Lakers and Kobe win the NBA title

The Los Angeles Lakers claimed their 16th National Basketball Association title with an 83-79 win over the Boston Celtics in June of 2010. Kobe Bryant from Lower Merion H S had 23 points to lead the Lakers to the victory at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Story HERE   But, how many people know about Gene Guarilia  who earned four NBA championship rings with the Celtics.  He was born September 13, 1937 in Duryea,  a coal mining  town of about 4,000 people in Luzerne County, just nine miles south of  Scranton. He starred at Holy Rosary H S and then George Washington University before being selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 1959 NBA Draft. Guarilia playing for the Celtics for four seasons (1959–1963).  The sign above stands today outside Duryea reminding those who enter the small community of the accomplishment.
                  (Photo by Jane Brown, pahoops roving photographer).

Smallwood Summer League

Photo-Kirk Smallwood, the head coach at Harrisburg High School organized the league and runs it.  He is shown here behind the scorers table at the opening day games.  The games are played in the Harrisburg High School Gymnasium.

Basketball Camp Season is Coming

This photo was taken in 1968 at the very popular Jack Kraft Camp in Green Lane, PA.  Kraft (center) was the  legendary coach at Villanova University.  Also in the photo, Coach Tom Klink from Mt. Carmel H.S. in Auburn (NY) and Coach Bill Gaffey (right), who now helps to direct the PA/MD Camp