Iowa Almanac for March 31, 1951: Professor Jeff Stein tells the story of one of the most talked about Iowa High School State Basketball Championship games ever played between Roland and Davenport. This was a time when there was only one class in the state where everyone competed for a single title regardless of the size of the city. The games were held at University of Iowa Field House in Iowa City. Roland guard Gary Thompson & Davenport forward Carl Widseth were on the Des Moines Register's all-state first team. Roland forward Ralph Johnson and Davenport guard Merle Jensen were on the second team. This is a GREAT story about being the underdog and the story of sportsmanship that is so inspiring that it is still mentioned in conversations today!
One of the Greatest Iowa High School State Championship Basketball games ever played...Roland vs Davenport!
Iowa Almanac: 70 years ago, two teams squared off for the Iowa High School State Basketball Championship...The Roland Rockets vs The Davenport Blue Devils!