| By Big Radio News Staff |
Beloit Memorial High School’s home basketball court will soon bear the name of Johnny Watts.
The school board voted Tuesday to make the addition. A group of supporters worked with Watts’ family and the school district to honor the man regarded as the state’s first Black high school basketball star.
Watts was Beloit’s best player in three straight state championship seasons from 1932 to 1934.
In that third tournament run, Watts broke a bone in his wrist and missed two games. But with the championship game against Wausau in doubt, Watts etched his name in state tournament lore when he entered the game and played with one hand in a splint made out of table tennis paddles.
The crowd gave him a huge ovation when he checked in to the game, and his presence on the court spurred his teammates. He also scored the game-winning basket in the Purple’s 15-14 win.
The naming committee hopes to hold a naming ceremony before the current basketball season ends. The official name: “Johnny Watts Basketball Court at the Barkin Arena.”
Click here to learn more about Watts.
