NEW PHILADELPHIA - Two straight victories do not make a season, but to the Port Washington Purple Riders it did mark the best start of a campaign in 5 long years. With their entire squad of last season back in uniform, the Senior-less Purple Riders of 1958-59 are looking for bigger and better things.
Only 4 times in the past 2 years has Port finished on top in 39 games, including only one win the season before last. New First-Year Head Coach Richard E. King definitely feels his team will show an improvement over last year's 3-17 mark, but has not ventured as to how far they will go; although, he has said he thinks the team spirit and fan enthusiasm is at a good pitch.
One of this year's key men is pint-sized Bill Phillips, who although he has grown 2 inches since last season, stands only 5-6. A Junior this season, Phillips led the team last year with 393 points and ranked among the top scorers in the county. Other returning veterans include last year's Co-Captain John Landon, who was 2nd high with 210 points, 6-3 Larry Hagan has added a few pounds and is expected to be the starting center and give them some rebound power and 5-11 Jim Bender who got 125 points last year.
Others seeking Varsity berths this season are:
6-1 Bill Fisher
6-0 Tony Nigro
5-10 Gary Gay
5-10 Curt Johns
5-10 Dan Kinsey
Underclassmen working for the Purple Riders include:
5-10 Larry Laisure
5-10 Alvin Fillman
5-10 Tom Loader
In 7 games this season, Coach King has experimented with different combinations, seeking the best quintet. Last Tuesday he appeared to have found it as the Riders came from nowhere to send the Tuscarawas Broncos to its 1st defeat of the season 55-50 for Port Washington's 4th win...already bettering last season's victories.
Thursday, December 17, 1959
Don Wagner, Sports Editor
The Daily Times
New Philadelphia, Ohio
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