59 - Inside Sports

Sports Editor
Thursday, January 29, 1959
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

There is one thing that perturbs this writer just a bit!

TIME AND AGAIN we have heard Tuscarawas County coaches and fans in particular, state that this county has one of the toughest Leagues in the State.  They point out the county's record of having more teams advance out of the Sectional Tournament each year than any other neighboring county.  This is true.  We have never disputed the belief.  But, don't think for a second that county teams are shoo-ins.  We heard fans at Midvale, during halftime, say that in the 2nd half "our boys will walk away from the Conotton Valley Rockets."  Again they were reiterating their belief that Tuscarawas County is the best.

Well, now.  It is just about time that the local lads, coaches and fans be just a little more humble.  Other counties play the game too.  They also have big interest and large followings.

AND IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT about the fact that we here in Tuscarawas County are unbeatable, just look at what the Hiland Hawks did to the Garaway Pirates on Tuesday night.  The Holmes County quintet spanked the Pirates 69-27; although, The Pirates are considered one of the better teams in Tuscarawas County.  We are by no means trying to belittle our county schools.  As long ago as 5 years back we went on record stating "This county has one of the best competitive and exciting Leagues in the State of Ohio."  We still think this to be true.

However, it is just about time that the League schools face one big fact:  "They can be beaten."  And, if the local schools don't become more aware of this fact and face the revealing statistics, they needn't worry about any Sectional, District or Regional berths.  Everytime a county team takes on an out-of-the-county combine, it too often takes the contest lightly.  They figure; apparently, that it is just a matter of "time," such as the fans at Midvale reasoned on Tuesday night at halftime when their team was leading 39-36.  It is true the Midvale Blue Devils won, but only by one point 71-70.

PERHAPES THE DIABLOS were looking toward their final League game next week, which can give them the League Crown.  Or, perhaps, they did not figure the game important.  Regardless of the reasons; however, we still think they may have underrated their opponent.  When tournaments roll around in a few weeks, we sincerely hope the schools of Tuscarawas County turn over a new leaf.  We sincerely believe they should always give their opponents their due credit.  If they don't, the season will end tearfully sudden.

Other counties have good basketball teams too, just as Midvale found out against the Scio Panthers and Rockets of Conotton Valley and as; the Pirates with the Hawks; the Dover St. Joseph Ramblers with the Killbuck Bucks twice; the Stone Creek Golden Panthers and Baltic Eagles did against Fresno and Strasburg with Waynedale.

SO, A WORD TO THE WISE should be sufficient.  Humility can pay rich rewards.