Semi Final: Collins faced one of its toughest games in getting past the determined Huxley team. This game was nip and tuck all the way with first quarter score of 7-7, Collins 16-15 at the half, 25-23 at the third quarter and final score of Collins 35-33. The score was tied eight times in this hectic game. Collins took the final lead midway in the last quarter when Phil Holland's basket broke a 28-28 deadlock. With a minute left in the game, Kenny Carroll made two of three critical free throws. With Collins stalling in the final seconds, Huxley player intercepted a pass and lost control of the ball as he drove down the floor for what would have been a game typing basket. High pointer for the locals was Holland with 15. Boozell, Cory, and Carroll collected 6 points each. (Insert 2005: Lineup not found)
Finals: The boys defeated Slater 54-43 after leading only 25-16 at halftime. Collins rallied in the third quarter scoring 19 points for a 44-27 third quarter score. Collins will represent South Story County in the district tournament at Ames next week. They will play Mingo in the armory at Iowa State (College) University campus. Lineup: Lonnie Boozell (f) 19 pts.; Dick Cory (f) 9 pts.; Erwin Frerichs (c) 6 pts.; Phil Holland (g) 13 pts.; Kenny Carroll (g) 4 pts.; Bill Sager (g) 1 pt.; Bob McBride (g) 0 pts.; Larry Smith (g) 0 pts.; John Runyan (g) 2 pts.; Max Liggett (g) 0 pts. (Insert 2005: The (g) on Phil Holland is correct as he did play guard in this game and in the following district game with Mingo.)
Boys District Basketball Tournament: First round - Mingo had the motive and the mindset for their mission in the second encounter of the season with Collins boysin the huge armory building where Iowa State (College - 1950's) University played their basketball games. The result: 52-46 Mingo win, avenging a mid-season 46-37 loss at Collins and one game closer to their boys state tournament mission. Their game was apply pressure on both defense and offense plus use the full-sized court for their fast break offense; Gannon rebounding off the defensive board and quick long football style pass down court to the speedy Gearhart (primary receiver on their football team) for a lay-up. Gearhart had game scoring honors of 22 points with Phil Holland of Collins very close with 20 points. The Collins boys' persistent efforts were often the proverbial, "a half step slow and notch out of sync," thus unable to gain consistent momentum to overtake the determined Mingo team. Collins' shooting was 21 field goals with 76 shots for 27%; meanwhile Mingo hit 22 baskets of 59 shots for 38%. Mingo had a fast start for 16-9 first quarter lead. Lonnie Boozell led the second quarter Collins comeback (scoring eight points) with the lead changing hands six times, Mingo leading 26-23 at the half. Mingo maintained a small third quarter lead, ending 39-35. Holland's three rebound baskets and Larry Smith's two-pointer put Collins ahead 44-42 early in the fourth quarter. Mingo came back with three baskets to take a 48-44 lead with three minutes remaining. They went into a stalling game that was most effective; Collins scored only two points while Mingo added four for an outcome of a disappointing six-point Collins loss 52-46.