Brock High School Girls’ Basketball – Early State Tournaments (1939 - 1968)

 

 

The Texas High School UIL (University Interscholastic League) began organizing and sponsoring a state basketball tournament for boys in 1921. It was held in Austin in early March. But the UIL took the attitude that basketball was injurious to girls’ health and this giant organization even advised all schools to drop girls’ basketball. Regardless, many schools continued to have girls’ basketball teams. That was especially true in the smaller, rural schools.

Through the years, many school officials across Texas did not agree with the UIL’s position on girls’ basketball. In 1939 the State High School Girls Basketball Association was formed in an effort to protect and promote girls’ high school basketball. Up until that time, Texas high school girls’ basketball did not have an official state tournament. The girls’ season ended with the county tournament. So, there was no opportunity for a girls’ team to “go to state.”

This new State High School Girls Basketball Association made immediate plans to sponsor an official Texas high school girl’s state tournament. The state was divided into 16 districts for girls’ basketball. District champions advanced directly to a state tournament. There were no classifications like “B”, “A”, or “AA.” Teams played each other regardless of school size. There was only one champion. The first few girls’ state tournaments were held in Waco. In 1942, the tournament moved to Hillsboro where it remained until 1949. Then it moved back to Waco. The state high school girls tournaments (sponsored by the Association) were well attended and a huge success. They were well covered by newspapers of the time.

By 1951, likely due to the success of the girls’ state tournament sponsored by the Association, the UIL had a change of heart and decided to sponsor a rival Texas High School Girls’ State Basketball Tournament. The UIL sponsored tournament had two classifications. Large schools were Class “A” and small schools were Class “B”.  It was held in Austin about the same time as the other girls’ state tournament was being held in Waco.

The State High School Girls Association continued to sponsor their Girls’ State Tournament (as they had done since 1939). So, for a few years there were two dueling tournaments – the Girls Association tournament in Waco and the new UIL tournament in Austin. Both tournaments produced state champions. This situation existed in until 1955 when the Girls Association tournament in Waco was discontinued leaving only the UIL sponsored tournament in Austin.

In these Girls Association state tournaments that began in 1939 trophies were given for 1st place, 2^nd place, 3^rd place, consolation winner, and consolation runner-up. You may be amused to learn that a beauty contest of sorts was also held and awards were given to prettiest blonde player, prettiest brunette player, and prettiest red head player. A sportsmanship award was also given.

I wondered what year the Brock girls first “officially” advanced to the state tournament, so I researched the topic using newspaper archives. As it turns out, Brock won its district and advanced to the very first Texas Girls’ High School Tournament in Waco in 1939. From 1939 thru 1954 when the State High School Girls Association held an official state tournament in Waco (and a few years in Hillsboro), the Brock girls went to state the following years: 1939, 1942, 1946, 1953, and 1954.

In the UIL era of girls’ basketball from 1955 to present, Brock girls have advanced to the state tournament in Austin the following years: 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2018.

Below is a summary of the Brock girls’ state tournament appearances 1939 – 1968:

 

1939:

Brock was among the 16 district winners that advanced to this first state tournament held in Waco in the Baylor gym. In a first round game, Beattie defeated Brock 33-23. That sent Brock to the consolation bracket. Brock defeated Ben Arnold 25-16 in 1^st consolation game. According to one newspaper clipping, Brock was led by Tanner. I’m not sure, but I think this was Era Tanner. La Poynor defeated Brock in the 2^nd consolation game. Gatesville won state in 1939.

 

1942:

Brock defeated Sundown 21-19 in their 1^st round game. Emory defeated Brock in 2^nd round game 34-33 in overtime. Brock players mentioned in newspaper articles (most by last name only): Lillie Mae Hildebrand, Jones, Bodiford, Woodruff, Mathews, Wolfe, Rucker. And Louise Hildebrand.  Borger won state in 1942.

 

1944:

Aquilla defeated Brock in a 1^st round game 26-25. Brock defeated Placedo 49-18 in 1^st consolation game. Brock defeated Turnersville in 2^nd consolation game. Bynum defeated Brock 26 – 25 for consolation championship. Members of the 1944 Brock team: Arveja Wolfe, Margaret Jones, Linda Mae Williams, Joyce Bell, Naomi Ruth Canell, Alena Thomas, Janez Rucker, Juanita Scarbrough, Virginia Roberts, Fern Jones, Sammy Ruth Phillips, Emma Jo Woodruff, and Coach Dale Roark. Aquilla won state in 1944.

1946:

Post defeated Brock 34-25 in 1^st round game. In the 1^st consolation game, Brock defeated Thrall 34-34 in overtime. (At the end of regulation the score was 32-32. In overtime, Thrall hit two free throws and Brock scored two points by field goal. Brock was declared the winner because they scored a field goal and Thrall did not). East Chambers defeated Brock 27-15 in 2^nd round consolation game. Brock coach in 1946 was Dale Roark. Aquilla won state in 1946.

 

For the next four years, there were competing high school girls state tournaments—the State High School Girls Association tournament in Waco and the UIL tournament in Austin. Brock remained with the State High School Girls Association until it ended in 1955.

 

Note: In December, 1952 Waco hosted a huge girls’ invitational tournament called the Heart O’ Texas Tournament. Many of the best basketball teams in a 200 mile radius of Waco were invited. Brock won the championship. This was a prestigious win for Brock, but it was not a “state” championship.

 

1953:

This year the State High School Girls’ Association tournament expanded to two classifications. Twelve Class A teams and ten Class AA teams participated. Brock was Class A. Brock drew a 1^st round bye. Bullard beat Brock 36-32 in a 2^nd round game. Teams that lost first round game went to consolation bracket. Since Brock had a bye in 1^st round and lost in 2^nd round, they only played one game in this tournament. Maydelle won the State High School Girls Association Class A championship in 1953.

 

1954:

Brock advanced to state with a 33-4 record and the prestige of winning the highly touted Heart O’ Texas tournament a few months earlier in December. The Brock coach was Bill Tolbert. Brock defeated McCauley 38-26 in the first round. Brock defeated Orangefield 48-32 in the second round. Penelope defeated Brock 40-38 in the Class A semi-final. Aquilla defeated Brock by a score of 41-39 for 3rd place in Class A. Brock was presented the trophy for “best sportsmanship” in the tournament. Two Brock girls made All State: Sue Phillips and Ina Jean Nicholson. Sue Phillips was also named the “most outstanding” forward in the tournament. Norma Bell of Brock was named “most determined” in the tournament. Penelope won the State High School Girls Association Class A championship in 1954.

1963:

The 1963 tournament was held in Austin (March 14 – 16). There were three classifications (AA, A, and B). Brock was still Class B in 1963. Four Class “A” and four Class “AA” teams advanced to state. Brock entered the tournament with a 27-2 record. I don’t know why, but six Class B teams advanced to state: Claude, Friendswood, Fort Davis, Slidell, Wells, and Brock. Claude and Friendswood drew byes and the other four teams played 1^st round games. Losers of the two 1^st round games went home. Losers of the two 2^nd round games played a consolation game for 3^rd place. Brock lost its 1^st round game to Wells by a score of 45-43. Linda Thomas, a 5’6” guard from Brock was named to the All-Tournament team. Slidell won the Class B title in 1963.

1965:

In 1965, there were four classifications (B, A, AA, AAA). Class “B” still had six teams advance to state, while the other three classifications had just four. Class B teams in the 1965 tournament were: Round Top Carmine, Trent, Bowie Gold-Burg, Wells, Briscoe, and Brock (35-8 record). Brock sophomore, Cathy Horn averaged 20 points per game during regular season. She was also named to the All-Tournament team at the state tournament. Brock defeated Briscoe in 1^st round game by a score of 64-49 and advanced to semifinals. Round Top Carmine defeated Brock 56-39 in a semi-final game. Round Top had a six foot junior forward who scored 41 points. Brock won 3^rd place in Class B by defeating Bowie Gold-Berg 37-36. Trent won the Class B title in 1965.

1966:

Six teams from Class B advanced to the state tournament in Austin. Brock and Sundown drew first round byes. Brock entered the state tournament with a 32-7 record. They were defeated 67-47 in a semi-final game by Round Top-Carmine. High scorers for Brock were Linda Beaty with 20 and Cathy Horn with 19. Brock lost the third place game to Sundown 76-64. Brenda Cardwell, a senior guard from Brock was named to the Class B All-State team. Round Top-Carmine won the Class B title in 1966 and finished the season 43-0.

1967:

Brock (30-7) was one of six Class B teams to advance to the state tournament. Brock lost their first-round (quarterfinal) game to High Island in double-overtime by a score of 72-68. Cathy Horn was high scorer for Brock with 38 points. High Island won the Class B title in 1967.

 

1968:

Brock (31-6) was one of six Class B teams to advance to the state tournament. They drew a bye in the first round (quarterfinals) and lost to Lamesa Klondike 73-36 in the semi-finals. Brock was beaten in the consolation (3^rd place) game by Round Top-Carmine 39-37. High Island won the Class B title in 1968.

As stated earlier, in addition to the years summarized above, Brock girls have advanced to the State tournament the following years: 1975, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2018.

Brock girls have won the state championship in their classification in the following years: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Prior to their first state championship in 2002, the best finish for the Brock girls was a third place finish in the 1965 state tournament.

The Sullivan-Kilrain Trials in Purvis, MS (1889-1890)

Most people are familiar with the bare-knuckle prize fight between John L. Sullivan and Jake Kilrain fought on July 8, 1889 in Richburg, MS. However, many do not realize that Sullivan, Kilrain, and many others associated with the fight were tried for breaking the law against prize fighting and the trials were held in Purvis, MS. So, the trials will be the focus of this article.

 By 1889, prize fighting was illegal in the United States. In early summer of 1889, rumors began to spread that a fight would occur in an undisclosed location within 100 miles of New Orleans. Mississippi governor, Robert Lowry was outraged and issued a proclamation on July 2^nd calling for state and local officials to prevent the fight. This proclamation is currently in the Lamar County Museum housed in the old depot in Purvis.

Since prize fighting was illegal, the much anticipated Sullivan-Kilrain fight had to be contested in a secret location. Fight fans and officials travelled to New Orleans where special excursion trains shuttled them to the clandestine location. That location turned out to be Richburg, a flag station on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad between Hattiesburg and Purvis on land owned by a prominent lumberman, C. W. Rich. Once the parties reached Richburg, only a token effort was made to stop the fight.

Just a year before the fight, Marion County, MS was divided into two judicial districts. Both Lumberton and Purvis were located in the 2^nd Judicial District. A vote was taken in March, 1889 to decide where the courthouse would be located and Purvis was chosen. Richburg, where the Sullivan-Kilrain fight occurred was also in Marion County’s 2^nd Judicial District.

So, the responsibility of enforcing the law against prize fighting was left to the 2^nd Judicial District circuit court in Purvis. Trials for Sullivan, Kilrain, and many others associated with the fight would be held in Purvis. Purvis had not yet had time to build a courthouse. In July, 1889, the Fairley Brothers, who operated a sawmill in Purvis, won the contract to build the courthouse at Purvis for $3,244. The small, frame courthouse was not completed until November 11, 1889. This was well after the Sullivan-Kilrain trials had begun. This frame courthouse was just a little east of the present courthouse which was built in 1905.

Today, it is difficult to grasp just how big a deal the Sullivan-Kilrain fight was in the United States at the time. Boxing had become a popular sport and John L. Sullivan was one of America’s first sports heroes to achieve national celebrity.

With that said, the trials, held in Purvis in 1889 and 1890, of Sullivan, Kilrain, and others associated with the fight, created an equal sensation. Many major newspapers devoted much of their front page to the trials. “Purvis, Miss.” was the dateline in newspapers all across the country as they reported on the trials.

In 1889, the town of Purvis was only about five years old. It had a depot, several sawmills, three churches, a post office, a new and unpainted hotel (called the Holleman Hotel), a few stores, a brick jail, and a few scattered residences. There was also the mayor’s office and a barber shop in a former store described as little more than “pine box.” As stated earlier, there was no courthouse, but a frame courthouse was being built during the summer and fall of 1889.

Note: The Holleman Hotel was just around the corner from where the Lamar County Museum now sits.

The first court proceedings at Purvis concerning the Sullivan-Kilrain fight were held on July 18, 1889 in the mayor’s office/barber shop. The judge and clerk stood behind a counter and District Attorney James H. Neville sat in the barber chair. Reporters sat on flour barrels and spectators stood where they pleased. Several officials associated with the Sullivan-Kilrain fight including the fight referee, James Fitzpatrick, were arraigned by the court and they gave bond.

John L. Sullivan was arrested in New York and brought by train to Purvis. The train arrived at 8:00 a.m. on August 6, 1889. A small crowd was waiting at the depot hoping to get a glimpse of Sullivan. Among the crowd was Sheriff Cowart. Sullivan was placed under a $2,000 bond for his appearance at Circuit Court on August 12.

Sullivan was given comfortable quarters at the Holleman Hotel where he awaited his day in court. Over the next several days, the word spread that Sullivan would appear before a special term of the circuit court on August 12. As the hour approached, the small town of Purvis filled with farmers from miles around hoping to see Sullivan when he appeared in court.

During the court proceedings over the next two weeks, the Holleman Hotel was very crowded. Men slept on the balconies and on small cots. As many cots as could be placed in the rooms were crowded into them.

Apparently, these August court proceedings were held in a structure originally built to serve as a storehouse. I believe it is referenced in at least one place in the court minutes as "Rouse Store House." It was described as follows: “It is about 100 feet long and 25 feet wide. The building is a new one and not quite completed. The rafters overhead are bare. The judge’s stand is a platform, upon which rests a small table. In front of the stand is a table for lawyers and reporters. To the side of the stand are the jury boxes. Ten double rows of benches afford seats for spectators and witnesses.”

Another newspaper described the “storehouse” building this way: “It is a long, pine building with a high roof. The rafters are visible from the interior because the ceiling was never put in. It is of unpainted pine, with a porch in front and openings at each end. The benches are of rough pine. The bar inside is a pine railing, and consists of a long table of rough planks. A little platform in front of the back window is the judge’s throne, and a little varnished table and revolving chair are the pieces of furniture that distinguish the spot from the rest of the court and mark it with dignity. The porch was crowded with typical Mississippians and they were ready, brawny, and wide awake.”

The presiding judge was Samuel H. Terral. He ordered Sheriff Cowart to open court and call the grand jury that Cowart had appointed for this special term. Grand jury members were:

L. A. B. Pace – a farmer from west of the county

Rayford Russell – a farmer 18 miles from Richburg

John Kendrick – a farmer 12 miles from Richburg

Ephraim Ladner – a stock raiser 4 miles from Richburg

E. R. Boon – has a farm 3 miles from Purvis

Leonard Davis – s stock raiser 4 miles from Purvis

S. S. Scarborough – one of the richest merchants of Purvis

B. J. Bounds – a stock raiser 6 miles from Purvis

Jeff Rawls – a farmer 12 miles from Richburg

J. H. Hinton – a lumber man of Lumberton

Dan Stanford – a farmer near Purvis

L. B. Batson – a stock man near Hillsdale

T. R. White – a sawmill owner and merchant from Poplarville (foreman of jury)

H. G. Stewart – a stock raiser at Poplarville

Asa Hartfield, Sr. – a farmer west of Purvis

A. B. Fillingame – a farmer close to Purvis

Thomas Baxter – a farmer near Purvis

B. M. Rouse – a farmer near Purvis

J. A. Howard – a farmer near Purvis

J. C. Bounds – a stock man near Purvis

On, or around August 13, 1889, a New Orleans photographer took a group photo in Purvis that included Judge Terral, attorneys, several Purvis officials, and Sullivan. The photo was likely taken on the steps of the “storehouse building” that served as a temporary courthouse for the Sullivan trial.

During the first few days of court, the grand jury listened to evidence regarding Sullivan and Kilrain and many others associated with the fight. After several days, the grand jury returned indictments against the following:

John L. Sullivan – principal.

Jake Kilrain – principal.

William Muldoon – Sullivan’s second.

Mike Cleary – Sullivan’s second.

Dan Murphy – bottle holder for Sullivan.

Mike Donovan – Kilrain’s second.

Johnny Murphy – bottle holder for Kilrain.

Dennis Butler – the ring builder and attendant to Kilrain.

John Fitzpatrick – referee.

James Wakely – Sullivan’s backer.

Charley Johnson – Sullivan’s backer.

Frank Stephenson – manager for Kilrain.

William E. Harding – representing Richard K. Fox, Kilrain’s backer.

D. G. Edwards – passenger agent Queen and Crescent at Cincinnati.

On August 15, 1889, the trial of John L. Sullivan began. The New Orleans Times-Picayune described the scene as follows: “The long courtroom with naked rafters, the unpainted and unvarnished pine walls, almost the entire population of the town crowding against the railing, sitting down, standing upon benches, perching on the fences near the windows, looking with open mouths and staring eyes upon the unconquered mien of the victorious gladiator who has been like a lamb in the lion’s hands, the distinguished array of counsel, the grand old judge who formed the central figure, were all component parts of the memorable scene.”

After many jurors were considered, a petit jury (trial jury) was finally seated as follows:

Ed Davis

William Rutledge (foreman)

J. D. Hatten

T. J. Golemon

Ira Lott

W. J. Longe

George Hartfield

Henry Slade

W. W. Lott

J. E. Farve

J. J. Hudson

John A. Haden

During testimony of witness, W. W. Robinson was asked by District Attorney Neville, “Did they hit each other?”  “Hit!” exclaimed Robinson, “look at Sullivan’s eye.” The crowd laughed. The court heard the testimony of five witnesses for the prosecution. There were no witnesses for the defense. At the end of the day, the state and the defense rested their case and the court adjourned for the evening. The jury was placed in the charge of two bailiffs and spent the night in the courtroom where they slept on benches.

The following day (August 16), the jury heard closing arguments and then deliberated only 75 minutes before finding John L. Sullivan guilty of prize-fighting. A petition for clemency was circulated asking that Sullivan be given only a fine and not be required to serve jail time. It was signed by many merchants of Purvis, prominent citizens of Marion County, all the grand jurors, and 11 of the petit jurors. 

On the morning of August 17^th, Judge Terral rejected the petition and sentenced Sullivan to 12 months in the Marion County jail and no fine. Attorney for Sullivan declared that the case would be appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court. Sullivan was placed under bond and began preparations to depart Purvis for New York later in the evening. “The depot was crowded and a hearty cheer went up for the champion as the train pulled out.”

Jake Kilrain arrived in Purvis at 3 a.m. on August 25, 1889, and took quarters in the Holleman Hotel. It was Sunday morning. He went on several short walks in the pine woods. In the afternoon, He attended the Black church service in the afternoon and a white Methodist church service on Sunday night. On Monday, his bond was set at $2,000 to return to Purvis in December for trial. Kilrain then departed for Baltimore. A large crowd saw his off at the depot.

On November 11, 1889 the new frame courthouse in Purvis was completed.

Jake Kilrain returned to Richburg on December 4 to await his trial in Purvis. He was a guest of C. W. Rich. Kilrain’s trial was set to begin on December 9, but was delayed a few days due to the death of Jefferson Davis. On December 14, Kilrain was found guilty of assault and battery. He was sentenced to pay a fine of $200 and two months in jail. His case was appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court and Kilrain returned to Baltimore.

The Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed the sentence of the lower court in the case of Jake Kilrain on March 2, 1890. Jake Kilrain returned to Purvis on March 22 to begin his sentence. As it turned out, Kilrain did not serve a day in jail. Charles W. Rich, the wealthy lumberman on whose land the Sullivan-Kilrain fight occurred, utilized the prison-contract system to purchase the labor of Kilrain for two months at his sawmill in Richburg. Most say that Kilrain did not “labor” at the sawmill a single day; but instead was wined and dined by the wealthy Mr. Rich with frequent trips to New Orleans, and outings such as quail hunting and horse races.

A new term of the Circuit Court opened on June 24, 1890 in Purvis. They continued to consider new indictments regarding the Sullivan-Kilrain fight. They were specifically asked to consider a new indictment of John L. Sullivan for prize fighting. An earlier conviction of Sullivan had been reversed by the Mississippi Supreme Court on the grounds that the indictment leading to that conviction was faulty.  At 4:30 p.m. the grand jury returned a new indictment of John L. Sullivan for prize fighting. Later in the afternoon, in the crowded courtroom, Sullivan pleaded guilty. Judge Terral then fined Sullivan $500.  Sullivan paid the fine immediately and walked from the courtroom a free man.

Timeline:

June, 1889 – Rumors spread that a prize fight between Sullivan and Kilrain was being planned at an undisclosed location within 100 miles of New Orleans.

July 2, 1889 – Mississippi Governor Robert Lowry issued a proclamation calling for state and local officials to prevent the fight.

July 8, 1889 – Sullivan and Kilrain fight occurred at Richburg, MS (in Marion County).

July 17, 1889 – the Fairley Brothers get contract to build a frame courthouse in Purvis.

July 18, 1889 – the citizens of Purvis held a “mass meeting” endorsing Governor Lowry’s Proclamation.

July 18, 1889 – Marion County 2^nd District Circuit Court officials meet in Purvis in office of Purvis mayor, W. W. Robinson. Several officials associated with the Sullivan-Kilrain fight including fight referee, James Fitzpatrick were arraigned by the court and gave bond.

July 31, 1889 – John L. Sullivan arrested at the Vanderbilt Hotel in New York City. It was determined that authorities would bring Sullivan to Purvis to give bond for his appearance at court on August 12.

August 6, 1889 – John L. Sullivan arrives at Purvis at 8:00 a.m. by train on the NE & NO Railroad.

August 12, 1889 – a special term of Circuit Court opens in Purvis.

August 13, 1889 – A New Orleans photographer took a group photo in Purvis that included Judge Terral, attorneys, several Purvis officials, and Sullivan.

August 14, 1889 – Jake Kilrain was arrested in Baltimore, MD.

August 14, 1889 – the grand jury returned indictments against Sullivan, Kilrain, and many others associated with the fight.

August 15, 1889 – trial of John L. Sullivan began.

August 16, 1889 – John L. Sullivan found guilty of prize fighting.

August 17, 1889 – John L. Sullivan sentenced to 12 months in the Marion County jail and no fine. Sullivan departed Purvis in the late evening.

August 25, 1889 – Jake Kilrain arrived in Purvis on Sunday. His bond was set at $2,000 on Monday and Kilrain returned to Baltimore.

November 11, 1889 – the new frame courthouse in Purvis was completed.

December 4, 1889 – Jake Kilrain returned to Richburg to await his trial scheduled for December 9 in Purvis. He was a guest of C. W. Rich.

December 14, 1889 – Jake Kilrain’s trial was set to begin on December 9, but was delayed a few days due to the death of Jefferson Davis. On December 14, Kilrain was found guilty of assault and battery. He was sentenced to pay a fine of $200 and two month in jail. His case was appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

March 2, 1890 – the Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed the sentence of the lower court in the case of Jake Kilrain.

March 18, 1890 – the Mississippi Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Marion County Circuit Court in the John L. Sullivan case. The previous indictment was quashed on a technicality, and Sullivan was ordered to answer at the next term of the Marion County Circuit Court such any indictment that may be found against him.

March 22, 1890 – Jake Kilrain returned to Purvis to begin his sentence. As it turned out, Kilrain did not serve a day in jail. Charles W. Rich utilized the prison-contract system to purchase the labor of Kilrain for two months at his sawmill in Richburg.

June 24, 1890 – Circuit Court met in Purvis. At 4:30 p.m. the grand jury returned indictment of John L. Sullivan for prize fighting. Sullivan pleaded guilty and was fined $500 by Judge Terral.

 

Note: all of the above illustrations in this article came from the New Orleans Times-Democrat. 

One a personal note, the Sullivan-Kilrain fight occurred less than four miles from where I grew up.

 

Sullivan-Kilrain Bare Knuckle Prize Fight - August 8, 1889 - Richburg, MS