Adam Hanks, Principal at Sandoval Jr/Sr High School and the crew were working on improvements to Merkelbach Gymnasium at the high school. While cutting some of the bleachers they found these old programs from the 1948 Regional as well as another program from 1973.
This championship regional game must’ve been a good one to watch! Salem was ranked #4 in the final 1948 regular season AP poll with a record of 27-2. Pickneyville was ranked #6. Centralia was unranked.
Centralia ended up beating Breese and Salem to win this regional. They would lose to Pinckneyville who ended up beating Rockford East in the State Finals 65-39. (Thanks Adam for the research!)
The work in the gym currently in progress is expanding the stair width to 4 feet and placing hand rails in the middle for easier access to climb stairs for all guests and fans.
Thought everyone would appreciate the history here! If you have any pieces of history from your respective schools and would like to share it, Message us at sports@wjbdradio.com.
