It’s been 50 years since Staten Island’s one and only undefeated varsity basketball team played its final game.
And on Monday, St. Peter’s will honor that squad — the 1973-74 Eagles — prior to its CHSAA AA contest against visiting Archbishop Molloy.
The Eagles and Stanners will tip off in New Brighton at 3 p.m. The freshman (noon) and junior varsity (1:30) games will be played as well.
The 1973-74 St. Peter’s team finished the season 22-0 under legendary coach Jack McGinley, but never had a chance to compete for a city championship as Island teams weren’t included in the CHSAA playoffs at the time.
St. Peter’s guard John Tobin (23) drives to the rim during a game against Monsignor Farrell during the 1973-74 season. Eagles starters Fran Demyan (32), John Zanat (21) and Charlie Richardson (partially hidden, behind Tobin) are also seen in the picture. (Courtesy of St. Peter’s)Courtesy of St. Peter’s
The 15-man squad, however, capped the undefeated season by winning the Eastern New York Catholic Basketball championship, including victories over Christian Brothers Academy and LaSalle Institute. The team, which boasted a pair of Advance All Stars in John Tobin and Russell Clark, also won the SIHSL title and the inaugural Staten Island High School Christmas Tournament.
In addition to seniors Tobin and Clark, the starters included senior John Zanat and juniors Charlie Richardson and Fran Demyan. Incredibly, each starter averaged double digits in points. Junior George Hayes was sixth man and the remainder of the squad included Timothy Cox, Kevin Connolly, Brian Scanlon, Vinny Bombardi, Arnie Roese, Bill Duffy, Dave Pecoraro, Bill McEvoy and Joe Acer.
SP’s 1973-74 team was inducted into the St. Peter’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
Family, friends and former cheerleaders are encouraged to attend.
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