NEW PHILADELPHIA - Sixth-Year Head Coach Pete Hilliard opened his year at Midvale on a significant note on November 20th as his Blue Devils gave him his 100th coaching victory with a 71-30 white-wash over the Augusta Blue Devils. The win put Hilliard on top of the heap of county coaches and among the best coaching marks in Ohio. His team finished last season with a 22-2 record, the best in 10 years at Midvale, to send the youthful coach into this season with a career mark of 99-28.
Good basketball has been common place at Midvale for many years. In 1957 the Blue Devils advanced to the State finals in Columbus before bowing to the eventual State Champion Ayersville Pilots. Then, last season the Devils moved to the Regional Tournament before losing to the to defending Champion Northwestern Huskies at Canton. This year, fans are not contemplating such enviable things from its squad, which is the youngest that Hilliard has ever floored. In games thus far, the Diablos have been starting only 2 Seniors, a Junior and 2 Sophomores.
Definitely in a rebuilding year after losing 4 of their 5 starters of last year. The Blue and Gold are looking more to the future then the present. Leading the Midvale Blue Devils' attack this year is 5-11 Senior Forward Ron Breniser who was the team's leading scorer in 1958 and the 2nd Team producer as a Sophomore. Going into this season's play Breniser had 718 points. He is well on his way to the school's career record.
From Breniser on, Midvale lacks any real veterans of the game; although, several upperclassmen who saw action last year and a couple of promising youngsters could make the Devils dangerous before the season is too old. If actually boils down to a matter of experience. Only 2 Seniors, 6-2 John Everett and 5-11 Ron Kaderly, are on the squad in addition to Breniser and only one Junior 5-10 Warren Leggett is on the roster.
Two Sophomores, 6-1 Neil Beans and 6-0 Mike Page have already seen considerable action for the Diablos this season and has displayed promise. Three other Sophomores seeking Varsity berths include:
5-8 Dick Belknap
5-8 Roger Swinderman
5-8 Walt Weaver
A lone Freshman, 5-8 Bob Byers is also working with the Varsity.
Thus, the Devils hope to successfully defend its county and District titles rest on the shoulders of a very young ball club. But, although 1959-60 appears to be a "maybe" year, the outlook for next season and the following campaign is very promising indeed.
Monday, November 30, 1959
Don Wagner, Sports Editor
The Daily Reporter
New Philadelphia, Ohio
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