48 - Mineral City Upsets Tuscarawas 49-37 (2-20-48)

Mineral City Tigers 1948 Basketball Team.  FRONT:  Dan Lechner - Warren Binder - Bill Walters - Gene Reidl - larence Fiddler and Don Farnsworth.  MIDDLE:  Jim Labue - Charles Young - Rich Lindsay - Dale Adams - Paul Ley - Don Steineck - Ernest Gribi and Joe Argento.  BACK:  Head Coach Bob R. Tawzer - Franis Finley (Manager) - Bob Jones - Larry Ewing - Tom Finley - Perry Kastor and Clarence Abel (Manager).


DOVER - Dundee's sharp-breaking Bulldogs, Mineral City's surprising Tigers and the Port Washington Purple Riders advanced into the 3rd round of the Tuscarawas County Tournament as they turned in victories over the Stone Creek Golden Panthers, Tuscarawas Broncos and Baltic Eagles in Friday night's session at Memorial Hall before a small crowd of 500 fans.

By defeating a rallying Stone Creek quintet 67-61, first-year Head Coach Fritz Jacobs' Dundee combine set the stage for a Wednesday meeting next week with the Midvale Blue Devils in the feature game of the upper bracket semi-finals, while Tuscarawas, rated at the start of the tourney as a possible "dark horse," was eliminated from play by Mineral City 49-37.  Port Washington advanced in the lower bracket by handing an outclassed, but scrappy Baltic aggregation, a 58-20 defeat.

The story of the Tuscarawas Broncos (0-2) (12-14) (32-31) whose defeat at the hands of the Mineral City Tigers (1-1) (11-11) (10-37) was not all enacted on the boards at Memorial Hall Friday night.  Against the Gnadenhutten Indians the night before, 5th-Year Head Coach Jim Rogers sent his Broncos in without the services of 6-3 Senior center Joe Kerns, suspended because of disciplinary reasons.  Last night 2 more Tuscarawas regulars, 5-8 Junior guard Hal Tharp and Senior center Floyd Blackwell, were out of the lineup for similar reasons.

Playing the 1st contest of the Consolation Division without the services of these 3 regulars, the Broncos were unable to cope with the point manufacturing of Mineral City's Juniors 6-0 center Dan Lechner and forward Gene Reidl.  Between them, these 2 men accounted for 34 points of the Tiger total and threatened to make a rout of the game in its early stages.

After being held to a 9-9 1st quarter tie, 2nd-Year Head Coach Bob Tawzer's Bengals, surging back after Thursday night's loss to the Port Washington Purple Riders, opened an offensive which ran the count to 29-14 at halftime.  Lechner, one of the tournament's standouts, poured 9 of his 17 points through the nets in this period, while Reidl meshed 6 of his 17 markers.

The Mineral City offensive continued in the 3rd stanza as Tusky lost forwards Senior Ray Vesco and Junior Don Wertenberger vis the foul route.  The Tigers held a 42-21 advantage at the end of the quarter.

In the final period, the Broncos, led by Senior guard George Mourouzis, staged a belated rally, while holding the Bengals to 7 points, but were unable to overhaul the winners.  Mourozis' 14 points was high for Tusky.

MINERAL CITY TIGERS - 49

Gene Reidl F 5-7-17
Don Farnsworth F 0-1-1
Bill Walters F 0-0-0
Rich Lindsay F 1-1-3
Dale Adams F 1-0-2
Dan Lechner C 7-3-17
Clarence Fiddler G 1-5-7
Warren Binder G 1-0-2

TUSCARAWAS BRONCOS - 37

Hal Crites F 3-1-7
George Kopp F 4-0-8
Don Wertenberger C 1-0-2
Ray Vesco F-C 0-0-0
George Mourouzis G 6-2-14
Doyle Roth G 1-2-4


Saturday, February 21, 1948
Rex Ridenour, Right Down The Line
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

NOTE:  1948 TUSCARAWAS GRADUATES

FIRST ROW:  Cleala Schumacker - Raymond Vesco - Masrgaret Donehue - Jack Bonzi, Faye Roth and Richard Ault.  SECOND ROW:  Robert Lichti - Joyce Schwab - William Eilwood - Margaret Reichman and Ray Johns.  THIRD ROW:  Robert Reneker - Mary Louise Blickensderfer - Floyd Blackwell - Jean Ann Hill - George Mourouzis and Lela Wertenberger.  FOURTH ROW:  George Kopp - Glenn Rankin - Joseph Kerns - Eugene Crites and Joseph Roth.

48 - Port Tops Baltic 58-20 (2-20-48)

DOVER - With the Port Washington Purple Riders (2-0) (18-3) (13-34) having one of its best years near the end of the season (they were 12-0) around mid January...and ended up 16-3, while the Baltic Eagles (0-1) (2-15) (24-37) were nursing a rebuilding year, the Purple Riders had an easy 58-20 victory for their 2nd straight win in the Tuscarawas County Class B Tournament.

Head Coach Bray Toot's quintet held quarter leads of 13-4, 23-11 and 37-16 over the Eagles, a team that might have made it more interesting for Port Washington had they been hitting a better percentge of their attempts from the field.  The Porters rode hard to a 9-point advantage in the very 1st quarter.  The 2nd period looked pretty much the same as the first with the Purple Riders' offense netting 10 points and their defense holding Baltic to 7 points by intermission.  The Eagles were limited to just 5 stingy points in the 3rd quarter, while the Riders hit the nets for 14...icing the game.  The Tootmen Reserves took over in the last quarter and Baltic was still held to 4 markers.

Junior guard 5-10 Dick Corbett paced Port Washington with 16 points and 6-1 Senior guard Vernon Furbay swished the nets for another 10 points.  Senior guard Bob Stauffer lead Baltic with 6 markers.

PORT WASHINGTON PURPLE RIDERS - 58

Paul Day F 3-2-8
Gene Heston F 0-1-1
Hal Gallion F 3-2-8
Bob Jones F 1-0-2
Hal Huston C 2-1-5
Dick Corbett G 7-2-16
Bob Frank G 0-0-0
Jack Davies G 4-0-8
Vernon Furbay G 4-2-10

BALTIC EAGLES - 20

Myron Pepper 2-1-5
Gene Rauschenbach F 0-0-0
Bill Snyder C 2-1-5
Bob Brown C 0-0-0
Bob Felton G 1-2-4
Bob Stauffer G 3-0-6

Saturday, February 21, 1948
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

48 - Dundee Holds Off Stone Creek 67-61 (2-20-48)

DOVER - In sweeping to their 67-61 win over the Stone Creek Golden Panthers (0-1) (2-18) (11-29), the Dundee Bulldogs (1-0) (12-9) (20-36) exhibited one of the most rapid breaks seen in the tournament so far and it was not until the final quarter when the Bulldogs had lost 3 men on personal fouls that the Panthers started their desperate rally which nearly overhauled the weakened Bulldog quintet.

Dundee, paced by the deadly accuracy of Sophomore forward Stan Immel, 5-10 Senior guard Paul Kate and 6-foot Senior center Bob Gardner, slammed into a 25-11 first quarter lead as their sharp-breaking offensive overwhelmed the Panthers.  The blistering Bulldog pace continued in the 2nd period and more than matched the shooting of Stone Creek's Junior center Verle Buehler, who held scoreless in the 1st quarter exploded for 10 points in the second period.  Dundee led at halftime 42-27.

Although Buehler and Sophomore forward Jim Pfeiffer held up the Panthers attack in the 3rd canto, Stone Creek was not able to gain ground as Gardner and Senior guard Ralph King racked up 13 points to give the Bulldogs a 58-44 lead at the close of the stanza.  It remained for a diminutive, 4-8 substitute to pull the game out of the fire for Dundee in the final minutes of the last period after Paul Kate and Gardner had left the game.

Early in the last quarter the Bulldogs had forged a 64-48 lead, but lost Paul Kate and Gardner on personal fouls with little more than 3 minutes remaining.  The Golden Panthers then launched their desperate rally in an attempt to overtake the Dundee and with Buehler again leading the way, had trimmed the Bulldogs' lead to 64-60 with 55 seconds remaining.

At this point, Dick Kate, the little Freshman forward who had entered the game early in the stanza, raced down the side court and meshed an action shot.  Seconds later he was fouled under the Stone Creek basket and made good the free throw that iced the game for the Dundee.  Buehler led both teams in scoring with 21 points, while his teammates Pfeiffer, Sophomore guard Hal Ridenour, 5-10 Sophomore forward Dick Kugler scored 16, 11 and 10 points each, respectively for the Golden Panthers.  The winners were led by Gardner with 19 markers, Kate with 15, and King with 13 points.

DUNDEE BULLDOGS - 67

Stanley Immel F 3-2-8
Dean Landis F 0-1-1
Wayne Flynn F 4-0-8
Kick Kate F 1-1-3
Bob Gardner C 8-3-19
Ken Jones C 0-0-0
Paul Kate G 7-1-15
Ralph King G 5-3-13
George Sliffe G 0-0-0

STONE CREEK GOLDEN PANTHERS - 61

Jim Pfeiffer F 7-2-16
Dick Kugler F 4-2-10
Dean Heid F 0-0-0
Riley G 1-0-2
Verle Buehler C 9-3-21
Gene McPherson C 1-0-2
Hal Ridenour G 4-3-11
Bob Bucher G 0-0-0
Roger Reifensnyder G 0-1-1


Saturday, February 21, 1948
Rex Ridenour, Right Down The Line
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

48 - Right Down The Line

RIGHT DOWN THE LINE
With Rex Ridenour
Friday, February 20, 1948
The Daily Reporter

ALTHOUGH THE FAVORITES, the Midvale Blue Devils and Strasburg Tigers are still undefeated and in the running after 1st round play in the Tuscarawas County's 26th Annual Class B Basketball Tournament, the Blue Devils came very close to the edge last night on the Memorial Hall hardwood and only some neat shooting by Junior forward Jack Ford prevented Head Coach Bill French's quintet from becoming the victims of an upset.

However, the Bolivar Cardinals undoubtedly provided the fans with the top thrill of the evening and Midvale may not have seen the last of Head Coach Al Bricker's Red Birds yet.  The Cardinals now drop into the Consolation Division bracket where they meet the Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates Saturday night with a chance to work back up through the tournament again.

On the basis of their showing against the League Champions, the Cards earned the plaudits for the 1st round even through the Gnadenhutten Indians upset the Tuscarawas Broncos, an event that cannot be termed too surprising in view of the Broncos in-and-out season.

Much credit is due forwards Chuck Swonger and Senior Bill Haueter for that Bolivar surprise.  Both of these boys were effective on defense and their point total nearly spelled disaster for Midvale.

OTHER INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES cropped up Thursday night even though some of the performers were on losing clubs.  Little Freshman guard Glen Zimmerman of Sugarcreek-Shanesville does not have to be ashamed of those 17 points he netted against Strasburg.  It was a brilliant exhibition.

Junior center Dan Lechner, mainstay of the Mineral City Tigers attack all year, again proved why he is one of the best in the county with his soft, one-hander that always seems to get there.  Lechner is a smooth ball player with a year of competition left.  Senior guard Tom Haswell's 20 points against the Pirates topped the individual scoring columns for the 1st round.  In Juniors center Jim Lindon, guard Gene Montague and forward Jerry Virtue, Head Coach Ray Blickensderfer of Gnadenhutten has a trio of well-balanced cagers who may cause teams other than Tuscarawas trouble before the tourney ends.

STRASBURG, as was expected, opened its drive for a 4th consecutive title with a victory over Sugarcreek-Shanesville, the team it defeated in last year's finals 48-45.  In winning last night, the Tigers were not extended, but will probably get a more severe testing against Gnaden Saturday night.

Just for the record, Strasburg has won 11 tournament titles, Sugarcreek-Shanesville 4, Gnadenhutten and Midvale 3 each, Bolivar 2, Tuscarawas and Dennison one each.

AS WAS THE CASE last year, Vally Dirodis of Cuyahoga Falls and Nick Frascella of Akron turned in a very commendable job of officiating last night.  Thse 2 officials call them like they see them and there are few dissenters once the decision is made.

FOR NUMBERS and a slick performance, Mineral City's cheerleaders did not have a peer Thursday night.  Orwen Weaver, Iris Steinbaugh, Joan Reidl, Gladys Ewing, Gloria Reed, Lois Watts, Doris Fransworth and Betty Deubner, dressed in their orange and black ensembles, made a colorful picture.

48 - Midvale Shows Up...4th Quarter...Defeats Bolivar 48-41 (2-19-48)

Two Bolivar Cardinals and a Midvale Blue Devil battle desperately for control of the ball to their torrid tournament final last night at Memorial Hall.  Players contesting control of the ball are Lee Lundenberger (9) Bolivar, Bill Haueter (10) Bolivar and Jack Rennicker of Midvale.  The Blue Devils finally edged the battling Red Birds 48-44 after trailing until the final period.


DOVER - A determined band of Gnadenhutten Indians' surprise 59-51 victors over favored Tuscarawas Broncos and Bolivar's Cardinals, who thrilled a packed house of nearly 1,500 fans as they forced the Champion Midvale Blue Devils to come from behind to earn a 48-44 decision, furnished the major part of the action in the opening round of the 26th Annual Tuscarawas County Tournament at Memorial Hall Thursday night.

The Strasburg Tigers, defending tournament Champions, had little difficulty in rolling over the Sugarcreek-Shanesville's crappy Pirates 66-40, while Port Washington's Purple Riders topped the Mineral City Tigers 58-41 after halting a Tiger rally in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

For more than 3 quarters of the Midvale Blue Devils (1-0) (21-2) (43-23)-Bolivar Cardinals (0-1) (10-11) (39-33) tilt it appeared that Head Coach Al Bricker's Red Birds had a major upset in the making.  After relinquishing the lead to the highly favored Blue Devils for a brief time in the initial period, the Cardinals, paced by a pair of sharpshooting forwards, Chuck Swonger and Senior Bill Haueter, grabbed a 13-9 first quarter margin and were quite in front 26-21 at halftime and 37-32 at the close of the 3rd stanza.

With the pressure on in the 1st and 3rd periods, Midvale was unable to halt the Bolivar offensive which featured deadly side-court marksmanship by Haueter and Swonger.  The Blue Devils fast breaking offense was marred by shaky ball-handling and the Cards defense which broke up Midvale passes repeatedly in the scoring zone.

Midvway in the 2nd period, Bolivar held an 18-13 advantage, but Junior forward Jack Ford who, with the aid of little Senior guard Dan Carlisle, was able to salvage the victory, flipped in a one handed shot, but Haueter matched this bid with a fielder as the Cardinals stayed on the pace and held their 5-point margin at halftime.

In a furious 3rd quarter, Ford meshed 7 points.  Junior forward Dave Renicker added 2 and Junior center Gene Byers and Carlisle each counted once from the foul circle as the Blue Devils made a desperate attempt to pull even, but Swonger's 4 points, coupled with 2 each by Sophomore center Ed Grossenbacher, guards Chuck Tawney and Junior Dallas Seward kept the Red Birds out front holding a 5-point lead at the end of the quarter.

Swonger added a free throw immediately after the start of the last canto, but Carlisle meshed an action shot, was fouled and hit from the charity lane to make it 38-35.  After Tawney had tallied from the foul circle, 2 fast field goals by Carlisle and Ford knotted the count at 39-39 and Renicker put the Blue Devils ahead to stay with a push shot inside the foul circle.

Ford led both teams in scoring with 19 points and his teammate little Carlisle added 15 markers for Midvale.  Swonger collected 16 for Bolivar, while Haueter picked up 14 points.

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS - 48

Jack Ford F 8-3-19
Dave Renicker F 3-1-7
Jim Golder F 0-0-0
Bob Sherrell C 1-2-4
Gene Byers C 0-1-1
Bob De Mattio G 1-0-2
Dan Carlisle G 6-3-15

BOLIVAR CARDINALS - 41

Chuck Swonger F 7-2-16
Bill Haueter F 5-4-14
Lee Lundenberger C 0-4-4
Ed Grossenbacher C 1-0-2
Dallas Seward G 1-1-3
Chuck Tawney G 2-1-5


Friday, February 20, 1948
Rex Ridenour, Right Down The Line
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

NOTE:  Last night's official attendance of 1,418 was above the 1,236 figure that marked the opening night attendance in 1947.  The fans started lining the sidewalk outside Memorial Hall at 5:10 and in a half hour the line stretched to the corner of 4th street.  Officials estimated that around 200 fans were unable to get inside.  Lee Lundenberger, Bolivar center, was playing with a badly sprained right ankle which kept him on the bench for part of the Midvale game.

48 - The Roar Of The Tigers Scatter The Pirates 66-40 (2-19-48)

The Strasburg Tigers scoring ace Tom Haswell picked up game honors by scoring 20 points against their old rivals, the Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates, in winning their 1st tournament game of 1948.


DOVER - The Strasburg Tigers (1-0) (22-2) (70-17) had no problems in picking up their 1st win of the tournament with a 66-40 shellacking of the Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates (0-1) (10-8) (44-29) in game 3 of the 1st night of the Tuscarawas County Class B Basketball Tournament at Memorial Hall.

The Tigers hit the court running as they held a 13-point 19-6 1st quarter lead.  Led by the shooting of All-Ohio 6-5 Senior center Clarance Yackey and Sophomore guard Tom Haswell ,Strasburg built up quarter leads of 36-13 and 47-21 in the following quarters over a stubborn, but outclassed Pirate quintet.

The Bengals scored 17 points in the 2nd period, while holding Sugarcreek-Shanesville to just 7 markers.  Strasburg never let up getting another 11 points in the 3rd stanza and holding the Pirates to 8.  The Tiger Reserves held up their end crashing the nets for 19 points as the Ottmen matched the Rileymen with 19 markers of their own,..but too late.

Except for the performances of Freshman guard Glen Zimmerman and Sophomore guard Jim Knox, the Pirates were not able to mount an effective offensive with Yackey controlling the ball on the rebounds.  Zimmerman's exhibition of point-making was the outstanding feature of the battle.  He netted 17 points with a one-handed push shot that was amazingly accurate.

The Strasburg Tigers offensive team showed Haswell with 20, Yackey 19, Junior forward Jim Weber 13 and John Haswell hitting 12 points.  Zimmerman and Knox of the Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates scored 17 and 11 markers, respectively.

STRASBURG TIGERS - 66

Jim Web F 5-3-13
Roland Malcuit F 0-0-0
John Reiger F 0-0-0
Clarence Yackey C 7-5-19
Lewin Vermillion C 0-0-0
John Haswell G 4-4-12
Tom Haswell G 7-6-20
Rich Froman G 0-1-1
John Miser G 0-1-1

SUGARCREEK-SHANESVILLE PIRATES - 40

Clayton Deetz F 3-1-7
Myron Beechy F 0-0-0
Don Miller F 0-0-0
Don Hostetler C 2-1-5
Jim Knox G 4-3-11
Glen Zimmerman G 7-3-17


Friday, February 20, 1948
Rex Ridenour, Right Down The Line
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

48 - Gnaden Upsets Tusky 59-51 (2-19-48)

The Gnadenhutten Indians' Junior forward Jerry Virtue goes into the air to mesh 2 points as his Redskins upset the favored Tuscarawas Broncos 59-51 in 1st round play of the county tournament on Thursday night. While a Tusky player attempts to block the shot, another Bronco cager, Senior center Floyd Blackwell (10) watches from too far back.  Sophomore (6-1) forward Dale Brick (55) of Gnaden stands by for a possible rebound.

Gnadenhutten Indians Junior Forward Jerry Virtue collected game honors by scoring 16 points as he and his teammates upset the Tuscarawas Broncos 59-51.

Gnadenhutten Indians 1948 Cheerleaders.  TOP:  Betty Rankin - MIDDLE:  Ruth Jean Crouse - BOTTOM:  Harriet Hamilton.


DOVER - In the 2nd game of the Annual Tuscarawas County Class B Basketball Tournament, the Gnadenhutten Indians (1-0) (11-13) (40-31) upset the Tuscarawas Broncos (0-1) (12-13) (32-30) 59-15 last night at Memorial Hall in Dover.

The ability to controll the ball under both baskets and the marksmanship of Junior guard Gene Montague, Junior center Jim Lindon  and Junior forward Jerry Virtue, with all 3 standing 6 feet tall, proved more than a bewildered Tuscarawas combine, playing without the services of 6-3 Senior center Joe Kerns, could overcome as the Indians held quarter advantages of 16-10, 28-27 and 42-38.

The Broncos were never in the lead; although, they pulled to within 2 points of the victors on several occasions.  In the 1st quarter it was Lindon's 4 action shots which stymied the Broncos and in the 2nd period, Junior forward Dick Frey, Montague and Virtue more than matched Senior center Floyd Blackwell's 6-point effort.

Virtue and Frey kept the Redskins out in front in the 3rd stanza with their shooting in the front court, while 6-foot Senior George Kopp tallied 3 times for the Broncos from the field.  Montague, Virtue and Senior guard Fred Crouse iced the game in the final quarter for the Indians as they added 14 points to the Gnaden total.

Jerry Virtue and teammates Gene Montague and Jim Lindon lead the Indian massacre picking up 16, 14 and 13 points, respectively.  Floyd Blackwell led the Broncos with 13 points and George Mourouris picked up another 10 points to round out the Tusky double-figure scoring.

GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 59

Jerry Virtue F 6-4-16
Dick Frey F 4-1-9
Ernie Bennington F 1-1-3
Dick Brick F 0-0-0
Jim Lindon C 5-3-13
Gene Montague G 5-4-14
Fred Crouse G 2-0-4
Al Blind G 0-0-0

TUSCARAWAS BRONCOS - 51

Don Wertenberger F 1-1-3
Ray Vesco F 1-2-4
Hal Crites F 0-0-0
Doyle Roth F 1-2-4
Floyd Blackwell C 6-1-13
Hal Tharp G 4-1-9
George Mourouzis G 3-4-10
George Kopp G 4-0-8


Friday, February 20, 1948
Rex Ridenour, Right Down The Line
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

48 - Port Washington Downs Mineral City 58-41 (2-19-48)

Mineral City Tigers 1948 Cheerleaders.  Front:  Doris Farnsworth - Betty Deubner - Joann Reidl and Gloria Reed.  BACK:  Orwen Weaver - Gladys Ewing - Iris Steinbaugh and Lois Watts.


DOVER - For 3 quarters the Mineral City Tigers (0-1) (10-11) (9-37), paced by 6-foot Junior Dan Lechner, who gave one of the best individual performances of the evening, stayed within striking distance of the Port Washington Purple Riders (1-0) (17-3) (12-34) hitting the court with a smooth-working quintet, but the Purple Riders found the range in the final canto and went on to win by a comfortable margin.  During the season Port Washington won their only game played against Mineral City 49-34.

Junior (5-10) forward Paul Day, Junior (5-10) guard Dick Corbett and Senior (5-11) center Hal Huston carried the offensive burden for the Riders in the initial quarter as Port Washington marked up a 13-7 lead, but in the 2nd period of play Lechner, hitting from a set position on the side, poured 6 points through the nets.  This barrage, coupled with Junior guard Rich Lindsay's 5 markers, helped trim the Port lead to 24-22 at halftime.

Again in the 3rd stanza, Lechner scored from the field, but had valuable aid from Sophomore forward Dale Adams and Lindsay.  However, 6 points by Senior (6-1) guard Vernon Furbay helped the Porters to a 40-34 margin at the end of the quarter.

In the final act, Port Washington's offense netted an additional 18 points, while their defense held Mineral City to just 7 markers.  With Day,Senior (5-11) forward Hal Gallion, Senior (5-10) guard Jack Davies and Huston hitting from all angles, the Purple Riders iced the game.

Huston, Day and Corbett divided scoring honors with 12 points each and Gallion hit the nets for another 10 points for Port Washington, while Lechner tallied 11 for the Tigers and his teammates Adams, Lindsay, Junior forward Gene Reidl and Junior (5-9) center Clarence Fiddler followed up with 6,7, 8, and 9 points, respectively.

PORT WASHINGTON PURPLE RIDERS - 58

Paul Day F 4-4-12
Hal Weber F 0-0-0
Hal Gallion F 5-0-10
Hal Huston C 3-6-12
Jack Davies G 1-4-6
Vernon Furbay G 3-06
Dick Corbett G 5-2-12

MINERAL CITY TIGERS - 41

Gene Reidl F 2-4-8
Dale Adams F 3-0-6
Dan Lechner C 5-1-11
Rich Lindsay G 3-1-7
Warren Binder G 0-0-0
Bill Walters G 0-0-0
Clarence Fiddler C 1-7-9


Friday, February 20, 1948
Rex Ridenour, Right Down The Line
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

48 - 26th Annual Tuscarawas County Class B Basketball Tournament 1948

DOVER - With the Midvale Blue Devils and Strasburg Tigers seeded in opposite brackets, drawings for the 26th Annual Tuscarawas County Class B Basketball League Tournament were made today at the Office of County School Supt. W.E. Laws with Supt. Karl Bosbender of Sugarcreek-Shanesville in charge.

Midvale, leader in the League, drew into a 4-team bracket with the Bolivar Cardinals, Dundee Bulldogs and Stone Creek Golden Panthers.  The Blue Devils play the Cardinals on February 19 at 9PM and will meet the winner of the Dundee-Stone Creek game to be played on February 20 at 7PM.  On February 26 at 8PM is the semi-final tilt.  Seven other teams in the circuit drew into the lower bracket with the Strasburg Tigers, defending Champions, claiming the Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates in its opening game February 21 at 9PM in a quarter-final clash.

The Gnadenhutten Indians and Tuscarawas Broncos clash at 7PM February 19 for the right to play the Sugarcreek-Shanesville winner on February 21 at 9PM in a quarter-final battle.  The Port Washington Purple Riders will open its tournament play with the Mineral City Tigers February 19 at 6PM, the winner of that tilt taking on the Baltic Eagles, which drew a bye, February 20 at 8PM.  Winner of that game plays the Gnadenhutten-Tuscarawas, Strasburg-Sugarcreek-Shanesville winner at 7PM February 26 in the 2nd semi-final game.

Three county teams were seeded in addition to Midvale and Strasburg.  They were Tuscarawas, Port Washington and Dundee, who compose the remainder of the first 5 county teams in the standing.


Saturday, February 7, 1948
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY CLASS B BASKETBALL LEAGUE (1947-48)

1.  Midvale Blue Devils (Bill French-1) 10-0 1.000 (2nd Title)
2.  Strasburg Tigers (Emmet Riley-5) 9-1 .900
3.  Tuscarawas Broncos (Jim Rogers-5) 8-2 .800
4.  Port Washington Purple Riders (Bray Toot-2) 7-3 .700
5.  Dundee Bulldogs (Fritz Jacobs-1) 5-5 .500
6.  Bolivar Cardinals (Al Bricker-1) 4-6 .400
7.  Mineral City Tigers (Bob Tawzer-2) 4-6 .400
8.  Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates (Bill Ott-2) 4-6 .400
9.  Gnadenhutten Indians (Ray Blickensderfer-1) 3-7 .300
10. Stone Creek Golden Panthers (Ken Newton-1) 1-9 .100
11. Baltic Eagles (Marion Eckfeld-1) 0-10 .000

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY CLASS B BASKETBALL SEASON (1947-48)

1.  Strasburg Tigers 21-2 .913
2.  Midvale Blue Devils 20-2 .909
3.  Port Washington Purple Riders 16-3 .842
4.  Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates 10-7 .588
5.  Dundee Bulldogs 11-9 .550
6.  Tuscarawas Broncos 12-12 .500
7.  Bolivar Cardinals 10-10 .500
8.  Mineral City Tigers 10-10 .500
9.  Gnadenhutten Indians 10-13 .434
10. Baltic Eagles 2-14 .125
11. Stone Creek Golden Panthers 2-17 .105

NOTE:  I want to thank Steven Stevanus for joining us as a member and of course want to thank Randy Miller who has been with us for some time now.  Both come out of the Sugarcreek-Shanesville area and both are upstanding gentlemen who supported the Tuscarawas County sports programs.

NOTE:  Due to the crazy snow storms...I have yet to receive all photos needed for this years story.  But, they will arrive from time to time and will be posted eventually...and before 1949 rolls around.

47 - Tuscarawas County Class B Baseball League Is Planned

DOVER - Plans for spring sports in the county school system, which include a Baseball League have been approved by the Tuscarawas County High School Athletic Association and County Superintendent W.E. Laws.

Five schools have signified their intention of entering teams in the Baseball League.  They are:

Baltic Eagles
Bolivar Cardinals
Gnadenhutten Indians
Mineral City Tigers
Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates

A committee composed of G.E. Schumacher of Baltic, J.F. Zack of Mineral City and P.O. Cochran of Bolivar was named to draw up a schedule for the League.


Saturday, March 15, 1947
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

NOTE:  (Saturday, March 29, 1947)

A Tuscarawas County Class B Baseball League schedule has been set up today with play scheduled to open on April 11, with the following games:

Sugarcreek-Shanesville vs Baltic (At Sugarcreek)
Gnadenhutten vs Mineral City (At Mineral City)

APRIL 18, 1947

Bolivar vs Mineral City (At Unknown)

All games will be of 7 innings and each school must furnish an umpire.  The League winner will receive a trophy and will represent the county in District play.

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.

47 - Yackey Hurt - Tigers Out! 59-54 (3-13-47)

KENT - Dame Misfortune and a fast-breaking, sharpshooting Lowellville Rockets quintet (22-4) today had combined to erase the Strasburg Tigers (9-1) (29-2) State Class B title hopes as the Rockets posted a 59-54 victory last night at Kent State University Gymnasium before 4,700 who turned out for the opening play of the Regional Tournament, in which Columbiana beat Springfield Township 64-45.

The defeat, which forced Strasburg to join the rest of the "also-rans" in the race for coveted State honors, came after Junior Clarence Yackey, the Tigers' All-Ohio center, twisted his ankle after 5 minutes of play.  With the 6-5 star unable to trust his full weight on the ankle, the Tigers were handicapped in rebound play and finally were subdued in the last 4 minutes of play.

Yackey, in addition to scoring 5 points before being hurt, while twisting away from a scramble under the Lowellville basket, had complete control of rebounds against Lowellville's lanky 6-4 Senior center Joe Stephenson until the mishap occurred.  Held scoreless until that point, Stephenson then cut loose to spark his club's triumph with 20 points on 10 action shots.

Although he saw action most of the contest, the Tiger center garnered but 12 points, being unable to shoot from the pivot position.  Junior guard Tom Haswell spiked the Tigers with 19 points, while playing a sparkling floor game.  Junior forward Dean Beitzel made 9 points and Senior guard Marvin Jeffers 8.  Junior John Esarco, fast Lowellville guard, racked up 15 points, 10 in the final quarter, while Junior forward Dick Williams made 8.

Head Coach Emmet Riley's Tigers held quarter margins of 11-10, 28-21 and 38-37 in a rough game which saw Referees John Russ and Bob Oldfather call only 22 personal fouls, 14 against Lowellville.  The Rockets missed only one free throw in 10 chances, while Strasburg cashed in 10 of 15 charity tosses.

Trailing 44-42 with 4 minutes of the contest remaining, Lowellville provided the real turning point shortly after the automatic timeout when Esarco, getting loose on a fast break, was fouled from behind as he scored.  The speedster also made good on both free throw shots and seconds later roared back for another layup to give Lowellville an 8-point lead.

Strasburg fought back to narrow the count to 51-48 with 2 minutes left as Tom Haswell connected twice and Yackey once from the field.  But, Stephenson pulled the Rockets out of danger with 2 lay-ups and Esarco followed suit for a 57-48 margin.  Jeffers and Sophomore guard Jim Weber tallied field goals for the Tigers as Lowellville started to stall.  Freshman forward Sam Mangine and Tom Haswell then traded baskets before time ran out.

The Tigers gained an 8-2 lead at the outset as Yackey caged 2 field goals and a free throw and Tom Haswell an action shot and free throw.  Yackey then sustained his injury and while his ankle was being taped, the count went to 11-8.  The Rockets then trimmed the Tigers' edge to one point before the quarter ended.

Strasburg maintained the lead until 30 seconds of the 3rd stanza were left, once holding an 8-point margin.  A hook by guard John Crocetti gave Lowellville their 1st lead at 37-36, but Yackey's jump shot put the Tigers in front as the 3rd period ended.

Following a basket by Esarco at the start of the final frame, Jeffers meshed a set toss and Beitzel a free throw to give the Tigers a 41-39 margin, but Mangine's fielder and free throw put Lowellville in front 42-41.  Beitzel's free throw tied the score at 42-all with 5 minutes left, but a pivot shot by Stephenson gave the
Rockets the lead again and they were never headed.

LOWELLVILLE ROCKETS - 59

Dick Williams F 4-0-8
Larry Grist F 1-1-3
Joe Stephenson C 10-0-20
John Crocetti G 1-1-3
John Esarco G 5-5-15
Fanto F 0-0-0
Sam Mangine F 4-2-10

STRASBURG TIGERS - 54

Roland Malcuit F 1-0-2
Dean Beitzel F 3-3-9
Clarence Yackey C 5-2-12
Tom Haswell G 8-3-19
Marvin Jeffers G 3-2-8
Jim Weber G 2-0-4


Friday, March 14, 1947
Harry Yockey, Right Down The Line
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

NOTE:  YACKEY NAMED TO ALL-OHIO

Junior Clarence Yackey, star center for the Strasburg Tigers, became the 1st player in the school's history to be chosen on an All-Ohio Class B Team.  The selection was made in International News Service's annual poll of writers and coaches.  The 6-5 center is the 1st Tuscarawas County player chosen since 1941.

Yackey's teammates are Neil Schimdt of Bluffton and Lee Thomas of Columbiana, forwards and Len Shull of Gibsonburg and Jerry Jones of Corning, guards.  Marvin Jeffers of Strasburg and Bob Gerber of Walnut Creek received Honorable Mention.

NOTE:  The Columbiana Clippers (25-1) went on to win the Ohio State Class B Championship 43-34 over New Knoxville.

47 - Statistics Give Tigers Edge On Lowellville

DOVER - With their attack polished following a practice last night on the Kent State University hardwood, the Strasburg Tigers spent today sharpening their claws in preparation for Thursday night's battle with Lowellville in the opening round of the Regional Class B cage classic, stepping stone to the Ohio Championship finals at Columbus next week.

The contest is scheduled for 9PM following an engagement at 7:45 between Columbiana's Clippers and Springfield Township of Mahoning County.  Strasburg if successful in its 1st bid, will engage the other bracket winner Saturday night at 8PM with the victor receiving the enviable ticket to Columbus.

The Lowellville Rockets, a "neighbor" of Springfield Township lost 36-28 in the finals of the Mahoning
County Tournament after beating the same team 35-33 during the regular season.  It also bowed to North Lima 36-33, Struthers 46-38 and Youngstown Ursuling 39-34.

Victims of Lowellville during the regular campaign included Cambell Memorial 38-36, Boardman 46-31, Struthers 55-49 and Bessmer, PA 38-36 and 35-33.  Five of its victories were registered by 2-point margins.  In county tournament play the Tigers' foes beat Beloit 74-17 and North Lima before losing to Springfield Township, but still qualifying for Sectional competition.  In the later event it topped Youngstown Fitch 40-23 and McDonald 37-35 and then spilled East Canton, Stark County Champion, 34-32 and Rittman 59-35 in District play.

Coached by Paul V. Johnson, a graduate of Ohio University Lowellville has rolled up 1,174 points in its 25 games for an offensive average of 46.9, slightly under Strasburg's mark of 50.2 or 1,507 points in 30 tilts.  Lowellville's opponents garnered 858 points or 34.5 per contest, while Strasburg totaled 896 or 29.8 per contest.

Top scorer for Lowellville is center Joe Stephenson, 6-4 Senior, who has meshed only 318 points, indicating the club is well-balanced offensively.  The quintet also has another tall starter in forward Larry Christ who is 6-2.  The other forward positions held by Dick Williams 5-8, while John Crocetti 5-6 and John Escarco 5-10 are the starting guards.  Grist is a Sophomore, while Escarco and Williams are Juniors.

The club's No. 1 replacement is Freshman Sam Mangine, a 5-11 forward, who netted 2 field goals to defeat East Canton in the District Tournament.  Stephenson weighs 208, while Grist is at 170 and is the only other starter above the 150 mark.

Head Coach Riley's cagers, who are in top physical condition, will open with Roland Malcuit and Dean Beitzel at the forward positions.  Clarence Yackey at center and Tom Haswell and Marvin Jeffers are the guards.  The 2 teams will be fairly evenly matched in height as Yackey is 6-5 and Jeffers 6-1.  Yackey will enter the fray with 515 points to his credit, 180 of which he scored in 9 tournament games.  Haswell is next with 103 in tournament play.


Wednesday, March 12, 1947
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

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.

47 - Class B Regional Tournament

DOVER - The Strasburg Tigers, Eastern Ohio District Class B Champions, will return to tournament warfare next Thursday night at 9PM when they will encounter the Lowellville Rockets from Mahoning County on the Kent State University court in the opening round of the Class B Regional Tournament.  The preceding game, at 7:45, will match the Columbiana Clippers and Springfield Township, another Mahoning five.  Carrying this county's hopes for the State title, Strasburg will be meeting a quintet which has the poorest record of the 4 entrants; although, it isn't one to be sneezed at.  Lowellville rated 4th in pre-tournament rankings, has won 21 and lost 4, while Strasburg owns 29 wins in 30 starts.  Columbiana has won 20 of 21 and Springfield Township 26 of 30.

Pairings for the tournament were made Sunday afternoon following a dinner in Kent.  The finals will be staged Saturday night with the Class B winners meeting at 8PM.  The winner will go to Columbus for the Ohio finals March 20, 21 and 22.  Strasburg qualified for the Regional by whipping the Walnut Creek Cardinals 56-39 in the Dennison District meet, while Lowellville bested Rittman 59-39 in the District finals at Kent.  In the same event, Columbiana topped Akron Eilet 59-42 and Springfield Township eliminated Brecksville 52-34.

Being from the same county, Springfield Township and Lowellville were placed in opposite brackets, Springfield winning the 1st draw.  It pulled the No. 1 spot in the top bracket with Lowellville automatically going into the lower division.  When it came time for Strasburg and Columbiana to draw, Head Coach Johnny Laids asked Head Coach Emmet Riley of the Tigers to make the selection and he drew No. 4, placing Strasburg opposite Lowellville, leaving the No. 2 spot opposite Springfield Township for Columbiana.  After watching the other 3 teams in action Saturday night, Coach Riley believed the Tigers would fare better against Lowellville in their initial appearance on the Kent floor and therefore was pleased with his draw, inasmuch as the other clubs have played on the university court.  Coach Riley was given permission for a half-hour practice, the date for which was to be set today.

Officials for the tournament will be John Russ of Youngstown, Paul Tobin of Akron and Robert Oldfather of Plainsville.  Admission will be $1.00 for all 12 or over.  The doors will open each night at 6:30PM.  Seating capacity of the gymnasium is 4,200 and an attendance of 5,000 is anticipated each night of the Regionals.  M.E. Wagoner of Kent State University is the tournament manager.  In addition to coaches, school officials and sports writers, others present at Sunday's meeting included members of the District Board of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, under whose jurisdiction the Regionals are operated.


Monday, March 10, 1947
Harry Yockey, Right Down The Line
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

NOTE:  DISTRICT CLASS B ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

The Strasburg Tigers were awarded 3 positions on the Class B All-Star Tournament Club:

Senior Marvin Jeffers (Guard)
Junior Tom Haswell (Forward)
Junior Clarence Yackey (Center)

Bob Gerber of the Walnut Creek Cardinals received the other guard berth, while the other forward spot went to the Adena Warriors' Mitchell Black.