Right Down The Line (2-17-54)

Everything went according to the script in the first round of the Tuscarawas County cage carnival last night. The underdogs put up a lot of scrap, but the favorites had too many guns. Strasburg's Tigers, rated the fourth best Class B team in the state, didn't show as much finesse as expected, but the Bengals still had plenty of punch left to win handily. Coach Don Martin's crew was tight and this can be expected since Strasburg has survived the opening round only a few times in recent years. The Tigers usually come up with a top team, the underdog whips into an upset frenzy and that's the story. Port Washington almost pulled the trick in 1949. Bolivar did it in 1950 when Strasburg went on to the District finals after winning the consolation title. Last year Stone Creek came up with the upset and almost did it twice, but Strasburg won the consolation crown and went on to the Regional finals.
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Now that the first round is over, Strasburg will still have plenty of opposition with that 21-0 record making a huge target for any underdog that sets its sites on the right night. But it is doubtful that the Tigers will be as tight the next time out as they were last night. Midvale outplayed Strasburg in the last half with a good shooting percentage helping its cause. Control of the boards spelled defeat for the Blue Devils; however, when Elden Mullett and John Shatler come in to fill the gap when Jerry Von Kaenel was out. This trio makes a formidable inner offense or defense, whichever the case may be, and they shouldn't encounter too much difficulty until they run into a team with as tall an inner guard.
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TONIGHT'S slate promises to provide more fireworks with the Port Washington-Mineral City tussle looming as a nip and tuck fight all the way. The two teams staged such a battle in the Tigers' den last Friday night. It took a last-period splurge for Port Washington to come through with victory in that one and both teams are gunning for a spot in the winners' circle. The Purple Riders have never been up there and this year is one of their best for the attempt. Ken Huston's injury in the second game of the season slowed down the Riders somewhat, but they picked up fast and zipped up through the standings to finish in a third-place tie with Baltic. Mineral has been threatening all season and could reach a peak during the tournaments. The Tigers have all-around height and a pair of marksmen in Gene Argento and Bill Crilley. It should be an interesting tussle.
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DUNDEE might just come through with that first big upset. Tuscarawas handled the Bulldogs easily in their meeting a couple of weeks ago and the Broncos will no doubt throw up their familiar and effective press. The Bulldogs do have some rebound strength and should give the tall Tusky crew a good battle regardless of who comes through with the victory.
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Wednesday, February 17, 1954
Art Cicconetti
Sports Editor
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio