
This is the story of Cresbard High School, a small school that succeeded in defeating almost all opponents in the 1957 basketball season, winning the South Dakota State “B” Basketball Crown with a record of 38-1. Over a period of three seasons, with almost the same group of players, Cresbard had 110 wins with only 10 losses. This book is another labor of love for Lee Raines, which features his deep research, attention to detail and numerous personal interviews to further document the personal stories and oral histories of South Dakota high school students in the 1950s.
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Lee Raines and Bob Swanhorst were recently featured in an interview with Jordan DeSmet of KELOLAND News, highlighting Raines’ newest release, 38-1: 1957 Cresbard Comets.
More than a sports story, this book offers a valuable window into mid-20th century small-town life—exploring themes of community identity, perseverance, and the role of athletics in shaping local history. It’s a compelling resource for educators, historians, and anyone interested in preserving regional stories that might otherwise be lost.
Watch the interview: https://bit.ly/4mfBfyB