January 2, 1959 - Billy Bechtold scores a game-high 23 points to help Jim Thorpe defeat Coplay in the championship game of the Smith Hall Tournament in Slatington. Bechtold hits for seven of his points in the second quarter when the Olympians, coached by Kenny Kline, turn a one-point lead into an 11-point advantage. Tommy Klitsch contributes 12 points to the victory while Gary Hiller adds 10 and Kenny Ackerman chips in with nine.