47 - Right Down The Line

RIGHT DOWN THE LINE
With Harry Yockey
Monday, March 10, 1947

When the battle lines were drawn Sunday at Kent for the Regional cage carnival, Strasburg's Tigers received a mild break when Head Coach Emmet Riley pulled the number which placed the Bengals opposite Lowellville.  Naturally, any team which reaches the Regionals isn't a setup, but the Tigers' opening foes are not regarded as strong as Springfield Township or Columbiana.

ZZZZZ

Inasmuch as Strasburg has not played on the Kent State hardwoods when the other 3 quintets had performed in District competition, Coach Riley fought for a practice session.  Tournament officials pointed out that drills, other than on the night of games, were not permitted, but agreed Riley had a talking point.  They finally consented to allowing the Tigers a half hour drill and were to notify Riley today when the Bengals would have the floor.

ZZZZZ

If the Tigers can get past Lowellville they will have gained enough knowledge of the Kent floor that their chances against either Springfield Township or Columbiana in the finals would be much better.  after watching the other 3 clubs in action Saturday night, coach Riley was fortified with some valuable tips on each.  He believes Columbiana is the team to beat for a berth in the Columbus finals.

ZZZZZ

When M.F. Wagoner, Tournament Manager, asked for the respective records of the Class B teams and Coach Riley reported 29 wins in 30 starts, Wagoner wanted to know if Strasburg was playing on Sunday afternoons too, during the regular season.  But, Springfield Township also has played 30 games to date, winning 26 of them.  In addition to boasting the best mark of the 8 teams entered in the Kent Regional, where the Class A clubs also will perform, Strasburg also has the top record over a 3-year period.  It has won 85 and lost 4, while Columbiana, the touted club of the tourney has captured 64 out of 68 tilts.

ZZZZZ

It will be homecoming night for Coach Riley when his Tigers step onto the Kent State floor as that is his alma mater.  He studied there in 1935 and 1936 when 2-year courses were offered and then returned later and received his degree in 1941.  In addition, he has one year of summer work at Columbia University.