53 - Right Down The Line

RIGHT DOWN THE LINE
With Art Cicconetti
Thursday, February 12, 1953
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio


LITTLE STONE CREEK did it again last night.  The Stone Creek Golden Panthers just wouldn't be beaten and they went out and played themselves a ball game.  Much to the satisfaction of their fans who cascaded onto the floor after the game like Niagara Falls onto the rocks.  A Strasburg player was trapped in the tight noose that the Golden Panthers fans ringed around their heroes, much to his disgust.  But the Panthers had it last night and even if they don't get into the top bracket again, they will have carried on from last year's destination.

Stone Creek must still face that band of Tuscarawas Broncos, if the chargers of Head Coach Chuck Lorenz can get by the Gnadenhutten Indians on Friday night.  That "if" could prove to be big if the Indians have their war-paint smeared.

THE TURNING POINT in last night's battle, from where we sat, was the fact that Sophomore center Jerry (Goose) Von Kaenel had to be taken out with 4 personal fouls.  The big lad did a real job of working under the backboard against Junior forward Jim Lorenz and Senior forward Jerry Gasser until he drew his 4th personal.  Head Coach Don Martin had to take him out lest he foul out early in the 4th canto and be lost for a last minute drive.  But when he did get back into the game with still 4 minutes to play and the game far from lost, Stone Creek had sniffed that sweet smell of victory and they couldn't be denied.

That old "omen" of having the Baltic Eagles and Golden Panthers back in the same brackets could prove to be a forecast since the Eagles looked like world beaters in their conquest of the Port Washington Purple Riders (71-46) and have a full week's rest before going into the stretch drive.

THE PANTHERS also have a week's rest, but they must meet either Gnaden or Tusky and the Broncos were the only team in the League to defeat Head Coach Ken Newlon's chargers anywhere near convincingly.  That pressing defense used the full length of the court has served to upset many a team on the Colts schedule and there isn't any doubt that it is a potent weapon for Tuscarawas.  A team without ball-handling ability will have a rough time getting through that press and the Broncos have a crew that can clamp the lid on almost airtight.

THE MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS will have a tough time with the Sugarcreek-Shanesville Pirates tonight.  The Corsairs have won 7 straight games in the League, losing only to the Diablos, Tusky and Strasburg with the latter in overtime.  They have improved immensely, but the Blue Devils depth may prove to be the deciding factor as it did against the spunky Bolivar Cardinals on opening night.