MAR APR 1955 - River Rouge Historical Museum

of the tournament, with upset wins over St. Joseph and Lansing St. Mary on the way to
the finals, was a good rangy team which featured the deliberate style of play. The Bucks
were strong around the boards and excellent jump shooters, but in the end it was the
famous full court press of the Panthers and their excellent stall in the closing minutes that
meant victory. With only Blanche Martin back from last year‟s team, Greene took over a
group of promising youngsters and molded them into a strong contender by mid-
February. Things looked bleak early in the season when the Panthers were routed in two
early games, but the Panther mentor never lost hope, predicting that his boys would be
strong by the time the tournaments arrived. Now all the experts are calling him,
“Prophet” Greene, for everything which Greene forecasted came true. The
Championship encounter which was a replay of so many other Rouge games. The
Panthers started slowly and trailed 4 – 0, and 8 – 4 early in the first quarter. Finally
the Rouge gang found the range and jumped in front, 18 to 14, at the quarter. A
perfect 10-for-10 mark at the free throw line featured the Rouge surge. Buchanan
rallied in the second stanza as guard Larry Phoenix hit with several nice jump shots. All
told, the score was tied six times in the first half and the lead changed hands another 13
times before Buchanan managed a 31 to 30 edge at the buzzer. The third period was
another nip and tuck affair, with Rouge and Buchanan taking turns holding the lead.
Finally the Panthers jumped ahead, 42 to 41, just as the period ended. Early in the final
quarter Rouge built up a six point lead on three beautiful goals by Blanche Martin,
Chuck Richardson and Herb Wood. With 5:40 left, the Panthers led, 49 to 43, their
biggest margin in the game. Rouge began to employ a semi-stall but Dick Smith hit
on a jump shot for the Bucks and Larry Phoenix converted two free throws with
2:52 left to clip the margin to two points. With less than three minutes left, Rouge
went into its stall, but a violation cost the Panthers the ball and Jim Letcher was fouled.
The big Buchanan pivot man had a chance to tie the score but he missed his second free
throw and Rouge gained possession. Then came the Panther stall and victory.
ADS
1. D & D Food Mart – 10859 W. Jefferson Ave. - *Tender, juicy sirloin or round
steak 39 cents a pound. * Frank’s Pure Ground Black Pepper, 3 oz. can 31 cents.
* Seabrook Farms Frozen Strawberries (3) 10 oz. package 79 cents. * Maxwell
House 1 pound (Drip, Reg., or Fine) (limit 1 to a customer) 83 cents.
2. Shearer’s Bakery – 10545 W. Jefferson and Coolidge (next to Kresge) Free loaf of
bread to the first 100 customers Friday morning also free samples of cake to all.
Grand Opening Specials – Glaze or jelly donuts 55 cents a dozen. * Real Whip
Cream puffs 15 cents each. * Devils Fudge cake 7” size 55 cents.
3. Shinner’s – W. Jefferson at Coolidge *next to Kresge). “Grand Opening” (free
balloons to the kiddies). Free Premiers Famous Hot Dogs for everyone. Children
must be accompanied by an adult. Hurry! They’re free! Get yours today!. *
Butter-Fresh creamery 92 score, limit 2 pounds to a customer 49 cents a pound.
* Choice Center cut steer beech chuck roast 20 cents a pound. * Tender Young
Pan Ready Fryer 49 cents a pound. * Cut-up chicken (legs – thighs – breasts) 59
cents a pound. * Southern Star Canned Hams 69 cents a pound.
4. Reno’s Cut Rate Drugs – Reno Building - * Pet Milk – tall can 11 cents per can.
* Northern Tissue 7 cents. * Toni Home Permanents $1.35. * Nylon hose 59
cents a pair.
MARCH 31, 1955