Inductees

Born and raised in Branson, Missouri, Dale Russell was a standout athlete for the Branson Pirate basketball team that went a perfect 41 and 0 en route to the 1955 Class B State Championship. At only 6’2″, Russell played center for the Pirates. His height, however, was not a handicap as he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. After playing and lettering for four years for Coach Eddie Matthews at (Southwest) Missouri State University, Dale went on to coach for 24 years in southwest Missouri, his last 13 years at his hometown, Branson High School.