Midvale's rugged Blue Devils and Brilliant's equally tough Blue Devils will launch action in the 4-team Class "A" District basketball tournament tonight at 8 in McMorial Hall. The Tuscarawas County Devils, fresh from an 84-83 double-over-time victory over Killbuck Saturday night, are participating in their first District meet in two seasons. They gained the trip in the 1956-1957 season and went on to the state tournament at Columbus before losing. Brillian, under first-year Coach Allen Hammill, is making the school's first appearance in District play. In fact, its trip to Sectional play in its own gym was another first for the school. Another first has been chalked up by Hiland High's Hawks, who take on Conotton Valley's high-soaring Rockets tomorrow night at 8. Couch Bob Schrock, who piloted Walnut Creek last season, was named head cage mentor when that school consolidated with Berlin this season and has tutored his charges to the first county and Sectional championships for the school and into its first District meet.*
Brillian lost five straight contests to open the season, but then caught fire to win 15 of its next 18 contests. It advanced to the District by topping Jewell 59-42 in its Sectional opener and then Centerville 61-54 in the finale. It was runnerup in Jefferson County tournament warfare where it was decisioned 68-58 by Dillonvale in the final test. In compiling their mark, the Blue Devils have averaged 62.5 points per game on the offense, while limiting the opposition to 54.3. They are almost equal in size to Midvale. Jim Presley, 6-3 Junior, is the big man in their attack. He's poured in 456 points. He is fllowed by Senior guard Matt Kessler (5-8) with 285 and Junior forward Dale Bergenhardt (5-11) with 236. Filling out the probable starting lineup are Dennis Cook (5-0) at guard and Jack Hoor (6-0) at forward.
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Conotton Valley, which posted a 12-6 record last season and 16-6 this campaign under Coach Al Girone, will provide formidable opposition for Hiland tomorrow night. In regular-season action, the Rockets were edged 71-70 by Midvale, but since have improved considerably. During the season they played five games against Tuscarawas County opposition and emerged with a 3-2 mark. In addition to the loss to Midvale, they were topped by Tusky Valley 61-43. Victories were posted over Dennison 55-51 and 90-61 and Tuscarawas 62-54. The Rockets are a young squad, having only one Senior and he is sixth man. He is Earl Heavlin (6-2). They are well balanced offensively with three starters over the 200-point mark. Leading the way is forward Lanty Smith, a 5-10 Junior, who has rattled the hoops for 304 points. He is followed by forward Larry Dunlap, 6-2 Sophomore, with 242 points. Rounding out the attack is Larry Allen, 5-9 Junior, who has scored 210 points. Others in the starting lineup are Junior center Jack Buckey and Junior guard Walt Enoid, (5-9).
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Monday, March 2, 1959
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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