The USA TODAY Network is inviting readers to participate in an online poll to identify the greatest boys basketball player in Section 4 history. Featured athletes include Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis, McDonald's All-American King Rice, and all-time leading scorer Jim Ryder. The poll focuses on a selection of ten influential players based on high school achievements, records, and team contributions, with room for write-in votes. This initiative coincides with the celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary and aims to highlight the outstanding contributions of players from New York's Southern Tier. Voting is available at stargazette.com.

By the Numbers
  • Jim Ryder holds the Section 4 scoring record with 2,238 points.
  • Ernie Davis scored 1,648 points during his time at Elmira Free Academy.
  • King Rice scored 1,374 points while also earning accolades as a McDonald's All-American.
  • Ryder averaged 28.7 points and 9.7 assists in his senior season.
State of Play
  • The online voting poll is open on stargazette.com for fans to select the greatest player.
  • Ten players are featured based on high school achievements with consideration of their collegiate careers.
  • The list includes notable players who made significant impacts in Section 4 basketball history.
What's Next

As votes are collected, the selection process aims to narrow down the candidates, with discussions likely focusing on player achievements and overall impact in the community. The results will be shared following the conclusion of the polling period.

Bottom Line

The initiative to vote for the greatest Section 4 boys basketball player shines a light on local legends and highlights the rich history of high school basketball in the Southern Tier. Engaging the community in this homage to sports history reinforces the importance of these athletes鈥� contributions, both on and off the court.