60 - 38th Annual Tuscarawas County Class "A" Tournament (2-15-19-1960)

PHOTO: Baltic Eagles - In recent weeks the Baltic Eagles have suddenly caught fire, coming up with 4 straight victories, including Friday night's surprising 64-57 upset of Tuscarawas Valley. Whether the Eagles' sudden rise, which boosted them to 13-7 under the first year tutorship of Jim Weinsz, can carry through this week's 38th Annual Tuscarawas County Class "A" League Tournament remains to be seen. But you can bet they'll be giving somebody "fits" before it is completed. As late as January 9 when they were dealt a 61-53 defeat by league champon Garaway, it appeared the Eagles would win only "their share" if not less. But following the Garaway loss things perked up with 3 straight wins before a 72-52 setback at the hands of Tuscarawas. Then came the 4-game victory skein to put them well out of the red ink. This year's edition pictured above, is comprised of: FRONT ROW - Gary Gerber (left), Charles McPherson, Ted Oswald, Bob Ladrach, John Rice and Jack Miller. BACK ROW - Coach Jim
Weinsz, Dave Berger, Gary Masi, Larry Lautenschleger, Dick Gerber, Dale Lautenschleger and managers Ed Hedington and Paul Schumaker. Absent was Ken Stein. January 19 the Eagles lost all county performer Gary Gerber, the result of a fractured bone in his leg. Gerber, who has 214 points through that date, may see tournament action however. It will be limited because his leg is still in a heavy cast, but it may be just enough to cast the Eagles as the tourney "dark horse." John Rice, who was named to the coaches' All-County aggregation last season, has been the mainstay for the Eagles all season. His most noteworthy ability has been putting the ball through the hoop. He has scored 360 points to become one of the top marksmen in the county. However, he has also been known to be a strong man on the boards and on occasion has led his team in that department this season. Bob Ladrach, a strong 5-11 Senior, is sthe big man on the boards for the Eagles. His 178 points have also come in handy, but it's in the rebound department where Bob shines. Gary Berger (5-6) and Gary Mast (5-7) are probably 2 of the smaller players in the county, but this guard combination has more than once proved its worth when it comes to moving the ball. Mast has 105 points and Berger an even 100. Other fine contributions to the team have been made by Larry Lautenschleger, who has 139 points and Charles McPherson, who has tallied 69. Eagle victories this season have been over Augusta, 82-24, Fresno 64-62, Gnadenhutten 80-49, Conesville 51-45, Stone Creek 67-45 and 81-55, West Lafayette 73-62, Warsaw 65-56, Keene 53-48, Port Washington 63-52, Roscoe 66-58, Glenmont 79-66 and Tusky Valley. Losses have been to Garaway 58-43 and 61-53, Fresno 59-55, Hiland 75-44, Strasburg 50-31, Midvale 66-61 and Tuscarawas 72-52.

PHOTO: Stone Creek Panthers - Stone Creek is still looking for victory No. 1 of the 1959-1960 season. It hopes to accomplish that when it engages the Baltic Eagles in the opening game of the 38th Annual Tuscarawas County Class "A" Tournament. The PLanthers have lost 20 straight. FRONT ROW - Jan Quillen (left), Jim Billman, Cliff Endlich, Gale Sauser, Larry Stephon, Larry Lorenz, Merle Degen and Manager John Flath. BACK ROW - Coach Ernest Lukens (left), Ron West, Charles Doll, Dave Mizer, Jerry Lahmers, Ed Wallace, Bob Hamilton and Jack Echelberry.

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Monday, February 15, 1960

Friday, February 19, 1960

The Daily Reporter

Dover, Ohio