1953-1954 Basketball

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First Row: Left to Right: R. Kosloski, J. Machowski, R. Platt, W. Angus, F. Venezia, T. Beaudion. Second Row: D. Hurlbut, T. Nelson, V. Buzinsky, H. Ramsey, D. Crossman, L. Vereno, R. Sparks, R. Gallant, C. Case, T. Bascetta. Third Row:]. Vincent, ].V. Coach Walker, G. O'Keefe, R. Jeffers, R. Kelsey, A. Paulson, R. Morgan, ]. Casey, R. Belladella, R. Sceery, W. Clauss, Coach Nichols, Assistant Coach Flaherty.

BASKET BALL TEAM 1953 -1954 The 1953-1954 Gilbert basketball team got the ball rolling as they set up a good record of 13-5. The Gilbert five started the season by licking Alumni 54-32. Middletown was defeated 63-44. Double wins over Seymour, Terryville, Goodwin Tech., and Windsor as well as drubbing Searles and Regional by scores of 54-44 and 69-64 gave the Jackets a good start. Torrington stopped Gilbert for the second time early in the season 69-54. Rockville downed Gilbert on their second meeting 57-47. The next three wins were halted by Middletown and Regional 53-49 and 60-49. The Yellowjackets wound Up the season rated as fourth in the state for Class B. Gilbert qualified for the C.I:A.C. tournaments held in New Haven and started out by beating Killingly 42-34 in a close, fast game. This was the first game ever won by Gilbert in the tournaments and the team and the fans were looking forward to the next game with Lyman Hall. As in the first tournament game with Killingly, the Gilbert five were to come from behind in the last few minutes of play to win the thrilling game to the close score of 44-43. The team and crowd went wild as Gilbert won their second tournament game. Entering the semi-finals Gilbert was opposed by Rockville. This game was played in the New Haven Arena and Gilbert won in an action-packed game as the quintet stood up under pressure and stayed ahead all the way as the game ended 61-50. All of Gilbert and their many supporting fans in Winsted looked forward to the final game to be played in the Arena with the undefeated East Haven team. However, the sharp East Haven team blocked Gilbert at every turn and the Yellow jackets were beaten by the score of 55-36. The tournaments ended as the Yellow jackets nearly brought the Class B crown to Gilbert.