Ask the average Winston-Salem State fan who owns the record for points in a game, and they'll quickly respond Earl Monroe. Once you finally convince them that Monroe doesn't own the honor, they'll surely tell you its Cleo Hill.

Again, they'd be wrong.

The man who sits atop the all-time record for points in a single game is William "Bill" English. English passed away on Thursday night according to WSSU athletic director Tonia Walker's Facebook page.

English was a member of the 1967 Winston-Salem State team that won the NCAA College Division title, becoming the first team from a historically black college to win an NCAA title. English was a key contributor to that team, and took over Monroe's role as lead scorer the following season as Monroe won Rookie of the Year Honors with the Baltimore Bullets.

The 6'6 forward scored 77 points against Fayetteville State on Feb. 19, 1968. He did it without a shot clock or a three-point line. English would go on to average 25 points and 11 rebounds that season, earning an invitation to try out for the US Olympic team in 1968. It was an opportunity that he would ultimately turn down.




English was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1969, but he didn't make the cut. The Salem, VA native wound up coming back to Winston-Salem and working in the Parks and Rec. Dept. A member of the C.E. Gaines Hall of Fame, English averaged 19 points and eight rebounds per game for his career.

English's services will be conducted at Albright Funeral Home in Apex, NC.