Warde Cagers Humbled Ludlowe at Mill Plain Gym 53 Years Ago Today

Coach Don Feeley's Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team humbled winless arch-rival Roger Ludlowe, 71-48, before a standing-room only crowd at the Mill Plain Gym 53 years ago today, Friday, January 4, 1963.

The Crimson Eagles improved to 4-3 on the season, including three wins in five FCIAC contests, while Ludlowe lost its sixth, five of which were in league play.

Warde led throughout the contest, doubling the Tigers' first quarter production by taking a 20-10 lead at the break as Wayne Gower and Bob Ryan scored six points each. George Martin, Ludlowe's high scorer, tallied seven points for his team.

The Tigers gave their best account in the second stanza, but Warde still managed to increase its lead, assuming a 35-22 cushion at the intermission. Joel Blaskey and Marty Melson each scored six points to lead their respective clubs.

Gower found the range for 17 points in the second half as the Crimson Eagles had things pretty much their own way. Martin and Blaskey again topped Ludlowe in scoring after the intermission.

Ludlowe, which had an edge in rebounding, was able to convert only 14 of 32 foul shots, but Warde sank 21 of 33 free throw attempts.

Ludlowe used a zone defense throughout the game, but Warde came out of its zone in the second quarter and went the rest of the way with a man-to-man defense.

The Crimson Eagles also won the junior varsity contest, 56-47, as Jim Bodnar led all scorers with 18 points. Greg Madden netted 16 points for the Tigers.

Paul