Redbirds bow out of the 1925 sectional in the first round to the Centralia Orphans

by Steve Dunford

In the 1925 Sectional, the West Frankfort Redbirds bowed out of the first round of the Centralia sectional to the host Orphans 14-10.  It looks like legendary coach Arthur Trout loved to play McLeansboro ball.

I am amazed at the low scoring games.  They look like football scores.

Marion beat Mt. Vernon 18-17 in the sectional finals.  It looks like it has been a long time tradition to play Lee Emery/Doug Creel ball in the King City.

Centralia

Marion 33-26 Sumner

Anna-Jonesboro 25-16 Belleville

Mount Vernon 26-17 Harrisburg

Hutsonville 30-28 Westfield

Marion 31-15 Anna-Jonesboro

Centralia 14-10 West Frankfort

Mount Vernon 32-13 Hutsonville

Marion 24-17 Centralia

Marion 18-17 Mount Vernon

Box Score:

MARION (18): G. Harris 8, J. Harris 4, D. Harris 4, Carter 2.

MOUNT VERNON (17): Brooks 6, Moore 6, Marlin 3

Marion finished fourth in the state tournament.  The Canton Little Giants, my adopted team in the 309, finished third again.  I heard it was Leon’s first year at WBYS.

Seriously, Leon is Jack Buck good.  He is one of the best high school play-play men I ever heard.  On nights that I was home during basketball season, I would check on Canton from time to time.

I hope we cross paths again.  The most rewarding thing since I have been a part of the media, is the nice people you meet along the way.

Below are the State Tournament scores from that year.

1924-25

Semifinals

Champaign (H.S.) 23, Marion (H.S.) 15

Elgin (H.S.) 31, Canton 15

Third Place

Canton 33, Marion (H.S.) 17

Championship

Elgin (H.S.) 25, Champaign (H.S.) 17