SPRINGFIELD - Although trying desperately to overcome its opposition the Gnadenhutten Indians (7-1) (27-2) were eliminated from the Ohio Class B Basketball Championship race as it bowed to the Ottawa Hills Green Arrows (19-3) in an opening round contest of the State Tournament last night. The Indians, a team that went through the season with 27 victories and only 2 defeats, could not match the powerhouse activities of Big Dave Thompson, Green Arrows center.
Thompson was the difference between victory and defeat as he sent the Eastern Ohio District representatives crashing to the tune of 21 points. He hit 9 field goals and 3 free throws from the charity line to not only pace his team, but to also take top scoring honors for the opening of the engagements, played before an estimated total of nearly 6,000 persons. The team battled it out on even terms until the last period when Ottawa Hills pulled away. The Green Arrows held a 13-12 advantage at the end of the 1st period and lead 26-24 at intermission.
Gnaden temporarily stopping Thompson, unleased its full force in the 3rd quarter to come within a single point of the Arrows 40-39. During that period, the fast breaking Indians sent Senior center Captain John Metzger and Junior guard Ken Kohl close for scores. However, Gnadenhutten failed to cash in on the foul lanes getting only 6 out of 12 shots during the game.
In the final stanza, Metzger connected with 2 field goals, while Kohl got one in Gnaden's attempt to rally. However, guard Bob Bogart and forward Ed Miller teamed up with Thompson in sending the Arrows to victory. By virtue of its win, Ottawa Hills will face Waynesburg in its 2nd round contest today.
Referees McMillan and Mechling called 15 personal fouls against the Indians and 10 against the Green Arrows. Gnadenhutten lost Senior forwards Don Miller and Bill Schreiner and the victors lost forward Dick Edelen. Gnaden's misses at the foul line might be blamed for the Indians' loss as they outscored the Arrows 20-19 from the field, but were shorted 11 of 17 free throws.
OTTAWA HILLS GREEN ARROWS - 49
Dick Edelen F 6-2-14
Ed Miller F 3-1-7
Dave Thompson C 9-3-21
Bob Bogart G 1-4-6
Jack Zapf G 0-0-0
Bob Landwehr G 0-1-1
GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 46
Ralph Long F 0-1-1
Bill Lockett F 1-0-2
Bill Scheiner F 1-2-4
Al Gilbreath F 0-0-0
John Metzger C 8-2-18
Ken Kohl G 6-1-13
Don Miller G 4-0-8
Friday, March 20, 1942
Don Easter, Sports Editor of the Springfield News
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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