I can't believe it's been 25 years since the Faribault Bethlehem Academy Boys basketball team made the school's first-ever trip to the Minnesota State High School League State Tournament.

They went to the championship game and lost a defensive battle with the Maple River Eagles 33-29.

Friday night that team and the teams from 1991-92 and 1993-94 will be recognized during the Cardinal home game with New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva.

I'll be calling the game on KDHL Radio and I know Mike Morrissey will be there in spirit.

He would have loved this reunion.

The 1991-92 team laid the framework for what would happen.  They went 26-1 and were narrowly defeated in the Region Finals by Austin Pacelli.

The Shamrocks went on to win the State Tournament after knocking off the Cardinals in Rochester.

There were two classes of basketball back then.

Senior guards Josh Ogle and Joe Burgess were relentless defenders.  Sophomores JJ Korman and Jim Lovrien were the wings and junior Tim Schlaak was in the post.

They outscored their opponents by 21.5 points per game and loved to play defense.

The 1992-93 team would be 21-1 going into tournament action.

After losing to Kenyon-Wanamingo by 20 Korman stated in the locker room after the game. "I want to play then again right now."

They did get a rematch at the Kasson-Mantorville Holiday Tournament and won 67-48.

The 1993-94 team was 21-1 during the regular season with their only loss to a legendary Minneapolis North team led by Kahlid El-Amin.

The Cardinals would avenge their previous season title loss to Maple River with a incredible 49-46 win at Van Orsow Auditorium.

Coach Franz Boelter believes it may be the best game ever played in the gym in his years coaching.

82-5 over that three season run is a remarkable record and the recognition Friday night will bring back a lot of memories for the players as well as the fans.

I hope to have a couple of the guys join me at halftime of our broadcast.

Below is a picture of the program they are handing out to the crowd.

BA Program for Recognition Night Jan. 19, 2018. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
BA Program for Recognition Night Jan. 19, 2018. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
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