First State Champions
The 1948 to 1949 Central High School basketball team was the first team in Texas City's history to win a state championship. Central High School was the predecessor to Texas City High School. That year, the Stingaree basketball team won 21 of 32 games and claimed the district title within the Texas Class AA subdivision.
State Tournament
Following district play and two exhibition games, the Stings competed in the state tournament in Austin, where they defeated Waco 38 to 31 and Port Arthur 49 to 31 before they won the final game against Brownwood 30 to 28 (Shire).
Honors
Several of the team's players were awarded All-District and All-State honors. Senior center Bill Chuoke and guard Jack Mosher were All-State selections (Shire/United Press). Chuoke and Max Montegut won 1st Team All-District honors; Mosher made the 2nd Team, and teammates L.G. Dupree and John Welch were given honorable mentions (Shire).
Names of Players Pictured
(From left to right): Coach Dick Edward, L.G. Max Montegut, Bobby Rankin, Billy Chuoke, Richard Garner, Jack Hill, John A., John S., John Welch, Billy Hilton, Jack Mosher. Kneeling in the foreground is Sheldon Simon, team manager.
References
View the Reference Sources page.