The Midgets compiled an overall record of 74-2 over three seasons which remains one of the finest runs in the history of Michigan high school boy’s basketball under coach Mike Lazorchak. St. Pete’s lost in the state championship game in both 1946 and 1948
while capturing the Class C state championship during the 1947 season. St. Pete’s only blemish during their 23-1 season in 1945-46 was a 34-33 loss to Manton in the state finals. Team members included Francis Kruske, Dick Rushlow, Bob Joseph, Art McColgan, Leo Beeg, Don Kwaiser, Don Kelso, Bob Lunning, Jerry Wiltse and Andy
Strongrich. The next season the Midgets went 16-0 during the regular season and finished with an overall record of 25-O when they outscored their opponents 1,430 to 782. They toppled Evart 38-29 in the state championship game. Team members included Robert Henne, Francis Kruske, Art McColgan, Don Kelso, Fred Hom, Harold Strongrich, Bill Breidenbach, Jerry Wiltse, Roy Harvey, Tom Meyette and Leo Boyd. The following year SS. Peter & Paul finished 26-1 and lost in the state finals to Milan, 45-42. Team members included Steve Murin, Francis Kruske, Art McColgan, Leo Boyd, Bob Henne, Bob Premo, Bill Bridenbach, Fred Horn, Bill Kocks, Jerry Wiltse, Bill Gordon and Dick Callahan. and Benton Harbor (69-58) to win the Class A state championship behind a then-record 42 points by center Emie Thompson. Besides Thompson, who made the all-toumament team, the ’6l-62 Trojans included Brian Best, Bruce LaBreche, Lovell Humes, Bob Speer, Tom Humes, Clarence Jackson, Woody Kellum, Frank Scott, John Beck, Garry Scharich, Forrest Benaway, Ron Wager and John Andros.