52 - Tuscarawas County Class B Basketball Tournament All-Stars

The Midvale Blue Devils' Junior Center Dick Tolloti was named the County League's Most Valuable Player for 1952.


DOVER - Only 2 Seniors were able to win berths on the 1st Team of the All-Tournament Team selected by sportswriters at the County Class B Basketball Classic concluded Saturday at Memorial Hall.  The scribes, basing their selections on tournament play only, picked Dean Huprich of the Baltic Eagles and Loris Hostetler of the Dundee Bulldogs at the forward posts on their "Dream" team.

Dick Tolloti of the Midvale Blue Devils, a Junior, voted by the coaches as the County League's "Most Valuable Player" and was awarded the center position, while Harry Thompson of the Tuscarawas Broncos, a Sophomore and Bill Jones of the Stone Creek Golden Panthers, a Freshman, were given the guard posts.

Four of the 5 All-Stars hit the 6 foot mark with only Loris Hostetler falling short, coming in at 5-10.  Huprich, Jones and Tolloti were an even 6-feet, while Thompson is 6-2.

Being named to the 2nd Team after giving the 1st stringers a rugged battle and causing the sports writers much concern, were Junior Jim Syler of the Baltic Eagles and the others were:

Senior Merlyn Immel of the Dundee Bulldogs
Sophomore Jim Lorenz of the Stone Creek Golden Panthers
Sophomore Max Miller of the Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates
Freshman Jerry Haswell of the Strasburg Tigers

Honorable Mention went to:

Senior Cal Geckler (Bolivar Cardinals)
Senior Gary Struchen (Gnadenhutten Indians)
Senior Ron Weston (Gnadenhutten Indians)
Senior Roger Wigfield (Mineral City Tigers)
Junior Jerry Gasser (Stone Creek Golden Panthers)
Junior Don Graham (Midvale Blue Devils)
Junior Del Haut (Bolivar Cardinals)
Junior John Torgler (Baltic Eagles)
Sophomore Gene Argento (Mineral City Tigers)
Sophomore Ken Huston (Port Washington Purple Riders)
Sophomore Rich Slemmer (Dundee Bulldogs)


Tuesday, February 26, 1952
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

52 - Stone Creek...The Little Big Town!

STONE CREEK - Phillipsburg was founded in 1927 and in 1940 the name was changed to Stone Creek and has come a long way since that time.  A magnetic spell has swooped down over this small community and it's not likely to release it's grip for many weeks to come.  From the oldest resident right down to the totes who are able to comprehend everyone is charged...with proudness, that is.

Saturday night the village was left practically abandoned as villagers and farmers from the surrounding area, streamed to Memorial Hall, carrying the spark of hope that the town's basketball team would win not only its 1st county tournament trophy, but in addition, its 1st Championship of any sort.  So complete was the crusade to Dover, the town's volunteer firemen drew straws to determine who would stay reluctantly, but dutifully at home in case of an emergency.

And out on the farms even the cows knew something was in the air.  They were dished out their daily rations earlier than usual and many milking records were set.  In numerous instances there wasn't even enough time for farm and town wives to prepare supper.  So, many a meal was transported to Memorial Hall.  Pork sandwiches, jars of pickles and small thermos bottles of coffee stilled the pangs of hunger.

And it was not all in vain!

After the roars, whistles and boos had subsided the village team...like Casey's revenge at Mudville...turned that spark of hope into the magnetic spell that prevails here today.  The Golden Panthers had won, beating the Baltic Eagles 58-56 after the Tuscarrawas Broncos had whipped the Dundee Bulldogs 56-55 in the Consolation Division final.  And so far the 1st time the proud banner of Champions whips gayly over Stone Creek High School.  It truly was a historical night, one which was dismissed until the wee hours Sunday morning behind the warm glow streaming out from practically every house in town.  Yes, the Panthers had made history not likely to be repeated for many a year to come...and there's why:

Residents say that the town's 5th-Year Head Coach, Kenneth Newlon, would have something to say to Physchologist Dr. George W. Crane.  When he sounded the call for practice at the beginning of the season, he knew he had a potentially sound and high-scoring ball club.  But there was one problem.  Stone Creek did not carry the armor of Champions from the past.  There was nothing to hang the old school spirit on.  And not only that, the school had a long-standing cellar-dwelling status.  At one time the Golden Panthers even sweltered humbly in the throes of more than 40 consecutive losses.  But it was Coach Newlon's job...after many a long session with his Panthers in developing the fine arts of the game...to inspire his charges with the confidence of Champions.  And he came through with a Championship job.

What his secret was is not important, but his confidence was absorbed by his players at every turn during Saturday night's tilt.  And when his Panthers faltered briefly in the heat of the battle, Newlon remained staunch to the end.  He was convinced and he convinced his team that "where there's a will, there's a way."

And so the Stone Creek team which won only 3 of 10 games in League play, but which had a season mark of 8-11 will long live in the memories of local sport fans as the team which set out to do the impossible and succeeded.

Yes, they'll long remember Freshman Bill Jones who soared to the heights during tournament play by collecting 31 points and they'll remember Sophomore Jim Lorenz and his deadly southpaw pivot shot as well as Junior Jerry Gasser who always seemed to come through with the clutch shot and Senior Willis Ridenour whose left-hand-push-shot from the corner was just about as certain as more taxes and then there is Junior Don Miller who kept the ball moving and substitutes Senior Jerry Billman, Senior Ken Heid, Junior Dave Gross, Junior Carl Poland and Junior Gary Grimm who waited on the bench just in case the regulars got in trouble with personal fouls.

Who knows?  The village's Mayor Don Wherely, might even top the performance by proclaiming February 23rd as Panther Day.


Monday, February 25, 1952
Ray Stull, Sportswriter
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

52 - STONE CREEK Captures 1st Ever Tuscarawas Championship 58-56 (2-23-52)

CHAMPIONS AT LAST!  The Stone Creek Golden Panthers finally soared to the top of the heap on Saturday night when they defeated the stubborn Baltic Eagles 58-56 to capture their 1st ever Tuscarawas County Class B Basketball Tournament title in the 30 year history of the event.  The Golden Panthers were more than happy to receive the top Championship award known as The Daily Reporter Trophy.  FRONT:  Dave Gross - Carl Poland - Jerry Gasser - Jerry Billman - Gary Grimm and Willis Ridenour.  BACK:  Don Miller - Bill Jones - Jim Lorenz -Ken Heid and 5th-Year Head Coach Ken Newlon.

The small community of Stone Creek (225 citizens), the home of the Stone Creek Golden Panthers, rejoiced in their town's very first Championship...their 1st title received since the town was founded in 1827.

The Runner-up Baltic Eagles were not in a hilarious mood after they were vanquished Saturday night by just 2 points (58-56) by the Champion Stone Creek Golden Panthers.  FRONT:  Errol Jacobs - Don Farnsworth - Tom Ott - Ron Eckert - Earl Wallace and Andy Huffman.  BACK;  John Torgler - Paul Reidenbach - Jim Syler - Dean Huprich - Fred Huprich - Noah Beechy and Head Coach Doyle Shumaker.


DOVER - The Stone Creek Golden Panthers, the wonder team which copped this year's ipsy-doodle basketball tournament, will clash with the Dover St. Joseph Ramblers Wednesday night at 8:45 in the opening round of the Sectional Tournament at Memorial Hall.  The curtain-raiser at 7:30 will pit the Tuscarawas Giant Killing Tuscarawas Broncos against the Dennison Railroaders.  The Panthers, who clawed out history Saturday night by edging the Baltic Eagles 58-56 drew into the bottom bracket along with the dangerous Big Prairie Bulldogs and Malvern Green Hornets in pairings held yesterday afternoon in County Superintendant W.E. Laws' office in the Courthouse.

Spotted in the top bracket along with Dennison and Tuscarawas are the Millersburg Knights, Dennison St. Mary Blue Waves and the Killbuck cagers.  Big Prairie and Killbuck are the winner and runner-up respectively of the Holmes County meet.  Both teams were seeded on a vote by coaches, since they have the best records.  Big Prairie will enter the tournament with the top record, 21-2 and will tangle with the Baltic Eagles on Thursday night at 8:45 following the Killbuck-Millersburg fray at 7:30.

Tournament Manager Laws said each school will receive 26 passes and 2 additional ones for school heads.  Officials will be Norman Sommers of Mt. Pleasant and Allen Viegel of Coshocton.  Admission will be 50 and 75 cents.  And taking a look at the Sectional Class B Tournament, probably it will shape up as a repeat performance of the county tournament which roared to a blazing climax Saturday night with Stone Creek's stunning triumph over Baltic and Tusky eually startling 56-55 decision over Dundee's League Co-Champion Bulldogs.

But, who would have guessed it?  There was a good hint as to what was in the wind in the 2nd period of the Championship tilt when Head Coach Ken Newlon's Stone Creek Golden Panthers (3-0) (11-11) (21-36) swept up and down the floor in their blazing fast break to pile up an impressive 25-15 bulge at one juncture.  But the soaring Baltic Eagles (2-1) (14-7) (26-45) were not out of the game yet.  Senior forward Dean Huprich, the Eagles ace who garnered 20 points for the night, cut loose for 5 points before the Golden Panthers ' cracker-Jack Sophomore forward Jim Lorenz canned 3 points to keep the winners out in front 28-20.

Huprich then rimmed a fielder, but the Panthers'sensational Freshman forward Bill Jones ended the scoring for the quarter by dunking an action shot from the corner as the proud Cats charged into the big intermission breather with a 29-22 advantage.

After Tournament Manager W.E. Laws made the trophy presentations, the Stone Creek Five ran into double-trouble as Baltic uncorked a convincing fast break that saw them grab a 36-34 lead as Fred Huprich canned one from the side.  Junior center Jim Syler and Dean Huprich combined to push the Eagles' total to 40, while Stone Creek's Junior center Jerry Gasser, Lorenz and Jones pushed the Golden Panthers count to 37.  But, the Panthers came surging back, copped a 45-40 bulge at the quarter's close and raced to a 54-46 margin in the first 4 minutes of the Championship stretch.

However, Coach Shumaker's chargers, giving their all to stave off the pending upset, were not whipped.  Junior forward Paul Reidenbach canned a 2-pointer from the side, Gasser countered with a free throw, Syler hit from out front to slice the margin to 55-50.  Gasser increased the count seconds later to 57-50 on 2 free throws before Reidenbach and Dean Huprich scored 2 quick action shots to bring the more than 1,080 fans to their feet with the score standing at 58-54...and a minute still on the clock.

Baltic's hopes were shattered at that point; however, when Dean Huprich drew his 5th personal foul.  Jones then iced the game with a half minute left by connecting on a rebound.  The Eagle's Sophomore guard Tom Ott nearly threw the tilt into an overtime when he dunked Baltic's last basket from mid-court and then just before the buzzer scored a near-miss which would have given the Eagles another chance.  Four of Stone Creek's players hit double figures in the scoring column, largely because of the fact that they meshed 20 out of 27 free throws.  Lorenz was high with 18, Jones bagged 14, Ridenour 13 and Gasser 10.

Backing up Dean Huprich were Jones with 14, Syler meshed 13 and Fred Huprich dropped in 10.  Baltic outscored the Golden Panthers 21 to 19 from the field.  Another factor which hurt the Eagles was that 4 of the players in action were shouldering 4 personals.  Three of the Panthers' cagers were in the same cramping position.  As a result, Stone Creek's Whiz Kids captured their 1st trophy and their 1st Championship in the history of the school...in addition to the hearts of many a fan.

Baltic's Dean Huprich walked off the floor with the Sanitary Milk Company's Runner-up Award, while Senior Dick Ronald received the S. Toomey Company's Consolation Division Championship Trophy for the Tuscarawas Broncos.  In addition to these awards, gold basketballs will go to the 12 players on the Stone Creek squad, which was represented by Jerry Gasser.  They were provided by Marsh Wall Products Inc. of Dover.  Twelve silver basketballs were provided by the Stone Creek Brick Company  which went to the Baltic team.

Prior to the annual classic the Dundee and Tuscarawas bands played several selections and made snappy T D and V formations.

STONE CREEK GOLDEN PANTHERS - 58

Jim Lorenz (347) F 7-4-18
Bill Jones (332) F 4-6-14
Jerry Gasser C 2-6-10
Willis Ridenour G 5-3-13
Jerry Billman G 0-1-1
Miller G 1-0-2
Ken Heid G 0-0-0

BALTIC EAGLES - 56

Paul Reidenbach F 2-0-4
Dean Huprich (384) F 7-6-20
Andy Hoffman F 0-0-0
Jim Syler (298) C 5-3-13
Errol Jacobs C 0-0-0
Tom Ott G 1-0-2
Fred Huprich F 4-2-10
John Torgler G 2-3-7


Monday, February 25, 1952
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

52 - Tuscarawas Wins 18th Consolation Division Championship 56-55 (2-23-52)

The 1952 Tuscarawas Broncos won the 18th Consolation Division Championship by a hair...56-55.  FRONT:  Jerry Briggs - Rich Hill - Ralph Vesco - John Adams - Dick Ronald - Don Tharp - Jim Henry and Head Coach Chuck Lorenz.  BACK:  Harry Thompson - Bill Wilson - Bob Briggs - Dick Davis and Larry Myers.


DOVER - If cage fans heard a bonafide bark in the big arena prior to the Tuscarawas-Dundee scramble, the "cause" was parked in front of Dundee's bench...a mean-looking English Bulldog, loaned by the Tuscarawas County Bulldogs from Smearly Farms Inc. of Marietta.  In addition to wearing a banner marked with a big red "D," it carried a $500 price tag.  But the unfriendly low-slung canine didn't scare The Tuscarawas Broncos (4-1) (12-12) (41-38) who came out snorting fire to roll up a 16-10 lead with Sophomore center Harry Thompson paving the way with his brilliant jump shot around the foul circle.  He potted 4 field goals before the Dundee Bulldogs (3-2) (18-4) (29-44) went all out to stop him.

And it was all Thompson in the 2nd frame when the other Broncos lost the rage as the Bulldogs' Big Pups threatened to turn the game into a rout.  But Thompson potted 2 more and Sophomore guard Ralph Vesco was the one who kept the Colts in the running; although, they trailed 30-26 at the intermission.  Thompson collected only 2 more action shots in the last half, but that's when his teammates, led by Junior forward Don Tharp, came to the rescue.

Tharp rimmed 2 straight to open up the 3rd stanza and then combined with Sophomore guard Jim Henry on the fast break to push Tusky out in front 36-35 early in the quarter.  Henry came back later to dunk 2 more on blazing drive-ins.  Thompson meshed one from the keyhole and Vesco poured in a long shot from the side to give the Broncos a 44-39 advantage going into the home stretch.

The Colts quickly made it known in the opening minutes of the last round that it was victory-bound.  Senior forward Dick Ronald, Tharp and Vesco put their scoring antics together to snowball the lead to 9 points, 50-41.  After losing their ace forward Senior Loris Hostetler of Dundee, on personal fouls with 3 minutes left and the Bulldogs trailing 56-49, the Dogs proceeded to slice the count in a desperate last stand as Senior center Curt Beamer, Senior guard Merlyn Immel and Sophomore Rich Slemmer combined to push the Bulldog total to 55 with less than a minute remaining.  But the cagey Broncos squelched the bid by stalling out the clock.

Thompson led the winners with 21 points, while Tharp and Henry followed up with 13 and 10 points as their contribution.  The hard luck Dundee team was led by Loris' twin brother Louis Hostetler gathering 14 points as Slemmer and Immel added 10 points each.

TUSCARAWAS BRONCOS - 56

Don Tharp (288) F 4-5-13
Larry Myers F 0-0-0
Dick Ronald F 2-1-5
Bob Briggs F 0-0-0
Harry Thompson (300) C 10-1-21
Jim Henry G 5-0-10
Ralph Vesco G 3-1-7
Rich Hill G 0-0-0

DUNDEE BULLDOGS - 55

Loris Hostetler (331) F 4-1-9
Rich Fruchey F 2-0-4
Louis Hostetler F 7-0-14
Rich Slemmer C 3-4-10
Curt Beamer G 4-0-8
Merlyn Immel G 5-0-10


Monday, February 25, 1952
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

52 - Tusky Recovers To Down Gnaden 57-51 (2-21-52)

DOVER - If an old-timer up above came down to see how his kid's grandchildren's kids were faring in the 30th Annual Tuscarawas County Class B Basketball Tournament, he probably made a quick dash back into his palatial mansion to don a pair of heavy rose-colored glasses.  Either that or he just made a brief notation..."Kaleidoscopic but out of focus."  And if he already knew the ups and downs of Class B League warfare the entire panorama would be all the more enigmatic after last night's 18th Tuscarawas County Class B Consolation Division Basketball Tournament action when the Dundee Bulldogs bounced back from Wednesday night's defeat to thump the Midvale Blue Devils 69-55 and the Tuscarawas Broncos wrote finis to the Gnadenhutten Indians cage activities by turning back the Indians 57-51.  It all adds up to a quip, "What Goes?"  Midvale beat Dundee in League play...Dundee walks all over Tuscarawas...but Tusky whips Midvale twice in one week...and now the finals on Saturday night will pit the Baltic Eagles against the Stone Creek Golden Panthers in the title game and the Broncos against the Bulldogs in the Consolation Division final...and should the Colts eliminate the Dogs...well?

In the nightcap, Sophomore center Harry Thompson provided the spark for the Tuscarawas Broncos (3-1) (11-12) (40-38) as he garnered 19 points, most of which came via the jump-shot route.  Second high for the Broncos was Junior forward Don Tharp who meshed 10 markers.  Getting off to a slow start, only 13 points were netted in the 1st quarter as Tusky grabbed an 8-5 lead.  Both teams; however, snapped out of their lethargy in the 2nd frame with the Colts still coming out on top 34-21.

The Gnadenhutten Indians (2-2) (15-10) (47-41) whose star forward, Junior Leo Porter, was held to just 8 points, while Seniors forward Jim Shamel and guard Gary Struchen who scored half his total in the 3rd stanza, but failed to get enough help from Indian colleagues as his team trailed 43-37 at the 3rd period stop.

With Tusky leading 50-43 in the final canto, the Braves suddenly came to life and made a desperate try to overtake the Broncos...but the surge never came and it was too late even through they turned down several free throws to keep the ball out of the hands of the opposition.

During the regular season these 2 teams met twice.  Gnaden crushed Tusky 56-22 at Tuscarawas and then Tusky nosed Gnaden in the 2nd contest 59-57 while at Gnadenhutten.

TUSCARAWAS BRONCOS - 57

Don Tharp (275) F 4-2-10
John Myers F 2-0-4
Dick Ronald F 4-1-9
Harry Thompson (279) C 7-5-19
Jim Henry G 2-0-4
Rich Hill G 1-1-3
Ralph Vesco G 3-0-6
Bob Briggs G 0-2-2

GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 51

Leo Porter (360) F 3-2-8
Carl Gilmore F 2-1-5
Jim Shamel F 6-1-13
Ron Weston C 2-3-7
Howard Weston C 0-0-0
Jerry (Ted) Martin G 1-1-3
Gary Struchen G 6-3-15


Friday, February 22, 1952
Ray Stull, Sportswriter
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

52 - Dundee Checks Midvale 69-55 (2-21-52)

DOVER - Last night Senior forward Loris Hostetler of the Dundee Bulldogs (3-1) (18-3) (39-44) continued his brilliant tournament performance by scoring 24 points.  His teammates, Senior guard Merlyn Immel, who was treated at Union Hospital  for stomach cramps following Wednesday night's game, began to click in the last 3 quarters and chalked up 21 points of his own, while Sophomore center Rich Slemmer turned in a bang up game under the boards and topped his performance with 12 tallies.  He was substituting for Sophomore Weldon Flynn who was on crutches today with a sprained ankle received in Wednesday night's battle.

The losing Midvale Blue Devils (2-2) (20-4) (54-27) whose ace Junior center Dick Tolloti, gave his all to keep the Blue Devils in the race, but his 16 points didn't have enough company to turn back the surging Bulldogs.  The only other Diablo to hit double figures was Junior forward Ron Harmon, an outstanding clutch-player for 2nd-Year Head Coach Chuck Stocker in the tournament, who meshed 10 markers.  It was Tolloti and Harmon who opened up fast for Midvale and racked up 8 points, while the Dogs' Hostetler twins collected 7.  Then Slemmer potted a rebound, chunky Senior guard Curt Beamer "swiped" the ball and dunked a rapid 2-pointer and Dundee was off to the races.  And they kept right on rolling.

At one point in the 4th canto the Bulldogs had a 21-point advantage, 60-39, after going  into the stretch drive with a 55-35 bulge.  The Blue Devils got plenty of chances to stir things up, but the old Diablos' fire was gone.

DUNDEE BULLDOGS - 69

Loris Hostetler (322) F 9-6-24
Louis Hostetler F 1-3-5
Rich Slemmer C 5-2-12
Curt Beamer G 3-0-6
Rich Fruchey G 0-1-1
Merlyn Immel G 8-5-21

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS - 55

Ron Harmon F 5-0-10
Jack Davis F 0-0-0
Bill Anderson F 1-2-4
Don Graham F 3-3-9
Karl Mackey F 1-2-4
Dick Tolloti (469) C 7-2-16
John De Mattio G 3-2-8
Bill Marshall G 1-2-4


Friday, February 22, 1952
Ray Stull, Sportswriter
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

52 - Stone Creek Stuns Tusky 64-36 (2-20-52)

DOVER - A spilled bottle of pop prior to last night's stunning upsets the week before in the 30th Annual Tuscarawas County Class B Basketball Tournament at Memorial Hall continues to be symbolic.  Ray Stull took his 7-year-old son, David, along for the 1st time to a cage tilt and was just as goggle-eyed as the frenzied, hilarious and heart-broken fans who witnessed a history-making night, but that bottle of pop that was upset proved an omen of the following:

And all that adds up to pure design, because the tournament this year has spelled doom to the League stalwarts.  As a result, the annals Saturday night will pit neighbor against neighbor.  Only a mere spill or 2 separates today's proud villages of Stone Creek and Baltic.  The Dundee Bulldogs, who ran into a fistful of tough luck when their starting center, Sophomore Weldon Flynn, was carried to the dressing room with an ankle sprain just after the 3rd stanza started and will have to collide with the Midvale Blue Devils on Thursday night at 7;30 in a Consolation Division contest.  The Gnadenhutten Indians and Tuscarawas Broncos, who folded completely under the Golden Panther onslaught, will clash in the other Consolation tilt at 8:45.

Thus, for the 1st time in 8 long years neither the Blue Devils nor the Strasburg Tigers will be battling in the final round.  And that, cage fans, is history.

With Freshman forward Bill Jones collecting the hearts of fans as rapidly as he did points (31), Head Coach Ken Newlon's brilliant Stone Creek Golden Panthers (2-0) (10-11) (20-36) finally arrived...and just at the right moment.  Winding up the season in 9th place in the League with a 3-7 record, the Golden Panthers showed on numerous occasions that they had plenty of scoring potential if they could get all the gears meshing at the same time.

They did last night, surging into an 18-12 lead at the close of the 1st quarter and then coming right back to claw, cuff and clobber the Broncos right off the floor.  The struggle was figured to be a rugged battle on the basis of the Tuscarawas Broncos (2-1) (10-12) (39-38) who dropped the Panthers 59-50 late in the season, but there was no contest here last night.

And with Stone Creek leading 24-14 midway in the 2nd frame, son David began thinking about his grandma, a Tuscarawas fan, by the way.  "Tusky will catch up sometime, won't they, Dad?", he inquired a little fearfully.  Later, after the Leopards roared to a 48-25 margin going into the final frame, he merely said:  "Gosh."

In addition to Jones' sensational performance, the Broncos' downfall was written when the Colts were forced to shoot over the Stone Creek zone.  They just couldn't find the rim, and that was that!  Bolstering the Golden Panther attack were Senior guard Willis Ridenour who meshed 12 and Sophomore forward Jim Lorenz who collected 10.  Sophomore center Harry Thompson, Head Coach Chuck Lorenz' jump-shot artist, paced the losers with 14 markers, while his teammate Junior forward Don Tharp was hog tide by the Panther defense.

STONE CREEK GOLDEN PANTHERS - 64

Jim Lorenz (329) F 2-6-10
David Gross C 1-3-5
Bill Jones (318) F 13-5-31
Jerry Gasser C 1-3-5
Jerry Billman C 0-1-1
Willis Ridenour G 5-2-12
Ken Heid G 0-0-0
Miller G 1-2-4

TUSCARAWAS BRONCOS - 36

Don Tharp (270) F 1-3-5
Bill Wilson F 0-0-0
Dave Myers F 0-0-0
Dick Ronald F 1-2-4
Bob Briggs F 0-1-1
Harry Thompson (279) C 6-2-14
Larry Myers G 3-0-6
Jim Henry G 0-0-0
John Adams G 1-0-2
Ralph Vesco G 0-0-0
Rich Hill G 2-0-4


Thursday, February 21, 1952
Ray Stull, Sportswriter
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

52 - Baltic Nips Dundee In OT 65-64 (2-20-52)

The 1952 Baltic Eagles Basketball Team.  FRONT:  Francis Lembright (Manager) - Paul Reidenbach - Andy Huffman - Don Farnsworth - Ron Eckert and Fred Huprich.  BACK:  Earl Wallace - Dean Huprich - Tom Ott - John Torgler - Jim Syler - John Schlegel and Head Coach Doyle Shumaker.

The Baltic Eagles Junior center Jim Syler scored 18 points in leading his team to an important overtime win over a hot Dundee Bulldog team 65-64.  Jim shows 31 points in 2 tournament games this year for an average of 15.6 points per game.  He has accumulated a total of 285 points in total for the year.


DOVER - The Baltic Eagles (2-0) (14-6) (26-44) will be making its 2nd bid for the crown.  It was back in 1938 when the Eagles were defeated in the finals by the Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates...48-25.  But last night, they truly looked like Champions because they had to beat a Champion crew in the Powerful Dundee Bulldogs (2-1) (17-3) (28-44).

Scoring into the torrid final canto trailing 48-43 after leading by 7 points at one juncture in the 2nd frame,  2nd-Year Head Coach Doyle Shumaker's Eagles, who came up with an unstoppable fast break, knotted the count at 48-48 early in the period after Big Junior center Jim Syler canned 2 set shots and Senior guard Fred Huprich netted one  from  the corner.  Fred then came right back for another 2-pointer to give the Birds a 50-48 edge.

Then the Eagles' Sophomore center Dick Slemmer, Senior guard Merlyn Immel and Senior forward Louis Hostetler combined to put the Bulldogs back in command 55-50 midway in the period.  At that point, the Dogs appeared to be invincible, but Baltic's Freshman center Errol Jacobs, substituting  for Junior guard John Torgler who was benched with 4 personal fouls, hooked in a clever shot from  the pivot to start the Eagles sky-bound again.  Syler connected from the side, Dean Huprich rimmed 2 quick action shots on the fast break and Jacobs then stepped to the free throw line and cashed a free throw to boost the Baltic margin to 59-55 with less than 2 minutes left.

At that point in time, Syler went to the showers with 5 personals and Immel and Louis Hostetler added insult to injury by quickly meshing 2 fielders before the fiery skirmish ended in a 59-59 deadlock.  It was Loris Hostetler who canned a sparkling push shot from the free throw lane to tie the score after Baltic's Dean Huprich tipped the ball out of bounds in a rebound tussle under the Dundee basket.

Dean opened the overtime  with a drive-in and then came back to give Baltic a 63-61 lead after Dundee's Loris Hostetler knotted the count at 61.  His twin, Louis, then made it 63-62 and then Sophomore center Weldon Flynn, who reentered the game, put the Bulldogs out in front 64-63 with less than a minute left.  Fred Huprich iced the tilt with a corner shot and the Eagles  stalled out the clock.  And so, that spilled bottle of pop and David's earlier prediction of Dundee's downfall said it all.

However, it was Baltic's high percentage from the field coupled with its fast break that shoved 4 Eagles into double figure scoring.  Syler set the pace on his deadly set shots with 18, Dean Huprich netted 17, diminitive Junior forward Paul Reidenbach, lead man on the fast break,  had 14 and Fred Huprich 10.  Scoring honors; however, went to Dundee's star Loris Hostetler, who created havoc under the boards in garnering 24.  His twin, Louis and Immel had 10 points apiece and Slemmer dropped in 8.

Dundee won the regular season game 59-47

BALTIC EAGLES - 65

Paul Reidenbach F 5-4-14
Dean Huprich (364) F 8-1-17
Jim Syler (285) C 8-2-18
Errol Jacobs C 1-1-3
John Torgler G 1-1-3
Earl Wallace G 0-0-0
Fred Huprich G 5-0-10

DUNDEE BULLDOGS - 64

Loris Hostetler (298) F 10-4-24
Louis Hostetler F 4-2-10
Weldon Flynn C 2-0-4
Rich Slemmer C 3-2-8
Curt Beamer G 3-0-6
Rich Fruchey G 1-0-2
Merlyn Immel G 5-0-10


Thursday, February 21, 1952
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

52 - Gnaden Takes-Out Mineral City 48-43 (2-20-52)

The Gnadenhutten Indians 1952 Basketball Team.  FRONT:  Jim Shamel - Carl Gilmore - Ed Minteer - Carl Grosenbacher - Jerry (Ted) Martin - Ron Weston - Gary Struchen - Leo Porter - Bob Dallacheisa and  Howard Weston.  BACK:  Head Coach Fritz Jacobs - Ron Gibson (Manager) - Theodore Gram - John Frank - Gary Parrish - Del Clark - Jim Hooker - Virgil Davis - Ivan Grusenbacher - Jenkin Williams - Rich Best - Paul McMullen and Jack McKeown (Manager).

The Mineral City Tigers 1952 Basketball Team.  FRONT:  Ellsworth Tope - Gene Argento - Roger Wigfield - Bill Crilley - Bob Souers and Elmer Tope (Manager).  BACK:  Head Coach Al Prazniak - Dick McNutt - Lorin Shroyer - Frank Price and Jack Wilson (Manager).


DOVER - Second-Year Head Coach Al Prazniak's Mineral City Tigers (0-2) (2-18) (12-45) last week said they would make trouible for someone, came through with an outstanding performance and nearly eliminated the Gnadenhutten Indians (2-1) (15-9) (47-40).  The Tigers rolled to an 18-16 lead in the 1st quarter and battled the Indians neck-and-neck in the 2nd frame as the halftime buzzer saw the score tied at 26 and the Bengals still going strong.

Sparked by Junior forward Ellsworth Tope, who meshed 13 points and Senior guard Roger Wigfield, who collected 10 markers, Mineral City roared back in the 3rd stanza to grab a 38-36 lead going into the home stretch.  But, Gnaden's height advantage took  its heaviest toll in that last canto as as the Tigers netted only 5 markers, while the Indians of 2nd-Year Head Coach Fritz Jacobs were tallying 12.

Senior center Ron Weston and Sophomore forward Carl Gilmore sparked the Braves with 12 points each, while the Mineral City defense held Gnaden's ace, Porter, to just 8 points.  And that's that!  We, as well as the fans and players, had a rugged time...a lot of questions to answer for Ray Stull's son, David, you know.  But we really gained something, after all.  Last week he was talking about a $52 bicycle.  But on the way home he talked about a basketball...the $10 brand, no doubt.  Gnaden just got by Mineral City during seasonal play 41-39.  The Tigers had a strong showing in the tournament for a team that lost 18 games this year.

GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 48

Leo Porter (352) F 4-0-8
Carl Grosenbacher F 0-0-0
Howard Weston F 1-0-2
Carl Gilmore F 6-0-12
Ron Weston C 4-4-12
Gary Struchen G 2-3-7
Jerry Martin G 3-1-7

MINERAL CITY TIGERS - 43

Dick McNutt F 1-3-5
Ellsworth Tope F 5-3-13
Lorin Shroyer C 2-0-4
Frank Price G 1-0-2
Gene Argento G 4-1-9
Roger Wigfield G 3-4-10


Thursday, February 21, 1952
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

52 - Tusky Cans Mineral City 53-40 (2-16-52)

The Mineral City Tigers Varsity Cheerleaders for 1952.  Junior Ruth Shroyer - Freshman Jean Bartos and Junior Janice Bell.

The Mineral City Tigers Varsity Basketball Team for 1952.  FRONT:  Elmer Tope (Manager) - Gene Argento - Ellsworth Tope - Roger Wigfield - Bob Souers - Bill Crilley and Jack Wilson (Manager).  BACK:  Head Coach Al Prazuiak - Dwight Ickes - Lorin Shroyer - Frank Price and Dick McNutt.


DOVER - Headache pills, nerve potions and stabilizers will loom as "ports in the storm" this week.  Cage mentors' ulcers will really begin to bark and growing anxiety among high-strung fans will see rabbits' feet, good luck charms worn and many an Amen said.  This is the week of decision, of sleepless nights and foggy mornings.  And it all adds up to either the week you have been waiting for or the one that scares you green.

Come Wednesday night the 30th Annual Tuscarawas County Class B Basketball Tournament will separate the Cadillacs from the "also rans" in the semi-final round, with the Baltic Eagles clashing with the "hot" Dundee Bulldogs at 7:45 and the Tuscarawas Broncos squaring off against the Stone Creek Golden Panthers at 9:00.  The Sectional Division Tournament aspirants will be unveiled on Saturday night when the Consolation final is staged at 7:30 and the battle for the 1952 crown at 8:45.  The Sectional Division Tournament will invade Memorial Hall next week with 4 sessions slated on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The Broncos gained its berth in the semi-finals Saturday night when the Colts, who would have had a rigorous time hitting the side of a barn with a truck, turned in a mediocre 53-40 decision over the Mineral City Tigers.  In the Consolation Division fight the Midvale Blue Devils were scared green by the brilliant performance of Senior center Cal Geckler and his Bolivar Cardinals before they grabbed a 59-50 triumph on their reserve strength and the Gnadenhutten Indians rolled over the Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates 62-46.

Second-Year Head Coach Chuck Lorenz' Tuscarawas Broncos (2-0) (10-11) (39-37) opened up fast, but so did diminutive Sophomore guard Gene Argento of the Mineral City Tigers (0-1) (2-17) (12-44).  Tusky's Junior forward Don Tharp broke the ice with a free throw toss, but Argento came right back to deftly dunk his 1st of 5 field goal shots in the 1st quarter to give the Tigers a 2-1 edge.  Tharp and Senior forward Dick Ronald pushed it to 4-2 before Senior center Lorin Shroyer canned 2 from the pivot to put the Bengals ahead again 6-4.

Tharp tied the count and then gave the Broncos an 8-6 edge before Argento uncorked 2 straight from the side as Mineral City grabbed a 10-8 advantage.  Tharp, Ronald and Junior guard Rich Hill ran the count to 15-10 and then Argento meshed 2 more...from the same spot...as the period ended 15-14...Tuscarawas.  In the 2nd frame Argento failed and the Tigers trailed 25-18 at the half.  He flickered in the 3rd stanza with a charity toss and potted one more fielder in the 4th for a losing cause.  But, he led the Bengals with 13 points.

Although Tusky's big steeds, Sophomore center Harry Thompson, Ronald and Tharp, garnered 16, 13 and 12 points respectively, they mis-fired on many of the shots which they canned in defeating the Midvale Blue Devils.  Coach Lorenz cleared the bench with 5 minutes left.  The Broncos had a devil of a time with the Tigers during the regular season by just nosing out a 54-53 victory.

TUSCARAWAS BRONCOS - 53

Don Tharp (265) F 4-4-12
Bill Wilson F 1-0-2
Dick Ronald F 6-1-13
John Adams F 0-0-0
Dave Myers F 0-0-0
Harry Thompson (260) C 6-4-16
Larry Myers G 0-1-1
Ralph Vesco G 2-0-4
Jim Henry G 1-1-3
Bob Briggs G 0-0-0
Jerry Briggs G 0-0-0
Rich Hill G 1-0-2

MINERAL CITY TIGERS - 40

Bob McNutt F 2-1-5
Roger Wigfield F 2-0-4
Lorin Shroyer C 4-0-8
Ellsworth Tope G 3-1-7
Bob Souers G 1-0-2
Gene Argento G 6-1-13
Frank Price G 0-1-1


Monday, February 18, 1952
Ray Stull, Sportswriter
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

NOTE:  This has nothing to do with the current tournament.  Just a great photo shot of the Mineral City Tigers gymnasium during the regular season.  Opposition unknown.