Basketball Hall of Fame

From 1973-76, Richwoods dominated high school basketball in the Peoria area to the extent that the three teams of those years were inducted together as an Era of Excellence. Richwoods had an 83-6 overall record over three seasons and a 47-1 conference record; the best three-year record by any team in the state over this period. The 1973-74 Knights had the right combination of muscle, speed, skill, and determination. With a starting lineup of seniors Ray Bailey, Dave Krick, Dave Loyd, junior Chris Williams, and sophomore Derek Holcomb, this team was programmed to win. The amazing point potential of Williams, along with the strength of the other players, shot the Knights almost immediately to an all-time high state ranking, and a Mid-State 9 championship. With all starters carrying a double-figured scoring average, a "close" game was a rare sight for the Knights. The newspaper raves came in from all around, including a complimentary write-up in the Chicago Tribune. The Knights won the Pekin Holiday Tournament hands down, then went on to win the M-S 9 conference title. They captured the regional championship by defeating the Galesburg Silver Streaks. The Knights won their first game in the sectionals, before losing to Peoria Central, whom they had beaten three times during the regular season, in double overtime. The Knights finished the season with a 27-2 record.

Pictured:

Front Row, left to right: G. Schwab, Manager, K. Westervelt, G. St. Julian, K. Krick, S. Mach, G. Moreland, D. Loyd.
Back Row, left to right: Coach Hammerton, M. Nelson, C. Williams, D. Holcomb, R. Bailey, M. Grimm, S. Miller, P. Addy, Manager.