Millermen Go 27-2, Finish Second - Again

Hard work and dedication paved the way toward unexpected greatness for the 1972-73 basketball team.  Quickness and hustle filled the gap left by lack of height.

Following the 31-1 record of the 1971-72 team, Pioneer fans wondered what Kirkwood could do for an encore.  The Pioneers showed them.  Led by Bill Moulder they swept through the Maplewood Tournament taking home most of the trophies.  Besides the first place trophy, Robert Williams, Shane Cotner, and Bill Moulder carted off individual awards with Moulder named as the M.V.P.  Kirkwood continued to roll as they whipped their next six opponents.  An 8-0 record gave the Pioneers the top seed for the annual Normandy Christmas Tournament, but Riverview Gardens put the only blemish on the Pioneer's regular season record in two years.

However, Kirkwood came back even stronger after that loss.  Despite the injuries and illness to Dave Cordes, the Pioneers ran their opposition right off the floor time after time.  Scott Markle amazed spectators with his quick, daring style of play.  The cool headed floor leadership of Moulder complimented this perfectly to give Kirkwood the best backcourt combination in the state.  Scott Schulte and Shane Cotner, deadly shooters from their forward positions and center Robert Williams, controlling play around the basket, combined to form an excellent forecourt.  While these five provided most of the punch, Dick Russell, Ken Carnahan, Danny Williams, and Cordes added needed support.

The Millermen again dominated the Suburban South Conference remaining unbeaten by league teams over the last two years.  In spite of this fantastic record the league coaches voted only one Kirkwood player to the all-league teams.  Bill Moulder made first team all-conference guard for the second straight year.

Winning the regional title for the third straight year, the Pioneers entered state tournament competition.  Victories over Sikeston and SLUH gave the Pioneers a ticket to the semifinals at Columbia.  The Millermen defeated Kansas City Paseo and once again entered the finals.  DeSmet provided the opposition.  Although the Pioneers trounced DeSmet 82-70 earlier in the year, an improved Spartan team caught the Pioneers on a cold shooting night, winning the State Class L title, 51-47.

Although Kirkwood finished in the runner up position the last two years, they compiled the best won-loss record of Class L schools each time.  The team, Coach Miller, Kirkwood High School, and KHS basketball fans take pride in this fantastic record. 

from the Kirkwood Pioneer

If you have individual game scores from the 72-73 season, please send an e-mail to kirkwoodbasketball@yahoo.com