George C Marshall High School - Columbian Yearbook (Falls Church, VA)

Page 103 text:

Possessed with the promising prospects of a successful record, the Varsity Basketball team surged into a season salted with a variety of wins and losses. The shadow of the District Title was present in the players' minds and provided enough determination to begin the season with positive attitudes. Former football players were rushed from one sport straight to another because of the overlap of seasons. But to the non-fall sports people, delayed tryouts started the season off slowly. Despite the contrasting viewpoints of players, the team quickly pulled together and began to work as one unit rather than as individuals. School spirit played an important part in the games. Pep rallies introduced the season and the team to the student body and encouraged them to attend games. Bleachers overflowed with screaming fans shout- Sprinting around the Woodson defense, Mike McIntyre escapes the menacing Cavaliers with expert ball-handling ability. Woodson regained possession of the ball and scored. ing, YOU! YOU! YOU! when the opposing team committed a foul. Basketball blossomed into an extremely strong spectator sport. The initial game against Yorktown fertilized a growing crop of ambitious feelings. The enthusiastic team displayed exceptional offensive skill, and defeated the Patriots 89-76. Early foul trouble darkened the quality of the Robinson game, but the Statesmen's pressing defense pulled the team out of their dilemma and proceeded to put down the Rams 77-68. A tense overtime game with Chantilly tied many stomachs into knots as the lead changed constantly between the two teams. The Statesmen's defense failed to restrain the Chargers, and lost with a heartbreaking score of 69-70. Spirits were not dampened by this first loss, and the Statesmen bounced back to victories over McLean, Herndon, and Fairfax. A clear court provides Ronnie Jones with an opportunity to score for Marshall. The fourth quarter attempt to take the lead from Chantilly failed, and the Statesmen lost. Shooting stars Varsity Basketball 93

Page 102 text:

Swarmed by Woodson players, Chris Winters strains to receive a rebound. The Cavaliers proceeded to crush Marshall with a disappointing score of 81-52. Exploding with energy, Carroll Johnson fires the ball across the court with a powerful pass in the devastating game against Woodson. Happiness is displayed three ways by Mike McIntyre, Mark Martino, and Gerry Clemente as the Statesmen take a permanent lead over Fairfax. Accuracy and skillful shooting aid Mike Brown in scoring a foul shot point against Chantilly. The Chargers won, 70-69. Stretching to reach higher than his opponen Tim Spriggs out-jumps Chantilly and control of the ball. 92 Varsity Basketball

Page 104 text:

Protected by fellow offensive players, Jim Naquin prepares to set up for a play. Varsity Basketball - Front row: Kathy Balint, mgr., Ronnie Jones, Mike Brown, Tim Spriggs, Mike McIntyre, Chris Winters, Sydney Wicks, mgr.; Back row: Bobby Jo Smith, Carroll Johnson, Jim Naquin, Mike Tilton, Mark Schifflin, Jim Owens, Steve Biggcrstaff, Chapman Taylor, Mark Martino, Gerry Clemente. Insufficient shooting dominated in the game against Oakton, and the Statesmen failed to produce a working defense. Despite the exciting plays exhibited by Marshall, the Cougars' shooting skills were excellent, and the Statesmen lost 73 to 81. In a low scoring game against West Springfield, the Statesmen's combinations would not click. A lifesaving free throw was executed in the last twelve seconds of the game, and Marshall squeezed by with a score of 37 to 36. Ending a season with its share of ups and downs, the basketball team learned sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork. Pleased with the experience gained through a fruitful season, the veteran team ended their careers, living up the title of Shooting Stars. Bodily obstructions fail to hinder Tim Spriggs as he shoots for two points. Shootin 94 Varsity Basketball