Tim Shepherd in a game at the 1975 state tournament

On Saturday afternoon January 22, 2022, Magnolia basketball coaches recognized former outstanding player Tim Shepherd for scoring 1054 points during his high school career. Coaches Dave Tallman, Mark Blair and Larry West presented Tim with an honorary basketball, prior to the Magnolia vs. Parkersburg Catholic game.

Shepherd is the son of the late Rossi and Armenta Shepherd, who were big influences in his life with all their support. Tim is married to his high school sweetheart Carmen Helms Shepherd, also a 1973 Magnolia graduate.

The Shepherds have three children that graduated from Magnolia, Chad (Velisha) in 2002, Dusty (Meredith) in 2004, and Renee (Marissa) in 2008. They are proud grandparents of three grandsons, Jacob, Walter, and Caleb. Tim’s brothers graduated from Magnolia, Jerry ’68, Tony ’75, and Tom ’79, all who participated in sports for the Blue Eagles.

A standout in three sports, football, basketball, and baseball, Tim started in 75 consecutive basketball games setting the school record at that time, Shepherd participated in three State Tournaments and was named to the All-Tourney team in his junior and senior year. Breaking down his Varsity scoring, he totaled 245 as a sophomore, 376 as a junior, and 433 points as a senior, averaging 16.3 points per game in 1973. Shepherd’s 1054 career points prior to the three-point line, from which many of his shots came from.

Teammate of Tim in 1973, Dr. David (Buckwheat) Bridgeman said, “Tim had a record 75 consecutive starts back in the day and pound for pound, Shep was the most physical player on the team with the quickest hands, and hands down he was the best defensive player on the team without question. I remember a game against Parkersburg South, and they had a 6’8” guy by the name of Sam Foggin and Tim went up for a rebound against Foggin and brought the ball down, with Foggin rolling over Shepherd’s back, landing on the floor. Foggin jumped up to confront him and Tim never budged. A jump ball was called by the referees.” Bridgeman also stated that at 5’10”, Tim had the highest vertical jump on the team.

Coach Larry West added, “Shepherd was a strong offensive and defensive player who understood the flow of the game. He could take the ball to the basket strong and was an all-around team player.”

Tim reminisced, “I attended a Jerry West basketball camp when I was in the 8th grade and learned a lot, but the highlight of the camp was driving Jerry West and Elgin Baylor around in a golf cart on the course!”

Shepherd, after graduating Magnolia High School in 1973, attended Glenville St. College to play baseball and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, and safety. Tim then went to work for PPG from where he recently retired.

“I want to thank my wife Carmen for being my biggest fan, high school sweetheart, and my best friend,” said Shepherd.

“Also, a big thanks to all my teammates, the boys playing at Bruce Park back in the day, and to Coaches Jack Marks, Larry West, Mark Blair, Dave Tallman, my youth Coaches Charlie Morris, the late great player and person, Lou Mott. Thank you Principal Kathie Schmalz, sportswriter Doug Huff and Steve Rogalski for designing the ball.”