47 - Right Down The Line

RIGHT DOWN THE LINE
With Harry Yockey
Friday, March 14, 1947
Dover, Ohio

Now that Strasburg's Tigers have been eliminated, most of the thousand or more Tuscarawas County fans who saw last night's Regional competition left Kent State Gymnasium convinced that Columbiana's Clippers are a good bet to win the Regional.  Naturally, they have considerable respect for Lowellville's Rockets, who handed Strasburg its 2nd and "get out" defeat, in 31 starts.  But, they felt that Columbiana boasts too much all-around power and speed for the Rockets.

The Clippers have the necessary height to combat Lowellville's Senior center Joe Stephenson and last night they exhibited a sharp passing attack, while eliminating Springfield Township 64-45.  Columbiana is a rugged club which likes to mix it up under the baskets and they certainly had every opportunity last night because the officiating wasn't too hard on them.

ZZZZZ

Junior Clarence Yackey's value to the Strasburg team hasn't been overlooked throughout the season, but the real proof was furnished last night following his ankle injury.  The big center couldn't get down the floor fast and neither could he pivot easily for shots at the basket.  Until Yackey was injured, Lowellville's Stephenson was not in the ball game, because the Tiger star completely dominated backboard play.  Practically everyone in the press box opined that Strasburg would have been an easy winner had not Yackey been hurt.  But, as it was, he couldn't fight for rebounds too much because of the inability to come down on both feet.

With the center handicapped, the Tigers didn't have an answer for Lowellville's speed and neither were they able to consistently work the ball in for close shots.  Junior guard Haswell assumed the offensive burden and did a grand job, but the cards were stacked against the Tigers.

However, Strasburg can really say "wait until next year" and mean it because only Senior Marvin Jeffers of the starting five will be lost.  And, if Head Coach Riley can develop a fast 5th man the Tigers again will be knocking on the Championship door.

ZZZZZ

While last night's crowd was estimated at 4,700 and included numerous standees, the paid admissions totaled less than 4,000 because all children under 12 were admitted free.  The public address announcer drew numerous boos when he told the crowd that all children would have to show birth certificates to gain admittance tonight and Saturday night when the finals will be staged.  Judging from the jam last night as the thousands tried to gain admission, the ticket takers will have a problem on their hands if they have to take time to read birth certificates.  It is possible a few older than 12 slipped in free, but there were not enough of them to warrant demands for birth evidence.