1955 IHSAA State Championship: Indianapolis Crispus Attucks 97, Gary Roosevelt 74

The majority of basketball fans that were in the Fieldhouse and television viewers observing the play of the 44th annual IHSAA basketball tourney on March 19, 1955 were convinced that Crispus Attucks (Indianapolis) ranked as one of the greatest champions as they defeated Roosevelt (Gary) 97-74 in the final game.

Crispus Attucks, the first Indianapolis high school to win the coveted IHSAA crown, had a 28-1 season's record before the final tourney. The Tigers had a shooting average of over .400 for their season's play and continued to increase this average during the tourneys.

Attucks jumped to an early lead over the Panthers from Roosevelt and led at the quarter post 24-15. At half-time the Tigers finished
in front 51-32. The third quarter was about even with the Gary school still trailing 73-51. In the fourth quarter, the Tigers held on to their margin and finished with a 23 point victory.

In the first afternoon game between Crispus Attucks (Indianapolis) and New Albany, both teams seemed to be very tense and were missing easy lay-ups. The first quarter ended with Attucks leading by a slight margin of 20-17.

Early in the second period, the Bulldogs from New Albany spurted to a 25-24 advantage but the Tigers scored and it was 44-36 Attucks at the intermission. During the third quarter, play was about even with the Tigers in front 63-54. Both teams continued to score in the final stanza with the Tigers on top 79-67.

This was the third appearance for New Albany in the Final Four and the second for Crispus Attucks. The Bulldogs closed a successful season with a 24-4 record.

The second afternoon game brought together the Panthers of Roosevelt (Gary) and the Redskins of North Side (Ft. Wayne). In a see-saw first quarter, the lead changed hands several times and closed with North Side in the lead 22-19. The Redskins faltered in the second period and Roosevelt garnered 16 straight points to go from 26-21 behind to 41-30 margin at half time. It was 58-48 at the end of three quarters, Roosevelt. With a little over six minutes to go North Side went into a full court press and Roosevelt attempted to run out the clock. Roosevelt managed to maintain a lead and finished in front 68-66.

A total of 752 schools entered the sectional tourneys. New gross receipts and attendance marks were established.

The Board of Control selected James Henry of New Albany to receive the Arthur L. Trester Award for Mental Attitude.