Are The Scoring Records At New Market Correct

Researching old basketball records can be interesting to say the least. Many times I expect a trip to the Crawfordsville Library to last about 30 minutes, but that normally turns into a hour or two.

Then there are days when you end the visit by scratching your head and say “huh?”

That was the case this week. I have been working my way through the many schools and the top scorers who hold the single-game, single-season and career records. Often times the research goes smoothly, and if there are any discrepancies I can figure it out or find a additional issues here or there.

But today, I am seeking some help.

This week I was looked into the records from New Market — the town I grew up in for the first 11 years of my life. On many lists the career leader has Jim Slavens named. He graduated in 1966 and records show he scored 1,072 points. And I never had any reason to question that ... until Monday.

As I sat in the library looking through some books, records and lots of microfilm, I have come to the conclusion that either I am having a bad week or something has been missed. And missed for many, many years.

According to the records I tracked down, it shows that Slavens scored 201 points as a sophomore in 1963-64, 298 as a junior in 1964-65 and 373 points his senior season. That does not add up to 1,072. Instead, it comes out to 872 points.

Did someone simply miscalculate and now that total has carried over as the record for decades? Or are the figures from the newspapers and other documents incorrect? It’s not that uncommon for the totals to be off a point here or there. They can usually be worked out. However, I have never had a difference of 200 points before. I can see how it could happen, but if it is wrong I am a bit surprised how nobody has discovered it before now.

The records I use show the game-by-game totals and they all add up. These records do not have Slavens playing as a freshman. Maybe that’s the difference. Or maybe someone just added wrong since it is an even 200 points off.

I am looking for anyone who can help me out. Do any relatives of Slavens have any documentation I’m missing? If so, would you please share it with me. I have a copy of the blue book which was printed for the 1993 Crawfordsville Nostalgia Sectional showing him with 1,072 points in 65 games. But the 65 game-by-game totals at the library have him at 872.

One thing not in dispute is his career-high game, which came against Darlington when he scored 33 points. Then in the final game of the regular season he had a 31-point game against North Salem.

And while on the topic of New Market, I’m in need of a bit more help.

This time it is for the single-game scoring record. There is no question who holds the record as that belongs to Tom Deck who led the Purple Flyers with a season total of 419 points in the final year before consolidation.

The question is, did he had 47 points, which has been printed as the record for years, or was it 42 which is what the newspaper has documented on two separate occasions? The boxscore (which adds up to the 75 points in the 75-73 overtime win over New Ross) has Deck with 16 field goals and 10 free throws. The game story says he was 16-for-20 from the floor, 10-of-11 from the free throw line, had 15 rebounds and 15 blocked shots. Whether it’s 42 or 47 points, that’s still a great game with the triple-double.

I am about halfway through the schools in Montgomery County and this is the first time I have come up with so many questions. I know there are a lot of avid readers out there and hopefully one or more of you can help solve these mysteries.

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About a month ago I mentioned in a column that I had sent a possible update to the state record published by Leigh Evans on his basketball site www.hickoryhusker.com. It was in reference to Crawfordsville’s Matt McCarty making all 10 of his 3-point attempts in a game. I heard back and he said the documentation we had was good enough and now McCarty has been placed on the top of that list. So congratulations, Matt, on being our state record-holder.

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In the Did You Know Category: We all know that Coach Brian Anderson has the Wabash wrestling program competing at a very high level. But did you know that on Dec. 10, 1970 the Little Giants beat Notre Dame 19-18? In that match, Wabash trailed 18-5 with four matches to go. Wabash won the next three matches and won the meet when Don Shelborne earned a 7-6 win at heavyweight to secure the victory.