59 - Inside Sports

Thursday, March 26, 1959
Sports Editor
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

BACK IN THE MID-FORTIES a war veteran, after undergoing months of dangerous conflict in Germany and France, met a strange Kismet.  For, after dodging bullets and bombs he was killed in an auto accident that in no way was connected with the war.  General George Patton was a great war leader, making famous the "fireball express" that saw his tankers of the 2nd Armored Division advance many miles beyond the front lines.  Sometimes it has been wished he wouldn't have stopped and had gone on toward the salt mines.

BUT, GETTING BACK TO OUR STORY, it is often odd just what will happen after facing the precedent circumstances without a scratch and then wind up on the short end when it is all over.  Although not nearly so serious, fate also stepped in this week for one of the county's former basketball stars.  After playing 85 games of college ball and winning nearly every sward that can be made in his conference, lanky Terry Deems met the unexpected in an independent game at Wellsville.

"You know," he said, "I played 85 games in college and nearly as many in high school and never once was I sidelined because of an injury.  I was lucky I know, but it just seems sort of funny that I now come up with a twisted ankle."  Although feeling quite bad about it all, it was better that it happened now.  It was only 3 weeks ago that Wittenberg took the measure of Akron for the Ohio Conference Championship.  Deems led the team in rebounding.

Next year the league may have a special tournament to decide the crown instead of using season records on the percentage basis.  The hurt was not serious and Deems will probably be able to play some more independent ball, now that his college playing days are over.  Patton's fate was much more tragic, but it is rather interesting to see just how life sometimes plays its strange tricks.

TERRY WAS A GREAT STAR for Wittenberg at Springfield during his 4 years.  His picture was displayed on county sports pages at least twice and many times more than that each of his 4 seasons.  There were times when it seemed he was getting too much space, inasmuch as few needed to be reminded of his hardwood exploit.  But then, Terry was one of the 1st real big basketball stars of Tuscarawas County to make the big time in some years.  There were many others who played great ball in college.  But it was more than just being good for Deems.

For, here was a clean living, popular soft speaking youngster who is loved by everyone.  To know him, is to like him, as the song says.  But, now the pictures and publicity releases will be coming no more on young Terry Deems of Wittenberg.  That is unless he should happen to be picked the Most Valuable Player again this year by the Ohio Conference.  "The Tusky Hustler" plans to go into coaching.  He told us he has had several nibbles, but no strike as yet.  Regardless of what school he coaches or where it is, we believe he will be a great instructor for the youngsters.  Now that his rewriting of the record book is over at the Lutheran school, he now has the book of life in front of him.  In the writing of these chapters, we sincerely wish him the best.

INSIDE SHORTIES:  It seems there has been nothing definite as yet as to whether or not Hanes Hairston, the Midvale Blue Devils fine 6-3 forward of the past season will be eligible for the next hardwood campaign.  Although only a Junior this season, an accurate birth certificate can not be located to determine his age.  Originally from North Carolina, Hairston could be the difference in the Blue Devils having a good season or an average one next winter.  Midvale, like several other county schools, is just as interested in finding the concrete proof as to his true age.

59 - Inside Sports

Wednesday, March 18, 1959
Don Wagner, Sports Editor
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

ONE LAST GLANCE over our shoulder at the past basketball season reveals many thrilling moments on the hardwood.  It was another great season, during which for one of the few occasions in history we had teams among both the Class A and Class AA "Sweet 16."  It was a year of both gladness and tears.  It had all the components of a typical basketball campaign.

NEW PHILADELPHIA AND MIDVALE provided us with perhaps the most illustrious end in some years as both advanced to Regional Tournament play before meeting their match.  And, in great sportsmanship, most of the county supported the teams to the end.  Next year perhaps we will have 2 different teams to root on.  It will then be up to those shining fans of this season to root their neighbors onward.

During the course of the season we saw the Midvale Blue Devils wrap up both the County and Tournament Crowns over a fine field, while the Tuscarawas Valley Trojans finished up in 2nd in both categories.  The unofficial County Class "AA" Crown perhaps goes to the Dover Tornadoes for its holding a 4-1 record against the New Philadelphia Quakers and Uhrichsville Tigers.  The Quakers, although defeating the Tornadoes in the big one in tournament play, holds only a 3-2 overall mark, having lost twice in regular season to the Crimsons.  The Tigers had a 2-4 county AA mark, having lost twice to both up-county teams, while whipping the Newcomerstown Trojans on 2 occasions.

SEVERAL NEW RECORDS were established during the season:  Ron Bradley of the Gnadenhutten Indians came up with the best output of the campaign in the county as he tallied 44 points against the Augusta Blue Devils in what is believed to be a school record.  Merle Clum and Dave Massarelli both hit 35 points to top AA play in one game.  Meanwhile, other top individual performances during the 1958-59 season saw Gary Caviness hit 38 points for the Tuscarawas Broncos, John Rice hit 37 points for the Baltic Eagles and Larry Yakley scored 32 for the Garaway Pirates.  Each is believed to be a school record; although, we hope to double check them with county coaches before next season rolls around.

Teamwise, the Pirates, in only its 2nd year of operation following the Consolation of Sugarcreek-Shanesville and Dundee, topped the county with 100 points registered against the Millersburg Spartans in January.  This is definitely a record for that new school.  Otherwise, most of the school records stood.  Merle Clum, 6-5 Quaker center wrapped up the Class AA Scoring Crown this year with 443 in regular season and 566, including tournament play.  Ron Bradley was the Class A Champion of the Hoop this season with 484 markers and 517 total.  New Philadelphia's 99 points against the Carrollton Warriors in February was the top offensive among the AA schools.

BUT, things were not all rosy.  The Trojans of Newcomerstown went through its 1st winless season...19 games...in recent history, while the Dennison Railroaders, Dover St. Joseph Ramblers and Port Washington Purple Riders all mustered only 3 victories each during the campaign.  Both the Railroaders and Purple Riders will; however, have their entire teams back next year.  Records still standing and at least safe for another year include:  The Class AA team mark of 100 points held by the Quakers and set in 1956; the Class A team mark of 123 points set by the Dundee Bulldogs in 1956; the individual county record of 52 points set by Elmer Harris of the Mineral City Tigers in 1929 for Class A and the 49 points registered in AA ranks by Pete Hewitt of Newcomerstown in 1951.

NEXT YEAR?  Well, the County League could be as close as it has been in years, thanks to many returning veterans, while it appears that all 4 Class AA schools will be hard hit by graduation this spring.  In the A ranks, the Blue Devils of Midvale, the Stone Creek Golden Panthers and Trojans of Tusky Valley appear to be the teams that will lose the largest amount of experience when the sheepskins are handed out in May and June.

FAREWELL, dear roundball.  Now, back to our basketball widows...

NOTE 1:  CLASS "A" 1959 STATE TOURNAMENT

After the Northwestern Huskies took out the Midvale Blue Devils 73-57 on the 13th of March, the Huskies were dropped by the Edgerton Bulldogs 58-51 on the 20th of March and then the Bulldogs eked out a 57-53 win over the Lywood-Jacksontown Trojans for the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP on the 21st of March.

NOTE 2:  DEEMS HONORED

Terry Deems, 6-4 Senior of Willenberg College and former Tuscarawas High School Ace was among those honored on the UPI small college All-American Team.  Deems received Honorable Mention.  On the 1st Team were:

Dick Barnett of Tennessee State
Ed Smallwood of Evansville (Indiana) College
Paul Wilcox of Davis (West Virginia)
Jackie Morelandof Louisiana Tech
Chuck Curtis of Pacific Lutheran (Washington)

NOTE  3:  ALL-OHIO

Two Tuscarawas County cagers, as well as a Harrison County lad copped the United Press International Honors in grabbing a large number of votes; although, not enough for the top 3 teams.

SPECIAL MENTION

Lanty Smith - Conotton Valley Rockets
Tom Krocker - Midvale Blue Devils
Ron Bradley - Gnadenhutten Indians

NOTE 4:  OHIO STATE CLASS A CHAMPIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

1923 - Plattsburg (24-1)
1924 - Bellpoint (32-0)
1925 - Bellpoint (34-1)
1926 - Oberlin Falcons (18-5)
1927 - Kent State Statesmen (22-0)
1928 - Marshall (28-40)
1929 - Akron St. Mary's (21-3)
1930 - Lancaster St. Mary's (24-4)
1931 - Austintown Fitch. (29-3)
1932 - Castalia Margaretta Polar Bears (24-1)
1933 - Lawrenceville (28-1)
1934 - Waterloo Wonders (29-0)
1935 - Waterloo Wonders (32-3)
1936 - Sandusky St. Mary Panthers (20-2)
1937 - Upper Arlington (22-1)
1938 - Canal Fulton Indians (25-1)
1939 - North Canton Vikings (23-4)
1940 - New Carlisle Arrows (29-1)
1941 - Glenford (30-2)
1942 - Somerset (26-6)
1943 - Yorkville Ductillites (32-6)
1944 - Akron Eilet Orangemen (22-3)
1945 - Dayton Northridge Polar Bears (28-1)
1946 - Farmer (32-1)
1947 - Columbiana Clippers (25-1)
1948 - Eaton Golden Eagles (23-2)
1949 - Delphos St. John Blue Jays (30-2)
1950 - Miller City Wildcats (29-0)
1951 - Grand Rapids (29-2)
1952 - Lockland Wayne (28-4)
1953 - Mariemont Warriors (26-2)
1954 - New Lexington St. Aloysius Blue Knights (24-4)
1955 - Lockland Wayne (26-1)
1956 - Arcanum Trojans (27-1)
1957 - Ayersville (29-1)
1958 - Northwestern Huskies (29-0)
1959 - Edgerton Bulldogs (26-3)

59 - Basketball Snowflakes

NEW PHILADELPHIA - Basketball tournaments are big business and if a team suddenly catches fire around the latter part of February and can survive the upsets of March, it can mean blue chips.  The payoffs for teams participating in this year's county, Sectional and District Class A eliminations at Memorial Hall were among the highest in recent seasons.  The bonus received by schools in the District was the highest in history.

The Midvale Blue Devils, which went through all 3 tournaments to gain the semi-finals of the Canton Regional Tournament, where it was defeated by Columbus-bound Northwestern Huskies, probably came out on top of all county and area schools financially.  The Blue Devils, as well as 8 other county schools, picked up $400.00 each from the County Tournament and then added $109.75 from the Sectional, $666.08 from the District and $200.00 more-plus traveling expenses...from its one Regional appearance.  It adds up to over $1,375.00.

Gross receipts from this year's county meet were $5,099.50 as compared with $5,687.00 over the 1958 route.  It ranks 3rd in the history of the tournament with 1957's double elimination event tops at $6,282.00.  Last year's take was 2nd highest.

Attendance at this year's Sectional Tournament was 2,730 with gross receipts standing at $2,218.40 and net gross receipts being $2,132.34.  The "take home pay" for each school was $99.75 per game plus mileage.  This compares favorably with other tournaments in the District.  For instance, the Zanesville Sectional paid a bonus of only $49.08.

Admission receipts for the 3-night event were $2,158.40.  In the highest paid District ever, 4,054 fans were in attendance for the 3-night session.  Gross receipts were $3,418.40.  Of the expenditures the OHSAA was tops when it took $503.14, while $134.18 went to the Eastern District Board.

The Conotton Valley Trojans and Midvale played 2 games apiece and received $666.08 respectively.  The Brilliant Blue Devils, which had a mileage expense of $60.00 totaled $383.00, while the Hiland Hawks picked up a tab of $343.04.  In setting the new mark of bonuses paid, it surpassed the $228.88 set in 1954 at Brilliant.  Other than that season, the 1st for the tournament to be held there, the teams have realized more money by playing at Memorial Hall.

Last year Brilliant paid out $171.80.


Tuesday, March 17, 1959
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

59 - Basketball Snowflakes

Terry Deems of the Wittenberg Lutherans dunks another 2-pointer for the Lutherans' basketball team.



NEW PHILADELPHIA - Terry Deems, "The Tusky Hustler," was among a team of 8 picked by the coaches of the Ohio Conference this weekend.  The former Tuscarawas High School Athlete, already crowned the most prolific scorer and rebounder in Ohio Conference History, was named along with Fred Golding, Ray Pryear, Climon Lee and Bob Whaley of Akron, John Leohner of Otterbein, Dick Paul of Ohio Wesleyan and Jerry Weddell of Denison.

Deems, a 6-4 Senior, set a new conference scoring record of 1,700 points in his 4 years ast Wittenberg, while also having 1,515 rebounds.  The Lutherans finished with a 19-3 record this ykear under Head coach Ray Mears, a native of Dover.  Teammates Tony Wilcox, formerly of Cleveland East Tech and Tony Bedova, were named to the 2nd team.  Among Honorable Mention Honors were Gene Wenger of Heidelberg and New Philadelphia.  Eldon Miller, of Gnadenhutten, won a letter with Wittenberg this season and is expected to be an important part of the Lutherans' attack next year when 8 lettermen return.  The Ohio Conference Champions lost only to Capital and Louisville in regular season play.  The 3rd loss was in tournament play at Evansville, Indiana.


Monday, March 16, 1959
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

59 - It's Over!...Midvale Falls 73-57 (3-13-59)

CANTON - And then there was none!  The Mighty Midvale Blue Devils went scoreless for nearly 5 minutes in the crucial final quarter last night and were thereby ousted by the defending Class A Champions of Ohio (the Northwestern Huskies) before some 5,000 fans of Canton's Field House.  After leading 1-0 to open the Regional Tournament contest, the Midvale Blue Devils (6-1) (22-2) were never ahead after that as a fine Northwestern Huskies aggregation (24-2) took the measure of Midvale 73-57.  The victory pits the Huskies against the Old Washington Warriors (28-1) tonight for the Regional Crown and a trip to Columbus.  The latter blasted Braceville 79-56 in the nightcap on Friday night.

The charges of Head Coach Pete Hilliard chalked up a sparkling record this season for the best in some 10 years and were trailing the Huskies of Northwestern only 57-51 early in the 4th canto.  But, a dry spell that saw them unable to score from the field during the first 5 and one-half minutes proved costly for the Black and Gold.  The Midvale Blue Devils were Tuscarawas County's final hope.  New Philadelphia also bowed in its 1st Regional go on Thursday to the Akron Central Wildcats.  Thus, after representing our county well and long, thoughts now turn toward baseball, track and golf on the local scene.

The State basketball finals at Columbus are set for next Friday and Saturday at St. John's Arena.  Following the game, in which the Blue Devils did not look as sharp as it had during county, Sectional and District play, Coach Hilliard admitted he was a little disappointed.  "I really felt we had a chance this year.  But, we had some costly turnovers and that (Dean) Chance fellow was plenty tough.  Our boys came through fairly well on offense as all 5 starters were in double figures, but those Huskies overcame that," Hilliard said.

You could tell he never-the-less was proud of his team which captured the County League, County Tournament and Sectional as well as District Crowns before bowing out.  And, it now appears Hilliard will have to wait at least until next December before he can chalk up his 100th victory at Midvale.  With the loss, Hilliard teams have had 99 victories, while losing a mire 29.  The overall season mark is the best since the Diablos had a 26-2 record in the 1948-49 season.  The fabulous Dean Chance, Northwestern's 6-4 center proved to be just as tough as the people up Wayne County way said he was.  The Devils tried in vain to stop the big pivot man, but he managed 26 important markers which included barrages of 5 field goals in each of the 2nd and 3rd periods.

The Blue and Gold's 6-3 Senior center Bill Housel dumped in a free throw shot before the game was 15 seconds old to put the Midvale Blue Devils into its only lead 1-0...the 1st and only time.  The Huskies came back for 6 straight points to go in front 8-1 and then held on for a 19-18 1st quarter advantage.  Trailing 25-20 early in the 2nd frame, the Blue Devils rallied back on baskets by 5-10 Senior guard Tom Krocker and 6-3 Junior forward Hanes Hairston and a free throw by Housel to knot it at 25-all.  Then, Chance retaliated with 2 quick jumpers to move the Huskies of Northwestern back in front 29-25.  Midvale was never to come closer than 2 points after that.

Chance matched his 5-basket effort of the 2nd quarter again in the 3rd stanza to pace the Northwestern Huskies from a 37-32 halftime lead to a 57-48 advantage by the 3rd halt.  In the opening seconds of the 4th and final quarter, the Diablos rallied back on free throws by Hairston and 5-11 Junior forward Ron Breniser to move within 6 points.  But, with only 6:34 minutes left, the Northwestern Huskies rolled and the Devils went hungry.

From this point, until the clock read 2:27 (remaining), the Black and Gold went scoreless.  Finally, Breniser found the hoop on a rebound to break the spell, but the big 16 point lead was too much to overcome and the Huskies were in command.  All 5 Midvale Blue Devil starters gained the double digits with Krocker leading the way with 13 points to end the season with 217 points in 15 games.  Breniser hit 12 to lead the school this season with 474 points, while 5-9 Senior guard Dave Belknap hit 11 for a grand total of 306.  Housel tallied 10 to end with 339 markers and Hairston had 10 for a total of 281.  Thus, all 5 starters ended with an overall season average in double figures.  All but Breniser and Hairston are Seniors.

The Blue Devils made 21 of 57 shots from the field for 27 percent, while the Huskies of Northwestern hit on 33 of 73 for 45 percent.  Midvale did not lose anyone vie the personal foul route as only 11 personals were whistled against them, while the Northwestern Huskies lost one man with a total of 24 personals called.  By quarters, the Diablos made 7 of 14, 6 of 15, 6 of 14 and only 2 of 16 field goals, while the Huskies hit 9 of 19, 9 of 18, 10 of 15 and 5 of 12.  Chance (a future Major League baseball pitcher) led the field goal shooting as he connected on 12 of 25 attempts from action, including a brilliant 100 percent in the 3rd stanza when he connected all 5 times.

NORTHWESTERN HUSKIES - 73

Dave Fuhrman 4-2-10
Russ Goriner 4-1-9
Dean Chance 12-2-26
Boze Johnson 9-0-18
DeWright Wasson 2-0-4
Palmer 0-0-0
Kinney 1-0-2
McClure 1-0-2

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS - 57

Dave Belknap 5-1-11
Tom Krocker 4-5-13
Bill Housel 4-2-10
Hanes Hairston 3-4-10
Ron Breniser 5-2-12
Len De Mattio 0-1-1
Jim Clark 0-0-0
Vince De Noi 0-0-0

NORTHWESTERN  19-37-57-73
MIDVALE                16-32-48-57


Saturday, March 14, 1959
Don Wagner, Sports Editor
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

59 - Midvale Lone County Hope!

NEW PHILADELPHIA - Basketball-crazy Tuscarawas County looked toward the southeastern corner today, toward the home of the Midvale Blue Devil "Whiz-Kids" as they alone carry the hopes of the county in schoolboy tournament action.  The Blue Devils, the lone survivor of 16 county cage quintets...now that the New Philadelphia Quakers have bowed 63-55 to the Akron Central Wildcats Thursday night...will square off with the touted Northwestern Huskies at Canton Field House at 7:00 tonight.

Midvale (22-1) was to depart the Devil High School at 5:00 today enroute to Canton by private auto.  Head Coach Pete Hilliard and teachers Lyle Mattlick and Bill Bastista were at the wheels to transport the team.  The Northwestern Huskies (23-2) are the defending Champions of Ohio in the Class A ranks and have been tagged as the tournament favorite.  Coach Hilliard, after reporting that nearly all of the 1,600 tickets have been purchased for the Regional Tournament game, excluding a few student ducats, said the team all reported to school this morning.

Therefore, the Diablos are expected to go with the same starting array that includes:

Senior Dave Belknap (Guard)
Senior Tom Krocker (Guard)
Senior Bill Housel (Center)
Junior Ron Breniser (Forward)
Junior Hanes Hairston (Forward)

A second game at Canton tonight, which will determine the other half of Saturday's final Championship tilt, will feature Braceville (25-2) and the Old Washington Warriors.


Friday, March 13, 1959
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

59 - The Magic Number Is "100"

NEW PHILADELPHIA - The magic number is:  "100."  For, with the century mark for the always-serious Head Coach Ralph "Pete" Hilliard would come a victory over the defending State Class A Champions of Ohio.  It's a tall order for the whiz kids of the Midvale Blue Devils, but for Hilliard it would certainly be a nice present.  Not only would the 100th victory under Hilliard be a step in the right direction, but would also add to his already record breaking mark during his 5 seasons at the head post.

The Blue Devils opening Regional game at Canton Field House tomorrow evening against the Northwestern Huskies (23-2) is a big order.  But winning basketball games is nothing new for the school located among rich coal fields in Tuscarawas County.  The game is to start at 7:00 Friday, followed at 8:30 by another semi between Braceville (25-2) and the Old Washington Warriors (27-1).  The winners are booked for a Saturday evening contest at 8:00 and a trip to Columbus for the finals.

Midvale, thanks to some great support by towns folk alumni and Superintendent Joseph Zack, who believes in good basketball, has come along way since 1943.  Since losing all its 14 starts in the 1942-43 season, the Diablos have had only one losing season.  With a mark of 9-14 in 1954, their only losing season in 12 years, there followed as a result a coaching change.

Upon the scene came Ralph "Pete" Hilliard who had been serving as an assistant coach.  Taking over the head post was a big step for the round faced, short and crew-cut young man who had graduated from Tuscarawas High School in 1945.  Winning is almost a must at Midvale.  Fans demand it and the kids want it too.  Thus, the order was a large one for Hilliard.

In addition to his couple of years as an assistant there and his degree from Kent State, the new mentor didn't have what you might call "seasoned experience in the game."  He, like many outstanding coaches, such as Paul Brown, hadn't played the game much himself in either high school or college.  In fact, intramural ball was the extent of his cage career in the latter part of his education.

But, it is no secret to ardent athletic fans that those on the bench many times learn the game much more thoroughly than the full-time players.  So, with this as his start and the cooperation of the school and village, Hilliard set out to build basketball fortunes for the 600-population community.

In his 1st season he led the club to 2nd place in the Tuscarawas County League, annually, one of the best balanced loops in the State.  After a 14-6 mark in regular season he then took the Blue and Gold to the 1st game of the Sectional Tournament before bowing out with a 17-8 mark.  It was 2nd place again in the 1956 League Season for the Midvale Blue Devils who this time made it to the Sectional finals before falling before the Strasburg Tigers.  The Blue Devils ended with a 20-6 mark.

Then, during a rebuilding season in 1957, Midvale finished up with a so-so 10-8 regular season mark.  Things looked bad for the Diablos and already some of the more rabid fans had petitions going around for Hilliard's resignation.  But, the Devils weren't dead yet.  It won the 1st game of the County Tournament.  Things looked a little better.  But, the 2nd test wasn't so rosy as they bit the dust via the Stone Creek Golden Panthers.  Thrown into the Consolation Division brackets...3 teams were authorized to advance...Midvale emerged as the Consolation Division Champions.

Things looked a little better now, but some fans were still seeking signatures.  Then came the District Tournament.  Then, the Regional Tournament.  Then on to Columbus with a 21-9 record after the 10-8 regular season mark.

It was a tremendous thrill for the Blue And Gold and the kids who played so religiously for the almost ousted mentor.  The 1st game had the Midvale Blue Devils matched with Ayersville.  They bowed in the 1st round...but it was to the ultimate State Champions, the Blue Devils were met at home that following Sunday by a mob of proud well-wishers and happy fans.  Midvale and Head Coach Pete Hilliard in particular, had done alright.  The petitions were burned.  Then came 1958, druing which the Diablos won the County League Championship as well as the tournament.  But, in the 1st game of the Sectional Tournament the Gnadenhutten Indians made the Devils alsorans.  They finished with a good 19-3 mark...however.

An All-Veteran team greeted Hilliard in late fall in 1958; although, one of the boys who had seen considerable action at Columbus in 1957, was not in sweat clothes.  Tom Krocker, a 5-10 guard was hobbling around because he had a broken leg in football.  The picture did not look exceptionally bright.  Krocker was thought to be the key man.

Nine games into the season and Krocker still out.  The Blue and Gold had copped 8 victories and lost one.  Then, with Krocker back, the Midvale Blue Devils started rolling again.  Since the guard's return the Devils have not lost a game.  Taking a 22-1 record into the Regional Tournament test with the Northwestern Huskies, Hilliard thus has 99 victories since arriving in Midvale.  During the same period the Blue Devils have lost 28 games.  The Diablos wrapped up both the County League and Tournament this season.

The best records in school history were posted in 1948 and 1949 when, under Head Coach Bill French, now a teacher at Tuscarawas Valley, the Blue and Gold had marks of 27-4 and 26-2, gaining Regional berths both seasons before bowing.  French had 73 wins in 3 seasons.  Thus, Hilliard has become the winningest Head Coach of them all.


Thursday, March 12, 1959
Don Wagner, Sports Editor
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

59 - Midvale - Northwestern Regional Tournament Facts And Stats

The 1959 Regional Tournament Bracket Guiding The Way To Columbus.

Meeting near the schools' District boundaries at the Airport Restaurant, coaches Leo Benjamin and Relph "Pete" Hilliard clas cups in a toast of "Good Luck."  The pair will carry the Tuscarawas County banners into Regional Tournament play this week.  Leo, in his 6th year at New Philadelphia, will pilot his cagers against the Akron Central Wildcats on Thursday at Kent, while "Pete," in his 5th lyear at Midvale heads his lads against the Northwestern Huskies at Canton on Friday.  If victorious, both return to the respective games on Saturday for the finals and a trip to Columbus.  Only a handful of times in history have both Class A and Class AA teams from this countyk advanced to Regionals simultaneously.  PHOTO...The Daily Times)

                The 1959 Midvale Blue Devils Team readies for the Regional Tournament.



NEW PHILADELPHIA - "I definitely feel our chances are good Friday night.  I think we are as good as they are.  Doesn't that make our chances just as good?" Head Coach Pete Hilliard said today as he prepped his cagers for their Friday Regional tournament debut.  While the Northwestern Huskies rely mainly on a one-two punch, the Midvale Blue Devils have 5 guns of almost equal caliber.   In referring to the big one on Friday against the defending State Champion Huskies, Hilliard said the main thing is to outscore them.  "We are in good physical condition and should be ready." he added.

The Blue Devils of Midvale, currently on a 16 game winning streak and victors of 22 of 23 outings this season, will not be authorized a practice session at Canton's Field House since none of the teams involved...the Northwestern Huskies, Braceville and Old Washington Warriors...have played on the floor this season.  Midvale has also surpassed the use of its own floor this week, preparatory for its game on the huge Canton hardwood.  This week, the Diablos have been practicing on the Garaway floor at Sugarcreek, making use of the glass backboards there since the boards are similar to those at Canton.  Twice this week the coach has taken the team members to the doctor to try and stave off any possible illnesses and especially colds.  Several have been inoculated to prevent the flu.

Everyone seems fit, according to Hilliard.  The starters, all of whom are averaging in double figures are ready to go.  Playing in regional tournaments is no milestone for Midvale High School, as neither is playing at Canton.

It was only 2 years ago that this writer was sitting at a scoring bench and covering the Devils' Regional action against the Vienna Mustangs and Savannah.  Down Midvale way, where basketball is as popular as milk is to a tiny babe, fans and school officials are dearly hoping this year's action is not so nerve racking.  In 1957, when the Blue Devils made it to Columbus before bowing to the ultimate State Champion Ayersville, its Regional games became legend.

That year it was the carrot topped Dick Leggett who in both Regional contests had a shot in the air when the buzzer sounded.  When he flipped it toward the hoop Midvale was trailing both times and both times the roundball swished the cords, first for a 64-62 triumph over the Vienna Mustangs and then 61-60 over Savannah.  The opposition will not be any easier this year, but those loyal fans who have followed the Devils all the way this season are already a bit shaken up.  In the 22 victories this year Midvale has copped 6 by 3 points or less, including their gaining the District Tournament in a sudden-death double overtime verdict over the Killbuck Bucks.  Coming through under pressure is really an asset in disguise.

But, this is only history now.  The big thing at this particular moment is the Diablos' acid test against the highly touted Huskies who seem determined to go all the way again this year.  Northwestern, a consolidation of Chester and West Salem a few years ago in Wayne County, is led by one of the State's better all-around athletes.

Dean Chance, 6-3 Senior, who in the spring is one of the best baseball hurlers in the State, has averaged 27.5 points per game this season as the Huskies have rolled over 23 of 25 foes.  Their only losses were to Class AA Waynedale and Class A Rittman Indians.  In both cases, Northwestern had won over the clubs in earlier season contests.  A top play-maker and sporting an 18.5 average for the charges of Head Coach Dan Baker is Boze Johnson a 5-8 Senior.  Both Johnson and Chance were members of last year's State Championship team.

The scoring...at least thus far this season...has been largely built around these 2 lads.  A top rebounder for the Huskies is Dave Fuhrman, a 6-2 Junior who is averaging about 7 points per game.  Russ Gortner, 6-0 Junior is at the other forward, opposite Fuhrman and is averaging about 9 points per game.  In addition to Johnson at a guard slot, Dewight Wasson will be the counterpart.  Wasson is a 5-10 Junior and the team's top playmaker.  He is averaging about 6 points per game.

A fast-breaking aggregation that uses both a zone and man-to-man defense.  Northwestern has been installed as the tournament favorites by Canton and Akron newspapers.

MIDVALE TEST IS AGAINST FAVORITES

MIDVALE (22-1) vs NORTHWESTERN (23-2)

MIDVALE BLUE DEVIL STARTERS

5-11 F Ron Breniser 462 20.0
6-3 F Hanes Hairston 271 11.8
6-3 C Bill Housel 329 14.3
5-8 G Dave Belknap 297 12.9
5-10 G Tom Krocker 204 14.5 (Only 14 Games)

NORTHWESTERN HUSKIE STARTERS

6-2 F Dave Fuhrman 175 7.0
6-0 F Russ Gortner 225 9.0
6-3 C Dean Chance 637 25.5
5-8 G Boze Johnson 462 18.5
5-10 G Dewight Wasson 150 6.0

SCORING

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS

Augusta Blue Devils 89-38
Tuscarawas Broncos 68-51
Garaway Pirates 54-52
Baltic Eagles 73-71
Strasburg Tigers 66-65
Stone Creek Golden Panthers 45-42
Gnadenhutten Indians 76-78L
Tuscarawas Broncos 74-63
West LaFayette Generals 80-68
Port Washington Purple Riders 61-51
Tuscarawas Valley Trojans 81-56
Scio Panthers 68-66
Gnadenhutten Indians 70-63
Strasburg Tigers 73-53
Conotton Valley Rockets 71-70
Dennison Railroaders 98-55
Port Washington Purple Riders 90-41

COUNTY TOURNAMENT

Baltic Eagles 85-61
Gnadenhutten Indians 69-52
Tuscarawas Valley Trojans 65-43

SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT

Killbuck Bucks 84-83 (Double-Overtime)

DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

Brilliant Blue Devils 77-58
Conotton Valley Rockets 96-79

REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

Pending!

SCORING

NORTHWESTERN HUSKIES

Big Prairie-Lakeville Bulldogs 82-41
Savannah 87-49
Shreve 64-31
Waynedale 71-56
Smithville Smithies 69-49
Orrville Red Riders 66-44
Hiland Hawks 63-59
Dalton Bulldogs 89-65
Plymouth Big Red 90-53
Loudenville Redbirds 93-56
Norwayne 76-44
Hayesville 84-49
Shreve 59-49
Doylestown Chipps 82-51
Waynedale 58-68L
Smithville Smithies 70-45
Dalton Bulldogs 76-42
Rittman Indians 45-57L
Norwayne 81-48
Doylestown Chipps 95-64

COUNTY TOURNAMENT

Shreve 77-46

SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT

Jeromesville Falcons 72-63
Rittman Indians 86-57

DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

Geveva Spencer Eagles 50-43
United Local 79-44

REGIONAL TOURNAMENT

Pending!


Wednesday, March 11, 1959
Don Wagner, Sports Editor
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

59 - It's Midvale vs Northwestern (State Defending Champions) In Regional Tournament

Head Coach Ralph "Pete" Hilliard of the 1959 Midvale Blue Devils in his 5th Year as mentor of the Blue Devils has coached his team to the Regional Tournament and will do battle with last year's State Champions...the Northwestern Huskies.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - A team that "has done it" and a team that "has almost done it" were paired in the opening session of the Canton Regional Class A Tournament when drawings were held yesterday at Canton.  Tuscarawas County's own Midvale Blue Devils (22-1), who have moved into the State final 3 times, but never quite all the way, will square off with the State's defending Champion Northwestern Huskies (23-2) at 7:00 on Friday night at Canton's Field House.

In the other half of the Regional the Old Washington Warriors 27-1) meets Braceville (25-2) in the nightcap on Friday night at 8:30.  The 2 winners return on Saturday for the finals and a well-earned trip to Columbus in an 8:00 clash.

The Huskies, racking up 26 straight last year for the "marbles" at Columbus has been rated number one in sports writer polls this year in the Class A ranks.  Their only losses came via the Rittman Indians and Waynedale.  The Huskies won a spot in the "Sweet 16" by ousting United Local 79-44 on Saturday, while the Blue Devils ko'd the Conotton Valley Rockets 96-79 on Friday.  Braceville eliminated the Columbiana Clippers 70-61 and in a District Consolation game, the Warriors put the damper on the Rocket hopes 92-68 on Saturday.

Admission for the game is 75 cents for students, $1.00 general admission and $1.50 for Reserved Seats.  Midvale Superintendent Joe Zack placed on sale today, 500 tickets of each, at the high school for all persons living within the Midvale School District.

Tomorrow morning the remaining ducats will be placed on sale for the general public, until 4:00, at the high school, until Thursday afternoon.


Monday, March 9, 1959
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

59 - Midvale Grabs 7th District Tournament Win 97-79

Junior 5-11 Ron Breniser of the Midvale Blue Devils led the Devils to a 96-79 triumph over the Conotton Valley Rockets to win the Blue Devils their 7th District Championship.  Ron scorched  the nets for 26 markers.  He has amassed 103 points in 6 tournament games for a 17.1 average.  (PHOTO...The Daily Reporter 1958)



NEW PHILADELPHIA - For the 2nd time in 3 years the Midvale Blue Devils under Head Coach Ralph "Pete" Hilliard, became full fledged members of the "Sweet 16 Club."  In claiming the school's 7th Eastern Ohio Class A District Championship by polishing off a good Rocket quintet 96-79 last night.  Midvale thereby becomes one of the last 16 survivors in the State of Ohio for next week's Regional Tournament.  The victory was the 22nd in 23 contests for the Diablos and their 16th straight since being edged out by the Gnadenhutten Indians 78-76 in early December.

The Conotton Valley Rockets' hopes are still alive for Regional play; however, as they now move to Dennison to clash with the once-beaten Old Washington Warriors (26-1) which lost in the Marietta District last night 68-64 in overtime.  Conotton Valley (17-7) and the Warriors will clash at 8:00 tonight.  The Gold and Blue of Midvale whose coach and Superintendent J.F. Zack, will join 3 other schools...the winner at Dennison tonight and 2 from Canton District...at the drawings in Canton on Sunday.  Next week's Regional action will be played at the Memorial Field House.

Some sort of history was also made by the Midvale Blue Devils with their phenomenal balanced scoring attack.  In scoring several hundred games, this writer needs only a couple of fingers to recall how often he has seen a "different" boy take scoring laurels in each quarter.  It happened last night before a sellout crowd, as 6-3 Senior Bill Housel netted 10 points in the 1st, followed by 5-11 Junior Ron Breniser's 12 in the second, 5-10 Senior Tom Krocker's 10 in the 3rd and 5-9 Senior Dave Belknap's 8 in the final canto.  Truly one for the book!  After the score was knotted 8 times in the 1st quarter, the Blue Devils finally took a 21-19 lead as the period closed.  From then on, Midvale led the remainder of the way including a 20-point gap in the final quarter.

The Diablos' record of 7 District crowns is 2nd to none in Tuscarawas County.  In reaching within 2 games of the colorful State Tournament at Columbus.  The Devils never appeared more brilliant in tourney play.  Its ball handling was almost unbelievable.  But, let there be no doubt...the road ahead will be rough.

But, if the Hilliardboys can retain some of the polish they displayed last night against the Conotton Valley Rockets, "this could be the year."  The Blue and Gold has gone this far before, but never has it cleared every hurdle.  Three times...1940, 1941 and 1951...the Midvale Blue Devils have been to Columbus, but each time the big one has eluded them.  The game began with the Rockets taking a 2-0 lead on a fine drive in shot by 5-11 Junior Larry Allen.  Housel, the Blue Devls' hustling center, matched it with a spin and the game was tied.  Seven more times in the 1st, the 2 clubs were deadlocked, with Midvale finally taking the lead for good at 21-19 just as the 1st buzzer sounded on another spin by Housel.

The Diablos ' lanky center tallied 10 big points in that 1st quarter, while it was Breniser who was the big man in the 2nd quarter as he potted 6 layups on drive-ins to lead the Devils to a 48-37 advantage.  In the 2nd frame, the Blue and Gold led by as much as 15 points at 42-27 and by no less than 11 at the period's end.  Leading 68-54 going into the 4th, thanks to the outside swishing of Krocker who canned 5 straight 2-pointers in the 3rd stanza to lead the attack.  The Midvale Blue Devils continued to roll, leading once by 21 points.  Then with 2:15 minutes remaining and the Blue Devils leading 96-77 and the fans yelling for the century mark, Head Coach Hillard called time out and told his players to study up on the "stall game", they might need it.  And, who need's 100 points anyway.

It was once again 5 men in double figures for the Diablos with Breniser leading the way last night with 26 points, while Housel tallied 25.  Krocker hit for 18 markers, Belknap scored 16 and jumpin' Hanes Hairston scored 11.  Junior 6-0 Lanty Smith, despite a defense aimed at trying to stop him, led Conotton Valley of Head Coach Al Girone with 23 points, while 6-3 Sophomore Jack Buckley hit 20 and 5-10 Junior Walt Enold ended with 14.

The fleet-footed Devil Squad, which got its big men in good positions under the board, caused the Missiles of Conotton Valley to commit many personal fouls.  With 29 fouls called against them, the Boosters lost 4 men via this route, all in the 4th frame.  The Blue and Gold, who picked up 18 personal fouls, lost only Hairston in the last canto.  The Midvale Blue Devils potted 32 of 73 shots from the filed for 43 percent, including field goals and attempts by quarters of 7 of 21, 10 of 23, 7 of 16 and 7 of 15.  The Conotton Valley Rockets hit 31 of 83 flings for 37 percent, making, by quarters, 8 of 19, 6 of 18, 7 of 20 and 9 of 26.

The Blue Devils took full advantage of the over-agressive Rockets, sinking 32 of 45 free throws, while Conotton Valley made 17 of 29.

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS - 96

Dave Belknap 2-12-16
Tom Krocker 8-2-18
Bill Housel 6-12-25
Ron Breniser 12-2-26
Hanes Hairston 4-3-11
Jim Clark 0-0-0

CONOTTON VALLEY ROCKETS - 79

Lanty Smith 9-5-23
Larry Dunlap 2-0-4
Jack Buckley 8-4-20
Larry Allen 3-2-8
Walt Enold 6-2-14
Earl Heavlin 0-2-2
Rippeth 3-1-7
Copland 0-1-1
McCarthy 0-0-0

MIDVALE      21-48-68-96
CONOTTON  19-37-54-79


Saturday, March 7, 1959
Don Wagner, Sports Editor
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio

NOTE:  Conotton Valley Rockets vs Old Washington Warriors

DISTRICT TOURNASMENT RUNNER-UP.  The Conotton Valley Rockets, will return to action tonight at Dennison following its 96-79 loss to the Midvale Blue Devils last night.  Proudly exhibiting the award are: Co-Captain Earl Heavlin - Head Coach Al Girone and Co-Captain Lanty Smith.  The Rockets will take a 17-7 mark against the Old Washington Warriors (26-1) this evening at 8:00 for an additional Regional Tournament berth.  (PHOTO...The Daily Times By Bob Fisher)

The Old Washington Warriors, Champions of Guernsey County, will move into Dennison's gymnasium tonight to do battle with the Harrison County Champions the Conotton Valley Rockets.  In the surprise decision at the Marietta District Class A finals last night, the Warriors, victorious in 26 straight games, was dropped by Maysville, Muskington County Champions.

Maysville, now 18-6, lost in regular season to the Old Washington club 83-58 and therefore was a heavy underdog last night.  Maysville won out 68-64 in overtime, after once trailing the Guernsey Countians 11-1.  The Rockets (17-7) were paired with the Warriors by token of its 96-79 loss to the Midvale Blue Devils last night.  The game is to start at 8:00 today.

The winner of the special playoff, the 1st such event in history whereas a team can move on after losing past county affairs...will get a berth in the Canton Class A Regional Tournament representing the Eastern District with Midvale.  The special playoff is a result of the Eastern District being authorized 3 teams to advance instead of the usual two.  Maysville moves to the Athens Regional.

Old Washington's probable starters include:

6-3 Bill Reese
5-10 Lloyd Kerr
6-2 Art Gray
5-11 Jim Tomak
6-0 J.D. Burris
6-2 Bob Hare (The 6th Man)

Conotton Valley is expected to go with the same lineup that faced the Blue Devils of Midvale at Dover last night.

59 - Midvale Eyes 7th...Conotton 1st District Crown

The 1959 Midvale Blue Devils Basketball Team:  Dale Stansbury - Jim Hobart - Ron Kaderly - Ron Breniser - Leonard De Mattio - Bill Housel - Hanes Hairston - John Everett - Jim Clark - Dave Belknap - Tom Krocker and Vince De Noi.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - While the Midvale Blue Devils are gunning for their 7th District Class A Championship since 1937 tonight at Dover's Memorial Hall, their foes at Conotton Valley are shooting for number one.  The Blue Devils, annually a tournament threat, first copped the coveted crown in 1937, while also garnering the District title in 1940, 1941, 1948, 1949 and 1957.

The Conotton Valley Rockets, located only 10 miles east of Midvale (we checked the map) in Harrison County (many of the students live in Carroll County) has never won a Distrist Crown since coming into existence in 1950.  The Devils (21-1) and Rockets (17-6) square off this evening at Dover at 8:00.  The winner will gain a Regional berth at Canton next week, while the loser moves to Dennison on Saturday night to meet the runner-up from the Marietta District.

This latter victor will also get a ride to Canton.

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS (21-1)
(Head Coach Pete Hilliard)

5-9 Senior Dave Belknap 281 22 Games 12.7
5-11 Junior Ron Breniser 436 22 Games 19.8
6-3 Senior Bill Housel 304 22 Games 13.8
5-10 Senior Tom Rocker 186 13 Games 14.3
6-3 Junior Hanes Hairston 260 22 Games 11.8

CONOTTON VALLEY ROCKETS (17-6)
(Head Coach Al Girone)

6-3 Sophomore Larry Dunlap 258 23 Games 11.2
6-0 Junior Lanty Smith 345 19 Games 18.6
6-3 Sophomore Jack Buckey 127 12 Games 10.5
5-10 Junior Walt Enold 173 23 Games 7.5
5-11 Junior Larry Allen 211 23 Games 9.1


Friday, March 6, 1959
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio