State Runner Up Staley (JPI Coach of the Year For the second time in three years, the Eagles were in Columbus in March for the state finals. UPI Coach of the Year Joe Staley honed the four corner offense to razor sharpness as the Blue and Green sliced off a piece of basketball history for themselves before Lexington, once again, nicked them 55-53 for the Division II state championship. Senior Chris McGuire amd fellow Area All-Star Eric Wills led the 22-5 team through a memorable campaign and an Ohio top ten finish for the 3rd consecutive year. The "Pony Express" made up for their lack of size with speed and three point shooting accuracy. Talent, hardwork, and dedication powered the Eagles through the season, but heart was
responsible for the exciting come from behind tournament victories over Alter, Greenhills and Columbus Briggs. The Eagles continued their domination over rival, Alter, with a four overtime game won by Wills' three pointer with only 1.8 seconds on the clock. McGuire swished two free throws with .06 seconds left to give the Eagles the Regional title over Greenhills. Senior Mark Holton joined Wills and McGuire with a barrage of 3 pointers as the Eagles held off Columbus Briggs 65-64 in the state semifinals. But Lady Luck and time ran out as Lexington held up the Express and left C-J as runners-up.
First Row: Mike Camacho, Chris McGuire, Eric Wills, Mark Holton, Tony Smith. Second row: Darnell Hoskins, Mike Collins, Gibby Vargo, Bill Reichert, Brian Bensman, Brad Burris, Marvin Thomas. Dribbling around the Badin defense, senior Mike Camacho makes his way to the hoop. Junior Gibby Vargo is the inside man to the four corners offense.
76/Men's Basketball