1964 & 1965 Basketball Teams Inducted
Holley Central School District, in partnership with the Holley Sports Boosters, inducted the 1964 and 1965 varsity boys basketball teams into the Hawks Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, December 12. Many former players and their families attended the event.
These two teams hold a special place in Holley history as the only Section V championship winners for boys basketball in the school’s history. The 1962 team reached the finals but lost to Avon.
1964 Varsity Boys Basketball Team
Players: Tim Persia, Mike Barber, Wally Sanford, Rick Harter, Greg Forgione, Ronnie Jewell, John DeBaun, Wayne McClelland, Earl Gallop, and Nick Long.
Accomplishments:
In a thrilling championship game, Greg Forgione sank two foul shots with one second remaining to defeat Clifton Springs 61-60 and secure the title.
First team in school history to win a Section V Class B Championship, finishing with a 17-5 record. At the time, only 16 teams qualified for the Section V tournament (compared to today, where all teams are eligible). There were only five classifications: AA, A, B, C, and D.
On their way to the championship, Holley defeated Hammondsport, with Tim Persia scoring a record 50 points—a sectional record that stood for many years.
They went on to defeat Dundee and Honeoye Falls to reach the finals.
1965 Varsity Boys Basketball Team
Players: Nick Long, David Epke, Paul Sanford, Nick Penna, Larry McCall, Wayne McClelland, Wally Sanford, Mike Barber, and Tim Persia.
Accomplishments:
- The second Holley team to win a Section V Class B Championship, finishing with a 19-3 record.
- Their only losses were to Oakfield-Alabama (twice) and Churchville-Chili in a Christmas tournament.
- On their way to the championship, Holley defeated Letchworth, Hammondsport, and Livonia.
- In the championship game, Holley defeated Williamson 53-43.
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