yrs., 6 ft. 5 in., 195 lbs.
Has a baseball name, a basketball mind and quarterback hands. Probably has more natural basketball ability than any other prep hoopster in nation. An outstanding rebounder, a smart offensive man who can hit from all angles. Fine defensively. Plays any position but more at home in pivot because of ball-handling ability and fine assortment of pivot shots. Hampered last winter by back injury; played past two years in specially-constructed corset. Plans wearing same protection in college ball.

JOE RICHEY
St. John's High, Ariz.
18 yrs., 6 ft. 2 in., 175 lbs.
A "spark plug" player who comes through when chips are down. An All-Stater, set a new State tourney makr of 41 points. Won sundry honors in N.M. and Ariz. tournaments but didnt' attain national recognition until North-South game. Sparked the Dixie boys to new heights as they came from behind to win. Governor at Arizona Boys' State Outstanding scholar. Scored 536 last winer to win All-State honors. Best when chips are down. Not a ball-hog but a ball-hawk. Fine rebounder. Cover his man tightly all over the floor.

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