It was like old times with Frank Ford

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It was like old times with Frank Ford

Sports

Thursday, 04 February 2010 01:54

By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor
It seemed like time warp back to the early 1980s at the Osceola High gym Tuesday night.
All-American forward Frank Ford and Coach Ed Kershner were on the court, the stands were full and the Kowboys dominated, 68-46, over Harmony.
Ford and Kershner were in town for a ceremony honoring Ford, who led Osceola to the 1983 Class 3A state championship with a 37-0 record.
Ford’s jersey, No. 40, was retired in a halftime ceremony organized by Kowboys Coach Steve Mason.
Ford, who spent most of the evening reminiscing with long-time OHS faculty members and friends, thanked the fans during a short speech. His family watched from the stands.
“The thing I loved about playing here was the sense of community. It was a wonderful experience and it is great to be back home,” he said. “Go, Kowboys!”
Ford, named Florida’s Mr. Basketball in 1983, averaged 26 points and 21 rebounds over his career, when he teamed with guard Jimmy McCrimon to form one of the most formidable tandems in Florida high school history.
“He is the greatest basketball player in the history of Osceola High School,” Mason told the crowd.
Kershner, now coaching at Oviedo, returned to the OHS gym to join in the celebration. He called Ford the best player he has coached.
“I don’t think there’s any question about it, especially when you factor in what a special person he is,” Kershner said.
Mason said that officials who run a Web site ranking Florida’s all-time best high school players put Ford at No. 3.
Ford, who lives in Archer with his family, played at Auburn under Sonny Smith. He went to Auburn Saturday for a ceremony honoring the 1985 Tigers. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987.