Athletics
Unfortunately no mention could be found regarding the athletic program at Magnolia Township High School on the IHSA web
site (
www.ihsa.org). It is a fact that MTHS offered boys basketball and was quite competitive in its area. Magnolia High School
may have also offered track and baseball like many other small schools of its day.
Boys Basketball
The Magnolia boys were known as tough competitors. Though no IHSA hardware was won, they had some very successful
seasons.
One game in particular is recognized by the IHSA and the National Federation Basketball Record Book.
It was played on November 20, 1929 between the Magnolia and nearby (Granville) Hopkins High School. In a fierce defensive
struggle, the Magnolia boys prevailed by a score of 1 - 0. You can see a photo and newpaper caption of that game below.
1921-22 Ottawa District
Tournament Coach's name
& record needed
1st
Rd lost to McNabb 18-9
DePue
beat Rollo in title game
1931-32 Wenona District Tournament Coach's
name & record needed
1st Rd Beat Putnam 29-13
2nd Rd lost to Varna 20-12
Wenona beat Minonk in title game
1932-33 Wenona District
Tournament Coach's name &
record needed
1st
Rd lost to Tonica 44-15
Long
Point beat Henry in title game
1933-34 Wenona District
Tournament Coach's name &
record needed
1st
Rd lost to Lostant 32-17
Granville
Hopkins beat Minonk in title game
1934-35 Wenona District
Tournament Coach's name &
record needed
1st
Rd lost to Lacon 32-6
Lacon beat
Henry in title game
1935-36 Wenona District
Tournament Coach's name &
record needed
1st
Rd lost to Dana 27-14
Dana
beat Lostant in title game
1936-37 Wenona District Tournament Coach's
name & record needed
1st Rd Beat Long Point 18-12
2nd Rd lost to Dana 44-23
Lacon beat Tonica in title game
1937-38 Wenona District
Tournament Coach's name &
record needed
1st
Rd lost to McNabb Swaney 30-23
Rutland
beat Varna in title game
1938-39 Wenona District
Tournament Coach's name &
record needed
1st
Rd lost to Long Point 30-11
Wenona
beat Lostant in title game
1939-40 Record and postseason scores needed. Coach
Euell Lindsey
1940-41 Wenona District
Tournament Coach's name &
record needed
1st
Rd lost to Dana 26-23
Sparland
beat Dana in title game
1941-42 Record, postseason scores, and coach's name needed.
1942-43 Wenona District
Tournament Coach's name &
record needed
1st
Rd lost to McNabb Swaney 26-21
Lostant
beat Dana in title game
1943-44 Record, postseason scores, and coach's name needed.
1944-45 Varna District
Tournament Coach's
name & record needed
1st
Rd Beat Sparland 32-31
2nd Rd lost to Lostant 31-30
Rutland
beat Varna in title game
1945-46 Varna District
Tournament Coach's
name & record needed
1st
Rd Beat McNabb Swaney 26-21
*2nd Rd lost to Lostant 44-25
Rutland
beat Tonica in title game
*Final boys varsity basketball game played by the Magnolia High School "Pirates."
Great Player
One great player in Magnolia High School history was Richard B. Johnson. After completing
a very successful high school career Mr. Johnson continued playing basketball in independent leagues in the
area. He then served his country in the Army during World War II.
Seeking More Information
If you have more information you would like to share regarding Magnolia Township High School please complete a School
Submission Form or Guest Commentary Form. We especially enjoy photos of the school building, great teams, players,
and coaches. You can also e-mail us at
ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net or write us at:
Illinois HS Glory Days
6439 N. Neva St.
Chicago, Il. 60631
)
