Bob Betnar

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Bob “Benny” Betnar was a 1960 graduate of Plains High School. While attending Plains, he was an outstanding four-year letterman in basketball under the coaching experience of Matt Shimshock. In September of 199, Bob was inducted into the Plains Sports Hall of Fame. In 1956-57 upon entering his first year varsity competition, Bob finished third overall in scoring in the Valley League. His hard work and dedication named him to the All-Scholastic All-Star Team as a freshman. Bob’s sophomore year (1957-58) followed in step from his freshman year. This time “Benny” finished second in scoring in the Valley League. Again his accomplishments led him to be named to the All-Scholastic All-Star Team, as well as the Scranton Brooks All-Tournament Team. Bob’s junior year was no exception. At the end of his junior year Bob averaged 30 points per game. Because of his hard work and persistence, Bob led his team to the Division Championship, being Co-MVP. For Bob’s efforts, he was first in the Valley League in scoring as well as being named to the Bloomsburg All-Tournament Team. Bob was also named to the Associated Press and United Press International All-Stars. In 1960, the, final year of high school competition was not to be forgotten. Again Bob was first in the Valley League in scoring. That year Bob averaged 34 points per game which named him as well as his other achievements, to both Associated Press and United Press International All-Stars. His senior year he was awarded League MVP as well as Valley League Champions. Upon conclusion of his high school career, Bob was highly recruited by many colleges and universities (Maryland and South Carolina to name a few). In his second to last game, his senior year against Northwest, Bob had a severe knee injury which required reconstructive surgery. Because of such an injury, playing at the collegiate 1641 was bleak. He went on to play semi-professional ball for Hoffman-Larouch Chemical Company in Passaic, New Jersey. Bob scored a total of 154 points in three consecutive All-Star Tournament play-off games (88 pts., 35 pts., 31 pts). Bringing an end to his basketball career, Bob was selected to the Tournament All-Star Team. In 1960, because of his miraculous high school credits, he is the only athlete in the history of Plains High school to have his uniform (#42) retired. His prestigious shooting and rebounding ability named him to both the Times Leader and Sunday Independent All-Star Teams all four years of his high school career. Bob now resides in Larksville with his wife, the former Bernadette Shinski. They have two children, Karen and Robert.