PUYALLUP VIKS CLAIM 1970-71 AAA STATE HOOP CROWN

The 1970-71 Viking basketball team was the most successful in Puyallup's athletic history, winning the Class AAA State championship by whipping Pasco 54-41 in the state title game. Enroute to the State Finals at the University of Washington, the Vikings edged Lincoln, 66-65, and clipped Auburn, 44-43, to capture the Region III title.

In regular season play, Puyallup displayed a tenacious defensive game and an exploding offense. The Viks punished many of their opponents by margins in double figures, and achieved an average of 67.9 points per game while limiting their opponents to just 49.5 point per game.

A number of school records were broken along the way: The 95 points against Lakes was the highest point total ever scored in a single game; the season record of 23-1 was the greatest number of victories ever compiled; and in the South Puget Sound League, the Viks set a new league record with 16 wins and no losses.

The only Viking defeat during the season was at the hands of AP Poll Champ Lincoln, 65-59, who featured Clarence Ramsey, Ron Lund, and Joe Womack and were coached by Ron Billings.

Head Coach Rich Hammermaster's record at that point, in the past five years, was 91-15 with five SPSL titles and one state crown. Leading the Vikings' defense were seniors Dave Crouch and John Trageser. The offense was led by two juniors- center Doug Weese (13.4 ppg) and guard Steve Gervais (12.2 ppg). They were followed closely by senior and captain Dave Crouch (11.7 ppg) and junior forward Rick Gienger (10.9 ppg).

Team Roster:
Rich Hammermaster (head coach), Jim Clifton (asst coach), Dave Normile (asst coach), Jerry DeLaurenti (scorekeeper), Merv Borden, Dave Crouch, Randy Dorn, Steve Gervais, Rick Gienger, Bruce Graham, Ron Kitts, Tom Krage, Paul Krippaehne, Lanny Lewis, Dan Picha, Jamie Reno, John Trageser, and Doug Weese. Managers Fred Angelo, Paul Baker, and Tom Drury.