1911–12 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team

American college basketball season March 2026 August 2023 Basketball 1911–12 North Carolina Tar Heels File:1911-12 Tar Heels Basketball Team Photo.png 280px Independent 4–5 0–0 Nathaniel Cartmell 2nd Junius Smith Bynum Gymnasium The 1911–12 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team (variously "North Carolina", "Carolina" or "Tar Heels") was the second varsity college basketball team to represent the University of North Carolina.UNC N The school was known as the University of North Carolina until February 1963.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/37987195/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Daily Tar Heel 1 February 6, 1963 Pearsall Group Recommends 5-Part Plan For University Vance Barron October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com After the first season, it was announced that star player and captain Marvin Ritch was named manager for the upcoming year's team. He assumed scheduling duties and released a tentative schedule in December. Newspaper outlets deemed it to be one of the toughest schedules to be played. However, before the start of the semester and college basketball season, Ritch left the team to work as a secretary for Congressman Edwin Y. Webb. North Carolina opened the season at home with a five-game home-stand, the first of which came against the Durham Y.M.C.A. The Tar Heels led for majority of the match, only to lose the game in the closing minutes. Carolina then squared off against Elon College and William & Mary, which the Tar Heels won the former handily and played a closer game in the latter. A physically larger Guilford College faced Carolina next. Guilford emerged victorious 35–20 in a game marred by many foul calls. After beating Virginia Christian, North Carolina dropped the next three games. Their loss against Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute (V.P.I.) was attended by over 2,000 people. The team closed the season beating Wake Forest. The Tar Heels established a large lead in the early second half and went scoreless for the game's remainder. The Alumni Review reported after the V.P.I. game that "... basketball has come into its own in this state." Roster and schedule After the conclusion of the Tar Heels' inaugural season, the school's Athletic Association announced the previous season's leading scorer Marvin Ritch as team manager, along with teammate William Tillet as his assistant.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38011933/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel 3 April 6, 1911 On the Campus October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com He assumed the duties of putting together the schedule for the upcoming season.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38012038/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel 1 December 19, 1911 Basket Ball Schedule For The 1912 Season October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com In October, Ritch returned to his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he told the newspapers that he felt North Carolina's team would be the best in the state.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38107282/the_charlotte_news/ The Charlotte News 10 October 23, 1911 Is Also Captain of Carolina Basketball Team October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com In mid-December, a tentative schedule was made public that featured 17 games between January 5 and February 29. Writers from the student run newspaper The Tar Heel commented on the schedule saying it was "... one of the longest and hardest ever attempted by a North Carolina College." The games against the Charlotte Y.M.C.A. and Guilford College were thought to be early tests before the team travels north into Virginia and around Washington D.C. to play the likes of Georgetown, Virginia, and V.P.I., which were all thought to be difficult opponents. Wilmington's The Morning Star felt the schedule was tough, stating the team would have to "hustle some."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38019353/the_wilmington_morning_star/ The Morning Star 3 January 8, 1912 University Resuming Work October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com In particular, they viewed the three schedule games against Virginia to be the "big feature" and the writers expected the attendance and crowd involvement to be similar to the school's match-ups in football and baseball. The final slate of games differed from the tentative schedule and did not feature the three proposed games against Virginia, a second game against V.P.I., and the single games against Georgetown, Catholic University, Davidson, and Roanoke College.Morris 1912 268Kirschner 2018 219 Prior to the season, Ritch was also unanimously re-elected as captain of the basketball team.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38019359/the_charlotte_observer/ The Charlotte Observer 3 January 8, 1912 University October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com On December 18, 1911, The Charlotte News reported that Ritch again returned to Charlotte and told the press that he "may not be able to return to 'the Hill' in the spring."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38107264/the_charlotte_news/ The Charlotte News 5 December 18, 1911 Carolina's Star Entre Comes Home October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com The writers commented that if he did not, the basketball team would suffer in his absence. Before the season opened on January 5, The Evening Post confirmed Ritch's absence as they announced his appointment to be the private secretary for North Carolina Representative Edwin Y. Webb in Washington D.C.Ritch N Ritch later enrolled at law school at Georgetown University and competed for their football team in the 1912 season.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38107344/the_farmer_and_mechanic/ The Farmer and Mechanic 12 October 1, 1912 Carolinian Plays With Georgetown October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38107322/the_evening_chronicle/ The Evening Chronicle 6 January 4, 1912 Charlotte Boy Mr. Webb's Secretary October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com According to The Morning Star, Ritch leaving led to a "distinct dismay among the student body." Junius Smith was named captain upon Ritch's departure.Kirschner 2018 79 + 1911–12 North Carolina Tar Heels rosterMissing Players N Hanes (Forward) was listed as a starter for both the Elon and William & Mary games.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38019315/the_charlotte_observer/ Charlotte Observer 3 January 10, 1912 Carolina Overwhelms Elon October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38019377/the_durham_sun/ The Durham Sun 2 January 10, 1912 Carolina Defeats Elon October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38113049/the_raleigh_times/ The Raleigh Times 3 January 15, 1912 Caroline Wins October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com In addition, Spencer (Guard) and Wakeley (Center) were players As Carolina players who played in the game as well. Jones (Guard) participated in the Tar Heels' games against Guilford and Virginia Christian.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38191327/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel 3 February 6, 1912 Defeats Varsity October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38191316/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel 2 February 6, 1912 Carolina Wins From V.C.C. October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com However, none of these players are listed on the roster in the Carolina Basketball 2018-19 Facts & Records Book.Kirschner 2018 219NamePositionHeight YearHometown George Carrington C 6–3 Junior Durham, North Carolina Lenoir Chambers G 5–11 Sophomore Charlotte, North Carolina Roy Erwin G, F 5–9 Sophomore Bell Buckle, Tennessee Cyrus Long G, F 5–10 Sophomore Charlotte, North Carolina Roy McKnight F, C 6–0 Sophomore Charlotte, North CarolinaHometown N Roy McKnight's hometown is listed as Charlotte, North Carolina in the 1911 Yackety Yack,Witherington 1911 111 while it is listed as Chapel Hill, North Carolina in the Carolina Basketball 2018-19 Facts & Records Book.Kirschner 2018 212 Junius Smith F 6–2 Sophomore Charlotte, North Carolina Lewis Stein F 5–9 Freshman Wilmington, North Carolina William "Bill" Tillett F 5–6 Junior Charlotte, North Carolina Reference:Morris 1912 268Kirschner 2018 151Smith 2021 28 no no no |+ ScheduleMorris 1912 268Kirschner 2018 219 |- !colspan=6 style="background:#4B9CD3; color:#FFFFFF;"| Regular season January 5, 1912 yes no Durham Y.M.C.A. Bynum Gymnasium Chapel Hill, North Carolina 18–29 0–1 January 9, 1912 yes no Elon College Bynum Gymnasium Chapel Hill, North Carolina 36–5 1–1 January 12, 1912 yes no William & Mary Bynum Gymnasium Chapel Hill, North Carolina 30–22W&M N The score for the William & Mary game has been reported to be 30–22,Sears 2019 6https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38113067/the_durham_sun/ The Durham Sun 2 January 13, 1912 U.N.C. Defeats W.& M. October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com while one source indicates it was 35–21.Kirschner 2018 219 2–1 January 31, 1912 yes no Guilford College Bynum Gymnasium Chapel Hill, North Carolina 20–35 2–2 February 2, 1912 yes no Virginia Christian Bynum Gymnasium Chapel Hill, North Carolina 43–17 3–2 February 12, 1912 yes yes no Durham Y.M.C.A. Durham, North Carolina 18–26 3–3 February 16, 1912 yes no Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College and Polytechnic Institute Bynum Gymnasium Chapel Hill, North Carolina 28–37 3–4 February 19, 1912 yes no Durham Y.M.C.A. Bynum Gymnasium Chapel Hill, North Carolina 28–29 3–5 February 26, 1912 yes yes no Wake Forest Raleigh, North Carolina 18–15 4–5 Eastern Time Regular season On January 5, Durham's Y.M.C.A. team traveled to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to face the Tar Heel in their season–opening match.Kirschner 2018 219 The Y.M.C.A. brought a strengthened team that featured a couple players who were members of Trinity College's team the prior year.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38019339/the_durham_sun/ The Durham Sun 2 January 5, 1912 To Play Carolina Five October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com These additions were thought to have made the team better and quicker. North Carolina remained in front for much of the game; however, in the closing minutes, the Y.M.C.A. rallied to take the lead and won 29–18. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38019344/the_wilmington_morning_star/ The Morning Star 3 January 6, 1912 Durham Wins From N.C. October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com One writer commented that the Tar Heels missed Ritch's presence. Chapel Hill's Bynum Gymnasium hosted Elon College four days later, where the Tar Heels beat them 36–5 with a strong performance from captain Junius Smith. The Tar Heels were thought to have played fast and showed improved teamwork relative to their opening game.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38019323/news_and_observer/ News and Observer 2 January 10, 1912 University Five Defeated Elon College at Chapel Hill Last Night in First Game of the Season October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com The Tar Heels faced William & Mary on January 12.Kirschner 2018 219 The first half featured back-and-forth scoring and visiting team led the Tar Heels 19–15 at the half. William & Mary's Metcalf scored several points from foul shots. Carolina held William & Mary to just three points for the whole second half, while the Tar Heels scored 15 more points to seal the victory.W&M N Smith again was said to have played the best for the Heels, while Tillett and Hanes were also thought to have played well. Following the game there was a break in the schedule due to the school's exam schedule from January 15 to 25. The Tar Heel reflected on the team's performance by stating they did not have great teamwork or a star player, but just needed practice and could develop into a fast and "good, fighting quint."https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38113098/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel 2 January 30, 1912 No Title October 27, 2019 Newspapers.com Guilford College defeated the Tar Heels 35–20 on January 31. The Guilford players were reportedly heavier than the Carolina starting five, and although the Tar Heels played good defense, their overall teamwork was lacking, and they could not withstand Guilford's "machine-like force". The game had "a great many fouls", and Guilford's Hoyos took seven foul shots while North Carolina's Smith took eight. Virginia Christian arrived in Chapel Hill for the Tar Heels' next game on February 2. The contest was closely fought for the first half as it closed with a Tar Heel advantage of 3 points, 18–15. The second half was dominated by North Carolina as they scored 25 points to Virginia Christian's 2, bringing the final score to 45–17 in Carolina's favor. The team traveled to Durham for a rematch against their Y.M.C.A. team on February 12.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38191777/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel 3 February 13, 1912 Durham Y.M.C.A. Takes Second Game October 31, 2019 Newspapers.com The Y.M.C.A. made more field goals while the Tar Heels made more foul shots, which resulted in a 26–18 victory for Durham. Durham's Holcomb led all scoring and made some long range shots. V.P.I. arrived in Chapel Hill four days later for the next game.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38191790/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel February 20, 1912 V.P.I. Defeats Carolina October 31, 2019 Newspapers.com The teams played a close game in the first half, where both managed to counter the opposing team's scores frequently. The Tar Heels were led by strong performances from Tillett and Carrington, who helped create a halftime lead of 21–17. As Carolina held the lead early in the second half, Tillett was removed from the game. Tillett's defense proved to be a critical reason for Carolina's success and shortly after his removal, V.P.I. gained the lead. They extended their lead and won 37–28, anchored by the Legge brothers who each scored five apiece. The Tar Heel regarded the game as the "best played and hardest fought game" at Bynum all season long. On February 19, a third match against the Durham Y.M.C.A. happened and proved to be close throughout.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38252368/the_times_dispatch/ The Times Dispatch 5 February 20, 1912 Victory for Durham October 31, 2019 Newspapers.com Carolina led going into halftime 17–16, but the Durham squad managed to gain the lead and win the game 29–28. On February 26, Wake Forest and North Carolina faced off in Raleigh, North Carolina.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38191816/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel 1 February 27, 1912 Carolina Defeats Wake Forest October 31, 2019 Newspapers.com A crowd of nearly 1,000 filled the auditorium to see the contest. The game featured several fouls on both teams (5 on Carolina and 11 on Wake Forest) and inconsistent performances by both teams. Carolina won the first half of the game 10–6 with multiple baskets from Smith.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38191826/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel 4 February 27, 1912 Carolina Defeats Wake Forest October 31, 2019 Newspapers.com The Tar Heels continued to score and reached 18 points; however, Wake Forest began to click on offense and scored seven shots in the final ten minutes, sinking one as time expired. Their efforts fell short as the game ended 18–15 in Carolina's favor. Aftermath Following the game against V.P.I., where an estimated 2,000 people attended, the Alumni Review wrote that "... basketball has come into its own in this state."Lucas 2010 5 When the season ended, The Tar Heel published a column where it discussed the basketball championship of North Carolina.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38191808/the_daily_tar_heel/ The Tar Heel 2 February 27, 1912 No Title October 31, 2019 Newspapers.com The editors spoke of the parity between the North Carolina–based squads and felt that all of them had an equal right to the championship. In September 1912, The Tar Heel published a column where it commented on the season, blaming the poor performance on the fact the team started practice after Christmas, while most other successful teams started in October.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38656242/the_daily_tar_heel/ No Title The Tar Heel 2 September 25, 1912 November 8, 2019 Newspapers.com References Footnotes N Citations 30em Bibliography https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/unc.sidearmsports.com/documents/2018/11/5/2018_19_UNC_M_BKB_Record_Book.pdf Carolina Basketball 2018-19 Facts & Records Book 2018 Kirschner Steve UNC Athletic Communications Office Chapel Hill, North Carolina https://web.archive.org/web/20191027235426/https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/unc.sidearmsports.com/documents/2018/11/5/2018_19_UNC_M_BKB_Record_Book.pdf October 27, 2019 live Lucas Adam Carolina Basketball: A Century of Excellence 1–7 A New Game Arrives on Campus University of North Carolina Press Chapel Hill, North Carolina 2010 978-0-8078-3410-7 https://books.google.com/books?id=rK6ylz8eMCMC Yackety Yack Morris J.W. Jr. Literary Societies and Fraternities 1912 https://lib.digitalnc.org/record/27405?ln=en#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=283&r=0&xywh=-1397%2C-154%2C6849%2C3067 North Carolina Digital Heritage Center XII University of North Carolina Basketball Adam Powell Laying the Foundation: 1910–1911 to 1931–1932 Arcadia Publishing Charleston, South Carolina 2005 978-0-7385-4150-1 https://books.google.com/books?id=4YhGeDCjS7wC https://static.tribeathletics.com/custompages/files/mbb/history/mbbrecordbook.pdf William & Mary Men's Basketball Record Book 2019 Sears Kris William & Mary Media Relations https://web.archive.org/web/20191030204111/https://static.tribeathletics.com/custompages/files/mbb/history/mbbrecordbook.pdf October 30, 2019 live Smith Ron The Tar Heels: A History of UNC Basketball, Volume One, 1891-1961 Creative Trends by Worzalla Stevens Point, Wisconsin 2021 978-1-736-28110-9 Yackety Yack Witherington I.F. Literary Societies and Fraternities 1911 https://lib.digitalnc.org/record/27599?ln=en#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=277&r=90&xywh=-314%2C-644%2C2372%2C3904 North Carolina Digital Heritage Center XI North Carolina Category:North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball seasons North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball