Rice High School - Edmundian Yearbook (New York, NY)

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MANHATTAN PREP PLAYER SNARES A REBOUND while three Rice players look on hopefully. They're Bob Adams, Bob Grettler and Tim Nihil. The J.V. had only six players for this game. For the first three quarters, Rice led most of the way. How- :vleg5Manhattan's big bench enabled them to substitute freely. Final score was BOB ADAMS DRIBBLES TOWARD SCORING TERRITORY, at left, during Manhattan game in which he scored 9 points. Adams captained the squad during Jim Neary's absence. Al right, Bob Grettler edges away from the basket as he attempts a hook sltot. He scored 70 points in TT games, improved with each game. THE NINE MAN SQUAD look sharp in the new uniforms they acquired when the varsity received new ones. They are, left to right, front: Donald Collins, An- tonio Colon, Robert Adams, Benito Torres, Frank Panzarella. Back: James Neary, Timothy Nihil, Nicholas Saunders, Robert Grettler. Brother Vranka coached and moderated the team . l.V. BASKETBALL The J.V. presented the classic example of a real-life underdog this year. The underdog only wins in the movies, un- fortunately. Despite great spirit, the lrish were simply outclassed in every game by teams who boasted many experienced, flagpole type hoopsters who would easily make Rice's varsity. Not one of Rice's Tl-man squad came near six feet and most were built like Freshmen rather than Sophomores. It was simply a question of men against boys and most of the games were not even close. At the start of the season, Rice beat Cathedral 24-2l. A second win came against Power, 37-36. The rest of the record makes sad reading indeed. Rice lost twice to All Hallows Q44-30, 6T-QLD, Xavier Q52-35, 44-310, Hayes C45-28, 5l-TBD, Manhattan C54-QT, 43-251 and suffered single losses to Molloy Q55-AT D, St. Helena's Q49-AAU, La Salle C39-26j, Power C42-375. The individual players showed real promise, however. With few varsity players graduating and some really prom- ising Freshmen on the Frosh team, it looked good for next year's varsity and J.V. Captain Jim Neary scored an amazing T56 points in T3 games, Bob Grettler and Bob Adams averaged 8 points per game, while Nick Saunders and Frank Panzar- ella averaged 5 to 6 each fracas. Don Collins saw action in only about half the games, as did Tim Nihil, Ben Torres and Bill Starr. However, all showed a marked improvement during the season. Far from being disappointed, Brother Vranka praised the boys' efforts. Judg- ing by the opposition they faced each game, he said, the boys played tre- mendous ball. The boys themselves re- fused to be discouraged. They practiced faithfully and played their hearts out for the full 32 minutes of every game. League referees and coaches commented on their fine spirit. Despite a poor record book showing, Rice, indeed, had reason to be proud of the little Irish.

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ENTIRE TEAM GATHERS AROUND coach Brother Kent during a time out at the O.L.G.C. game which the Irish won 43-41. The Freshmen had one of their best years in a long time. Frosh had the usual difficulties of trying to find time and places for practice. Brother Kent was ill for several weeks of the season, but the team still managed to have a highly successful year. FRESHMEN BASKETBALL For the second season running the Freshmen team outdistanced its older brothers on the .l.V. and Varsity and came up with the best record of all. Despite the lack of practice time and space the Frosh compiled an enviable record. Because the season was lengthened by big gaps between games, the season ended long after yearbook deadlines. At this writing, the team had won eight games and lost only tour. Seven of the eight wins were in C.H.S.A.A. competition and only one ot the losses was a league tilt. The team defeated Dubois and Xavier twice and scored single victories over Power, O.l..G.C., Stepinac and St. Agnes. Only league loss was to power- tul La Salle whom Rice hoped to topple at their second meeting. Win or lose, Rice was certain to enter the play- offs where they stand a better than even chance of taking second, or even tirst, place. Coach Brother Kent claimed the team had great varsity potential. Final results of the season may be found in the special yearbook supplement. THERE WAS NO SHORTAGE of team spirit on any Rice squad. Above, four Frosh substitutes lend a mighty cheer as the Irish score again. They are: Patrick Tooman, William Clair, Francis McGuiness and John Purcell. The ten man team assured all of seeing action in every game. Frosh record speaks well for the years ahead. THOMAS MURRAY DRIBBLES FAR to his left to avoid two Xavier defenders. Rice toppled Xavier twice this year, this time by 'I2 points, 57-45. Murray accounted for six points in this one. Team lost close, non-league games to Hayes and All Hallows.