1979 East Chicago Roosevelt Team

Any high school basketball team that is undefeated and wins the state championship is automatically inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, as a team after 30 years. The East Chicago Roosevelt Rough Riders were number one in the polls throughout the season, and proved they belonged at the top by crushing two opponents in the final tourney to win the state title on February 24, 1979.

Roosevelt established a new record by holding both final four opponents to 23 points. The Riderettes beat Madison Heights in the championship game before a crowd of 9,000, 48-23. In the afternoon session Roosevelt eliminated Jasper in the first game, 53-23. Madison Heights won a squeaker from North Central 48-47. The championship game was also a record combined low score (71) for two teams in the title game.

East Chicago Roosevelt became the fourth consecutive undefeated champion since the IHSAA began sponsoring the event in 1976. Coach DeKemper compiled an impressive record in four years. Her teams won the title in 1977 and 1979.

LaTaunya Pollard closed out a most successful four-year career. A starter all four years, she owns two state  championship trophies.