New Book Highlights PHL

In his 20-plus years of covering St. Louis area high school and college sports, Earl Austin Jr. has established himself as the authority on the local sports scene.

Now the radio broadcast color analyst for Saint Louis University Billikens basketball games has published a book that chronicles the rich hoops history and tradition of the Public High League in St. Louis.

The book — "The PHL in the STL" The Public High League: A St. Louis Basketball Legacy — is sure to entertain the diehards as well as the casual fans of high school and college hoops in the Gateway City.

The book is 188 pages cover to cover and has more than 350 photos of the greatest players and teams from the Public High League.

It covers the history of basketball in the Public High League from the 1930's up to today. It features the top players, top teams, top coaches, memorable moments and top girls players.

Readers will also find information on more than 50 former Saint Louis University Billikens included in the book.

The cost of the book is $20 and it is available at the St. Louis American (4242 Lindell Blvd.), Johnny Mac's Sporting Goods (Florissant- 2175 Lindbergh Blvd. and Sunset Hills- 10100 Watson Rd.) and online at www.earlaustinjr.com.

Austin was a standout basketball player at McCluer North High School in suburban St. Louis and also Lindenwood University in St. Charles, where he graduated as the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder and had his No. 41 jersey retired in 1986.

Austin is currently in his 17th season as the color analyst for Billikens radio broadcasts and has been the sports editor of the St. Louis American newspaper since 1995.

For more information, please visit www.earlaustinjr.com.