Stafford's 65-Year-Old Rebounding Record Still Stands

Former Ketron High School center Don Stafford set a record for most rebounds in a single game in 1961 that has lasted over half a century.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Don Stafford, an 83-year-old former basketball player for Ketron High School in Tennessee, set a rebounding record 65 years ago that still stands today. In a 102-44 win over Sulphur Springs in 1961, Stafford recorded an astounding 37 rebounds, more than most teams have in a single game even today. Stafford, who was known for his nose for the ball, had other impressive performances during his high school career, including a last-second shot that led to an overtime win and the game-winning layup in another overtime victory.

Why it matters

Stafford's record-setting performance highlights the enduring legacy of high school sports and the remarkable feats that can be achieved at that level. His rebounding prowess, which has stood the test of time, showcases the incredible athleticism and skill of players from that era and the lasting impact they can have on their local communities.

The details

In the 1961 game against Sulphur Springs, Stafford, a 6-foot-1 center, finished with 21 points and 37 rebounds, a record that has not been broken in the over 65 years since. One of the players he competed against that night was future MLB umpire Dale Ford. Stafford had other standout performances that season, including scoring 27 points in a 77-62 win against the Gamecocks and pulling down 23 rebounds in a victory over Holston.

  • On February 4, 1961, Stafford set the rebounding record in a 102-44 win over Sulphur Springs.
  • In the 1958-59 season, Stafford's Ketron High School team won 49-48 over the No. 1-ranked Dobyns-Bennett, snapping a five-year losing streak against the Indians.

The players

Don Stafford

An 83-year-old former basketball player for Ketron High School in Tennessee, who set a rebounding record of 37 rebounds in a single game in 1961, a mark that still stands today.

Dale Ford

A future MLB umpire who competed against Stafford in the 1961 game where Stafford set the rebounding record.

Glen Bass

The Ketron High School team's leading scorer with 33 points in the 102-44 win over Sulphur Springs in 1961.

John "Whitey" McCrary

A teammate of Stafford's at Ketron High School, who went on to have a legendary coaching career at Lynn View, Sullivan North, and Twin Springs.

Hebert "Lollie" Duncan

The head coach of the Ketron High School team that defeated the No. 1-ranked Dobyns-Bennett team in 1958-59.

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What they’re saying

“Dale Ford always kids me when he sees me. I was the center and had been a forward the year before. We ran the old 2-1-2 with two guards, a center and two forwards. I wasn't fast, couldn't jump and wasn't quick, but it just happened.”

— Don Stafford (timesnews.net)

“Sports has been my life. I grew up wanting to be a Major League Baseball player. The pitching staff that Cleveland had, they came to Kingsport in '54 and played the Giants. We were in school and unfortunately had to miss it.”

— Don Stafford (timesnews.net)

The takeaway

Stafford's remarkable rebounding record, which has stood for over 65 years, is a testament to the enduring legacy of high school sports and the incredible athletic feats that can be achieved at that level. His story serves as an inspiring reminder of the lasting impact that dedicated student-athletes can have on their local communities.