On Friday, Jan. 28, the Owensboro High School Athletic Department will recognize the 1972 KHSAA State Championship boys’ basketball team on their 50-year anniversary of winning the title.
This team is considered by many as one of the best high school teams that the state of Kentucky has ever produced. The Red Devils rolled through the post season picking up District wins over Livermore, Calhoun, and Owensboro Catholic, Regional wins over Greenville, Hancock Co, and Leitchfield, and State Tournament wins over Manual, Warren East, Bryan Station and Elizabethtown.
The average margin of victory in the postseason was 26 pts (82-56). The team was led by Hall of Fame head Coach Bobby Watson, who was a star player for the Red Devils in the 1950s who went on to play at the University of Kentucky, longtime assistant coach Adrian Hayes and assistant coach Lavelton Kennedy.
Senior post player Jerry Thruston was a powerful force for the Red Devils who went on to win the prestigious Kentucky Mr. Basketball award. Senior Steve Maddox was another dominating force for OHS who brought toughness and a defensive edge to every game.
Sophomore guard Kenny Higgs was a big-time scorer and distributor who led the way at point guard. Greg Webster, Richard Reed, Terry Tyler, Bill Johnson, Nathaniel Wilson, David Schell, Curtis King, Rodney Leachman, Gerry Liggins, Harley Trogdlen, Sam Kendall and Steve Henry were all contributors.
This team along with members of the cheerleading team will be formally recognized prior to the start of the Owensboro High School vs Daviess Co boys’ basketball game on Jan. 28 at approximately 7 p.m. Several members of the team and their families are planning on attending this ceremony along with members of the cheer team.
