Pine Ridge 1936 Class “B’ Champion

From the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader, March 15, 1987

Pine Ridge alum recalls long-shot win

By Jim Rasmussen

Pine Ridge’s quest for the Class “A” state basketball title this week brought a special fan to Sioux Falls.

Francis “Jacks” Brewer, 69, played on the 1936 Pine Ridge team that beat Bridgewater 24-22 for the “B” title in Huron.  As the last surviving member of that team, he received a plaque before Saturday night’s game at the Arena.

The Thorpes defeated Lennox Saturday 60-53 for their third state title.  Pine Ridge also won the “B” in 1962.

Brewer—a 5-foot, 6-inch forward (modern day guard) on the 1936 team – was pulling for his four great nephews on this year’s squad – Brent, Tony, Bryan and Greg Brewer.  Three Brewers played on the 1936 champions – Jacks, his brother, Dave, and first cousin, Ben.

“We were outside shot artists? He said.  “If we would have had the three-point mark like they have now, we’d have scored a lot of points.”

Brewer, who now ranches on the Pine Ridge Reservation near Porcupine, said the team didn’t take a cheering section to Huron.  The eight team members, a coach and a driver, made up the entire contingent.

“It was something new to us.” he said of the trip. “We weren’t used to staying in hotels and going out to eat.”

Pine Ridge beat Tyndall and Harrisburg before taking on Bridgewater in the finals.  Basketball was slower then: a jump ball followed every basket.  With just three seconds left, Pine Ridge and Bridgewater were tied, 22-22. Pine Ridge had the ball.

“(Sterling) Big Bear threw it into Dave Brewer.  Dave made a long shot, the longest in the Huron gym at the time.  He was behind the center line.”

The Pine Ridge players didn’t jump around with excitement.  Brewer said.  None of their fans were there to share the victory.  They went out to eat, then back to their hotel.  Coach Elijah Smith sat in the lobby to make sure the players didn’t sneak out. 

“Discipline was pretty strict then.” He said.  “Girls were yelling at us to sneak out through the fire escape, but we were afraid to do it.”

Brewer said he received word two years ago that Smith was living in Riverside, Cal., but he was not able to contact him.  Ben Brewer died last year, leaving Jacks Brewer as the only man left from the champs of 51 years ago.

Brewer said he thinks the year’s Pine Ridge team is about as good as the 1936 squad.  “They aren’t as disciplined as we were, but they are a well-coached team.