Oak Lawn Basketball 1970-71

09/14/2026

Oak Lawn businessman Bob Krause displays the hats he created during the Spartans’ “Run in ‘71.” Krause took many photos during the ‘71 season, most of which appear in the new book Once in Oak Lawn.

09/14/2026

09/08/2026

Stat line for C. J. Kupec at the ‘71 IHSA State Tournament…….

28 points versus New Trier East
22 points versus Benton
15 points versus Springfield-Lanphier
22 points versus Thornridge

Kupec’s 87 points were second in scoring to Jim Kopatz (112) of Springfield-Lanphier at the ‘71 Tournament. Kupec was joined on the All-Tournament by Kopatz, Quinn Buckner (Thornridge), Charles Evans (Danville),
Tommy Smith (Kewanee) and
Otho Tucker (Paris)

09/07/2026

Oak Lawn’s “Run in ‘71” began when the Spartans took down host LaGrange in the Regional Final the first week of March. Many outside the Southwest Suburban Conference still knew little about Oak Lawn before that night. The win over LaGrange, the defending state champion, was the first of several high-profile wins during the journey. The Spartans were on everyone’s radar after the LaGrange game. Four nights later, Oak Lawn would meet Proviso East in the Hinsdale Central Sectional. But that’s another story……

09/06/2026

Memories of Champaign…..,..,.

Oak Lawn 71, Benton 58
Oak Lawn 69, Springfield-Lanphier 65
Oak Lawn 50, Thornridge 52

A great article by Peter Turco of the Chicago Daily News……..