Basketball Memories

    The Kornerman heard from a member of the West Boone County Muench clan this week. Merle Muench, who lives in Hastings, MN, had a question about Iowa high school basketball.
     Merle wrote, "how many classifications were there in Iowa high school basketball in the early 1950's? I'm thinking there were three. Weren't Boone, Ogden and Boxholm each in separate classes? I know they were all (the classifications) thrown together at the state tourney. I'm up at Hayward, WI. with several good friends from northwest Iowa on a short fishing trip. One of them, Brian Pauling, played for Paullina High School in the late 60's when they had three undefeated seasons and won three consecutive state championships. We were having a friendly discussion about high school sports and, of course, I had to tell them about us, Boxholm, losing to the Roland Rockets in the sub-state final two years in a row, 1952-53."
     Here was the answer the Kornerman provided. Prior to 1956, there was one overall state champion. From 1956-60, there was a class A champion and a class B state champion. From 1961-66, back to one overall champion. From 1967-74, there were two classes and two state champions. From 1975-84, three classes and three state champions, and since 1985, there have been four classes and four state champions.
     Back to Merle's specific question. In those early 50's, as mentioned, there was one overall state champion. However, in the tournament series leading up to the state meet, there was a classification system........three classes. So, at that time, Boone, Ogden and Boxholm were all in separate classes in pre-state tourney play. Had any of them advanced to state, they would have all been in the same class, seeking one state championship.
     I think Merle is referring to the 1951-52 season when he talks about the three Boone County schools being in separate classes prior to state tourney play. That was the Kornerman's junior year in high school and, as I recall, our Boone team lost to Spencer, Boxholm lost to Roland and I'm not sure who Ogden lost too in the sub-state finals. Anyway, in a somewhat strange opportunity, all three Boone County schools, with wins in those games, would have earned state tourney berths. However, all three lost and none ever made it to the state tourney stage.
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     The Kornerman goofed in the last edition. We promoted a BHS 1968 class reunion as being held this weekend and were quickly corrected by Marty and Shelley Dannatt.  We were a year ahead of time. That reunion is next year, July 21, 2018. As soon as we heard from the Dannatt's, we eliminated the mention in the Korner so, hopefully, no one was badly effected by our error. You had to be an early riser/early reader to catch that misinformation.
     We are correct on this one. Don't forget that Jamie Kelley, BHS-98, is going to be performing locally to benefit the Boone Area Humane Society next Friday, July 28, with a concert at TK's Event Center. Tickets are available at Hy Vee or call 432-4332 and buy in advance to save a few bucks.
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     Received a quick note from John Hinz, BHS-64. He wrote, "we are watching Wheel of Fortune and a very nice, very cute young lady contestant introduced herself, announcing she is from Boone, Iowa. Brandy Holmes was the name and she is winning. Anyone know about her family? She said they are all still living in Iowa."
     The Kornerman thinks John was seeing a rerun of a show from quite some time back. I recall hearing about this when it was really held "live" but I don't have much information on it to provide. Maybe a Korner viewer can fill us in on the final result/family etc.
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     Here's another case of really missing our old Boone News Republican which, under its current weekly status, won't come around again with local information for four or five more days.
     The Korner knows that Stan Brandmeyer, former BHS teacher/coach, and husband of Vivian, former Boone campus DMAAC President, passed away recently in Versailles, MO. We have learned that his funeral services will be held in Boone at Augustana Lutheran Church on Friday, July 28, at 11 a.m.. Wife, Vivian, and two sons survive.
     Apparently, the Korner is media/alone with this information at this time. Sorry its that way but we're happy to do what we can do to keep at least some folks informed.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Amy Lou Garlock, 85, Winfield, IA. Born in Ogden in 1931. OHS grad. Married Rev. Brown Garlock in Ogden in 1954. Was a teacher and was also involved in her husband's ministry. Two sons, two daughters and two sisters survive but none in the Ogden area........Steven Snyder, 35, Ames..........Lori Filmer Vonk, 56, Lake City. Served for many years as Office Manager for Rolfes Company in Boone. Boone area survivors include her husband, Harrie, son, Jason, and daughter, Alicia George, all of Boone.........Greg Leonard, 32, Ogden. Was a victim of ALS. East Greene HS. Boone area survivors include his wife, Caley Leonard, and daughters, Aubrey, and Bailey, all of Ogden and his mother, Becky Leonard, of Grand Junction.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 710 Aldrich, Boone, Iowa 50036-4703. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.