Basketball Hall of Fame

Manual coached by first-year head coach Wayne McClain (GPSHOF class of 2015) successfully defended its state title with a 65-53 victory over Thornton of Harvey in the finals.  Thornton was also led by a first-year coach, Rocky Hill.  Following up their solid contributions at the previous year’s tournament, Ivan Watson and Willie Coleman provided stellar play and were both named to the All-Tournament first Team.  The duo combined for 43 points in the championship game. Coleman was selected to the All-State Team and Watson received honorable mention All-State recognition.  The Rams finished the season with a 32-2 record.  After the 1994-1995 season, the tournament moved from Champaign to Peoria, but the site change could not stop the Rams amazing streak of successful title defenses.