Remembering the Ohio Big 8 Conference

[Qcity]

How about a little throwback to one of Ohio's all-time great basketball (only) conferences: The Ohio Big 8.

Class AAA

Alliance Aviators
Barberton Magics
East Liverpool Potters
Massillon Tigers
Niles Red Dragons
Salem Quakers
Warren Harding Panthers
Warren Western Reserve Raiders

What an epic league with some of the top teams and athletes in Ohio back in the day.

 

[Bull GreenDog]

What years did this conference exist? Never heard of it

 

[Mr. Slippery]

What years did this conference exist? Never heard of it

'60s and '70s

Brief mention of it here, although the details may not be 100% accurate:

https://www.tribtoday.com/sports/high-school-sports/2017/08/1960s-a-time-of-change-in-area-school-athletics/

It was not a basketball copy of the All-American Conference as the article suggests.

 

[Maxie]

The ORIGINAL members of the BIG 8 Conference—1962-63
1–Alliance
2–Canton McKinley
3–East Liverpool
4–Massillon Washington
5–Niles
6–Salem
7–Steubenville
8–Warren Harding

Massillon Washington left the league after the 1965-66 season. The Tigers rejoined the conference in 1973-74. These schools were members at this time:

1–Alliance
2–Barberton
3–East Liverpool
4–Massillon Washington
5–Niles
6–Salem
7–Warren Harding
8–Warren Western Reserve

The Tigers left the league after the 1976-77 season.

 

[Qcity]

Appreciate that early history from the '60's!

Barberton won the state title in 1976.

 

[Maxie]

Appreciate that early history from the '60's!

Barberton won the state title in 1976.

The Magics could have won the title two years in a row. I attended both of those games. Great basketball.

 

[Qcity]

They had an incredible team and coach. I know.

 

[ysuindy]

Carter Scott and the Bodnar twins. Saw them play at Salem. One of the best teams of that era.

 

[Baller]

That was a great conference. Remember it well! When I played at Barbertoin in early 80s we went independent.

 

[111411]

Does anyone remember Harry Fails, at Alliance? He and Greynolds had some big battles. Both were from the same mold.

 

[Qcity]

Definitely remember Fails ……..went up against him. He was intense all the way around, but if you didn’t hustle on defense, you were out.

 

[pete penny]

Harding had great basketball during that time period.

 

[Struthersfan]

Harding had great basketball during that time period.

Salem wasn't too bad either. Saw a few games down there at Cabas gym.