62 - Midvale Tops Malvern 49-30 (2-28-62)

PHOTO:  NOW LOOK FELLA - Walt Weaver of Midvale stretches out on the floor as he lost the race for the basketball with Hank Bennett of Malvern.  Weaver waves a warning finger at the Hornet cager and it evidently worked for the Blue Devils won 49-30.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - The Blue Devils of Midvale (18-4) seemed to be bogged down in an invisible mud, sloshing their way past an inspired, but under-manned Malvern quintet (6-11).  The Tuscarawas County Tournament Champions actually trailed 10-9 at the end of the first quarter and had troubles throughout the second stanza, finally gaining a 21-19 lead.  Coach Pete Hilliard's crew got going in  the third period to take a 40-27 lead into the final period and sew up the victory.  The Big Blue were anything but impressive against the Carrol County club which had won only 6 games prior to last night.  Possibly looking ahead to their clash with powerful Dennison Friday night, the Devils committed numerous turnovers and gave up several easy baskets, particularly to ball-hawking guard Bill Tucci of the Hornets.  Midvale made only 20 of its 71 shot attempts for a cold 28 percent.  Malvern connected on 12 of 48 for 25 percent.  The all-around play of veteran Neal Beans and the steady rebounding and defense actions of Mike Page were the keys to Midvale's 6th straight victory.  The Big Blue have lost 4 times, once to Dennison, 61-44.  Beans tallied on the first 2 of his high-arching shots to put Midvale in front early in the game and then meshed 5 field goals and a foul in the third stanza as the Devils sent Malvern to the tournament quillotine.  Page was in  the right spot at the right time  most of the night to pick off rebounds and finish with 13 points, second only to Beans' 18.  Walt Weaver had 10.  Bill Tucci paced Malvern with 16 counters.

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS - 49

Neal Beans 8-2-18
Mike Page 4-5-13
Rick Belknap 2-0-4
Bob Byers 0-1-1
Walt Weaver 5-0-10
Jim Tidrick 0-1-1
Don Basquin 1-0-2

MALVERN GREEN HORNETS - 30

Bill Tucci 6-4-16
Ebner 0-0-0
Carroll 3-1-7
Andrews 2-0-4
Bennett 0-1-1
Ostarhvie 1-0-2


Thursday, March 1, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Hiland Man-Handles Garaway 52-32 (2-28-62)

PHOTO:  NO, LET'S GO THIS WAY ! - Wayne Burkey (left) of Garaway and Bill Horrisberger (right) of Hiland get all tied up as they try to wrest the ball from each other.  A jump ball was called.  Watching over their shoulders is Andy Ahijewych of Hiland.

PHOTO:  OVER THE SHOULDER - Big Andy "A" (Ahilewych) towers above Wayne Burkey as he dribbles.  In background is Geof Stevanus of Garaway and Ken Hocksteller (31) of Hiland.  Ahijewych tossed in 19 points and picked off numerous rebounds to lead Hiland to a decisive 52-32 conquest of the Tuscarawas County League Co-Champions.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - The "big" game between Hiland (21-2) and Garaway (17-7) failed to materialize, as have several  other of the heralded Class "A" tournament games.  Last night's game was to have been the big showdown since the teams had split in their 2 previous meetings.  But, Coach Bob Schrock's Hiland Hawks weren't about to be stopped, racing away to their 20th straight victory.  Led by their 6-foot-6 tower of strength Andy Ahijewych, the Hawks were in complete control all the way and several times threatened to turn the game into a complete rout.  The first quarter was a night-marish one for Garaway fans as they saw their dreams of success fade when the Hawks soared off to a 9-0 lead.  Garaway didn't score until only 10 seconds remained in the period.  Geof Stevanus dropping in a foul shot.  Garaway missed all 7 of its actions shots in the period and it wasn't until 7:05 of the second stanza that the Pirates finally scored a field goal.  Roy Yoder connecting on one of his patented jump shots.  Yoder's shot seemed to momentarily spark the Pirates as they cut Hiland's 11-1 lead to 5 points.  They trailed 19-12 at halftime, however.  Ahijewych led the charge for the Hawks, who were also having trouble finding the rims, by pumping in 10 first half points.  Two baskets by Paul Hershberger, another by Ken Hochstetler and a foul by Ahijewych pushed Hiland out in front 26-12 with scarely a minute gone in the third quarter.  Not quite 2 minutes later, Yoder picked up his fourth personal foul and any remaining hopes of Garaway victory vanished.  Hiland, finally finding the range, poured in 7 of 14 field goal attempts in the third quarter to break the game wide open.  The Hawks led 36-18 at the end of the period.  One of the few thrills of the game came at the final buzzer when substitute Stan Gerber swished a 55-foot set shot for Hiland.  Hiland, which could point to its air-tight defense and strong rebounding for the lion's share of the victory credit, finished with a respectable 20 of 44 shot attempts for 45 percent.  Garaway made only 11 of 46 for 24 percent. 

The victory was Hiland's 86th against only 11 losses in its brief basketball career which covers only 4 seasons.  Ahijewych, in addition to leading all rebounders, tallied 19 points for game honors.  Art Mullet had 11 for the Hawks.  Wayne Burkey was "high" for Garaway with 7 points as normally high-scoring Dan Bleininger and Yoder were limited to 3 and 4 points respectively.  Garaway had copped league co-champion and county tournament runner-up honors.

HILAND HAWKS - 52

Art Mullet 3-5-11
Bill Horrisberger 2-2-6
Andy Ahijewych 8-3-19
Ken Hochstetler 3-0-6
Colin Mishler 0-2-2
Fred Meneuze 2-0-4
Stan Gerber 1-0-2
Newnham 1-0-2

GARAWAY PIRATES - 32

Geof Stevanus 1-2-4
Wayne Burkey 2-3-7
Dan Bleininger 1-1-3
Roy Yoder 2-0-4
Don Deetz 2-1-5
Spear 2-2-6
Fred Smith 1-1-3


Thursday, March 1, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Midvale Downs Garaway For 9th County Title 50-41 (2-24-62)

PHOTO:  CHEERLING LEADERS - Tuscarawas High's Cheerleaders were voted the best in the county league this year.  Left to right the Bronco cheermakers are Dawn Shorer, Sharon Watkins, Karen Patterson, Rose Vesco, Janice McPeek and Penny Beamer.

PHOTO:  PIRATES BAG BOOTY - The Garaway Pirates walked off with plenty of honors and trophies Saturday night, although they finished runner-up to Midvale in the county tournament.  Glenn Bower was chosen "Coach of the Year" and Roy Yoder was selected as the Most Valuable Player in the county.  Co-captains Geof Stevanus (left) and Wayne Burkey are shown with the League Championship and Tournament Runner-Up trophies.  Yoder is second from the right and Dan Bleininger (right) were selected to the coaches' All-County Team, along with Wallis Mullet of Baltic, Bob Ervin and Brad Kaiser of Gnadenhutten, Rick Belknap and Neal Beans of Midvale, Phil Meese of Tuscarawas, Jim Clymer and Adrian Edie  of Strasburg.

PHOTO:  TO THE VICTORS GO THE SPOILS - Mike Page, captain, stands proudly with the Tuscarawas County Tournament Trophy, donated by the Daily Reporter.  Midvale rapped Garaway 50-41 to gain  its ninth tournament title.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - Midvale (17-4) Reigns!  After giving up a basket on the opening tip-off, Midvale's determined Blue Devils sprinted past defending champion Garaway (17-6) Saturday night at New Philadelphia High School to capture the 40th Annual Tuscarawas County Class "A" Tournament.  It was the Devils' 9th county championship and their third in the last 5 years.  Garaway won in 1960 and 1961.  Having gained Sectional berths with victories the night before, Midvale and Garaway combined Saturday to give the more than 2,000 fans the best-played game of the tournament.

Although Midvale led for all but the first 1:14 minutes of play, the outcome was still in doubt until midway in the final quarter when the Blue Devils spurted to ice the game and gain revenge for the 53-47 defeat handed them by Garaway in league play.  Rebounding was the key as Neal Beans, Mike Page and Rick Belknap dominated the backboards for the Blue Devils.  Defense also had a part as the Devils throtted Garaway's dangerous fast break which had accounted for nearly half of the Pirates' field goals the night before gainst Baltic.  Coach Pete Hilliard's Blue Devils were once again led by veteran standout Beans.  The big southpaw tallied 7 of Midvale's first quarter points, meshing 2 long jump shots out of 4 attempts and finished with 17 for the night.  He had 61 markers for the tournamet.  Walt Weaver netted 13 points and Bob Byers, who failed to score the night before pushed in 12 counters to take up the slack for normally high-scoring Rick Belknap.  Bleininger and Roy Yoder, selected the Most Valuable Player in the county, each had 10.  Yoder got all of his points in the first half as he managed to get off only 2 hots after intermission.  The clock hardly moved when Yoder took a lead pass and went in for a layup on the opening tip-off.  A basket by Beans and 2 by Weaver, put Midvale ahead shortly.  After trading baskets and leading 10-8, the Devils suddenly spurted as Weaver rammed home a jumper and Beans connected on a 3-point play for a 15-8 lead.  Ahead 19-14 at the end of the quarter, Midvale opened up its largest lead of the game midway in the second stanza when Beans dropped in a pair of foul shots for a 26-16 margin.  Garaway came roaring back to make it 32-26 at halftime.  The second half Midvale played cautiously, waiting for the easy basket and Garaway mistakes.  The Devils took only 20 shots in the second half.  Midvale upped its lead to 41-33 after 3 periods.  Bleininger sank a pair of bonus tosses to cut the lead to 41-34 as the final quarter opened, but Beans canned a rebound shot and Byers dropped in a pair of fouls for a 45-35 lead with 4:13 left.  The Pirates came back on 2 more foul shots by Bleininger, but Beans made a jumper and Weaver a set shot to ice the game.  After a hot first quarter, in which Midvale made 9 of 20 shots and Garaway 6 of 12, the teams finished with mediocre shooting percentages.  The  Devils made 21 of 57 for 37 percent and the Pirates canned 17 of 54 for 31 percent.

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS - 50

Neal Beans 7-3-17
Mike Page 3-0-6
Rick Belknap 1-0-2
Bob Byers 4-4-12
Walt Weaver 6-1-13

GARAWAY PIRATES - 41

Geof Stevanus 3-1-7
Wayne Burkey 4-0-8
Dan Bleininger 2-6-10
Don Deetz 3-0-6
Roy Yoder 5-0-10


Monday, February 26, 1962
Keith Sanders, Sports Editor
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - The Daily Reporter County Class "A" All-Stars (2-24-62)

PHOTO:  All-County - Roy Yoder (Garaway), Neal Beans (Midvale), Jim Clymer (Strasburg), Rick Belknap (Midvale) and Dan Bleininger (Garaway).

PHOTO:  All-County - Bob Ervin (Gnadenhutten), Fred Burmich (Tuscarawas), Phil Meese (Tuscarawas), Dick Gerber (Baltic) and Tony Nigro (Port Washington).

DOVER - Co-Champions of Midvale and Garaway and co-runnerup Tuscarawas each placed 2 cagers on The Daily Reporter's 1961-1962 Tuscarawas County All-League Basketball Team announced today.  Heading the list of performers are Neal Beans of Midvale and Jim Clymer of Strasburg, who were members of last year's squad.  Other selections are:  Rick Belknap of Midvale, Roy Yoder and Dan Bleininger of Garaway, Bob Ervin of Gnadenhutten, Phil Meese and Fred Burmich of Tuscarawas, Tony Nigro of Port Washington and Dick Gerber of Baltic.  Burmich and Gerber are the only Juniors on the Senior-dominated squad.

Neal Beans, Midvale Blue Devils, 6-1 Senior  97-243
Rick Balknap, Midvale Blue Devils, 6-1 Senior 109 182
Roy Yoder, Garaway Pirates, 5-10 Senior 136 332
Dan Bleininger, Garaway Pirates, 6-2 Senior 114 229
Bob Ervin, Gnadenhutten Indians, 6-0 Senior 184-385
Phil Meese, Tuscarawas Broncos, 5-7 Senior 134-304
Fred Burmich, Tuscarawas Broncos, 5-7 Junior 125-281
Jim Clymer, Strasburg Tigers, 6-3 Senior 103-249
Tony Nigro, Port Washington Purple Riders, 6-1 Senior 104-213
Dick Gerber, Baltic Eagles, 5-11 Junior 124-300

Although not very tall, the all-county team would boast a balanced scoring attack.  Clymer, at 6-3,is the tallest man  on the squad, which lists 4 men under 6 foot.  The team averages just over 5-11.  Combined,  the team scored 2,718 points.  Rated one of the finest all-around players in the area, Beans was a driving force in Midvale's rise to a share of the league title.  He scored 97 points in league play, although he missed the Stone Creek game because of illiness.  He is known equally well for his defensive ability and rebounding.  Belknap sat out 3 games, but still finished with 182 points for the regular season.  He teamed with Beans to give the Blue Devils a solid one-two scoring and rebounding punch.  Yoder, who pops up like a jumping-jack to  shoot his deadly jump shots, came on  fast after the half-way mark to pace the Pirates of Garaway.  He was second in the league scoring race, pouring in a total of 136 markers.  Considered the Pirates' floor "leader," Yoder had 332 points for the season, including a 37-point effort against East Canton.  Bleininger ruled as one of the league's top rebounders as he helped Yoder lead Garaway to representation at the top of the heap for the third straight year.  He also found time to toss in 114 points in league play and 220 points over-all.  Easily outdistancing the field, Gnadenhutten's Ervin scored 184 points to run away with the league scoring crown.  He soared over the 30 mark twice in league play and tallied 385 points over-all to rank among the area's leading pointmakers.  Meese and Burmich gave Tuscarawas a potent pair of high-scoring guards.  Meese tallied 134 points in league and 301 over-all, while Burmich had 125 in the loop and 281 for the season.  Burmich produced the best single-game effort in the area early in the season when he scored 42 points against Midvale.  The success enjoyed by Strasburg this year was due largely to the consistent all-around play of Clymer.  Although not a prolific scorer, Clymer consistently dominated rebounding statistics and sparkled on defense.  He tallied 103 points in league play, leading Strasburg out of its cellar position of the previous year to a tie for third place.  Port Washington's Nigro provided many bright moments in an otherwise disappointing season for Rider fans.  The only "tall" man on  the Port team, he consistently had to play against taller opponents, but came through with 104 league points.  He had 31 against Tuscarawas.  Southpaw Gerber is one of the most promising players in the area.  Although a Junior, he performed like a veteran for Baltic, setting up most of the plays and leading  the team  in  scoring  with 124 league points and 300 for the season.

Although lacking outstanding height and prodigious scoring, The Daily  Reporter All-County Team is one with which to reckon---a real dream team.  Also receiving consideration  in the final selections were Willis Mullet of Baltic, Dean Nemetz of Tusky Valley, Cliff Endlich of Stone Creek and Adrian Edie of Strasburg.


Saturday, February 24, 1962
Keith Sanders, Sports Editor
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Midvale Routs Gnaden 54-34 (2-24-62)

PHOTO:  GET OFF MY BACK - Rick  Belknap (34) of Midvale seems to be about to give Gnadenhutten's Brad Kaiser a warning to get off his back.  Dean DeMattio left, and Neal Beans  of Midvale (42) watch the action.  Midvale romped 54-34 to gain the sectionals.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - Billed as the most promising game of the tournament, the Midvale-Gnaden match appeared headed for fireworks in the first quaqrter as the lead changed hands 3 times before the Blue Devils (16-4) moved into a slim 11-9 lead at the stop.  Playing havoc with Coach Ron Sakola's Indian offense the Midvale defense was particularly stingy as it limited the Tribe (15-7) to but 49 action shots.  Meanwhile, Midvale got off 71 field goal attempts.  The Devils hit 22 field goals for 30 percent, while Gnaden netted but 12 for 24 percent.  With Neal Beans setting the pace, the Devils overcame an early deficit to go in front 7-6 in a low scoring first quarter.  Beans flipped in the first 5 points and netted 4 fielders in 7 attempts in the stanza as Midvale eased into an 11-8 advantage.  The teepee came tumbling down on the Redskins in the second quarter as they found the lid sealed in the hoops.  This, combined with the alert Midvale defense broke the game open.  Frigid Gnaden went 5 minutes and 40 seconds without a single point to fall behind 17-8.  Midvale led 25-15 at the long intermission.  Coming alive with some meaning in the third quarter, the  Indians fired back in earnest after intermission and moved within 6 at 30-24.  But, Midvale stiffened again and the offense sparked to race to a quick 12-point lead at 36-24 with 1:20 minutes left in the quarter.  Gnaden never came close after that as Midvale pushed to a 39-26 advantage.  All-county performer Beans led the Midvale attack with 24 points, including 17 in the first half.  He also shared rebounding honors with Rick Belknap as each pulled 12 off the boards.  Belknap had 13 points and Walt Weaver, who came off the bench in the second quarter, netted 11 points and 6 rebounds.  Bob Ervin, shadowed by Midvale's Bob Byers all evening, shared scoring honors for the Tribe with 10 points.  Brad Kaiser also scored 10.  Although Byers went without a point for the first time this season, the 5 foot 10 Midvale guard was credited with a great defensive job on Ervin, limiting the league's top scorer to but 3 field goals in 12 attempts.  Ervin ended his career with a 395 point total for the campaign.

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS - 54

Neal Beans 10-4-24
Mike Page 2-2-6
Rick Belknap 6-1-13
Bob Byers 0-0-0
Walt Weaver 4-3-11

GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 34

Brad Kaiser 4-2-10
Bruce Kohl 1-1-3
Dave Struchen 1-0-2
Bob Ervin 3-4-10
Jim McCreary 2-2-6
Paul Blind 0-1-1
Dick Shull 1-0-2



Saturday, February 24, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62- Garaway Trounces Baltic 52-43 (2-23-62)

PHOTO:  ZERO GRAVITY - This basketball seems to be "hanging" in space, much the same as spaceman John Glenn's camera on his round-the-world flight.  Making passes at the ball are, from left, Dick Gerber (5) of Baltic, Wayne Burkey (43) of Garaway and Willis Mullet of Baltic.  Garaway won 52-43 to gain  tonight's finals.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - Only a strong last quarter surge by Baltic (10-12) kept the game from complete boredom.  The Pirates of Garaway (17-5) led all the way and despite the final score, the game was never close.  Baltic was colder than the ice that covered everything outside the gym and  made driving conditions hazardous.  For awhile it appeared that the Eagles might go scoreless in  the first quarter.  But, with 1:56 left, Larry Kaser dropped in a foul shot to break the spell.  The Eagles went zero for 16 in the opening stanza and triggered 7 more shots in  the second period before jack Miller connected for the first field goal at 5:33.  Baltic ended the first half with an almost unbeliveable poor 8 percent from the field,  making only 3 of 35 shots.  While Baltic was trying to pry the lid off the basket, Garaway was waltzing away to a 17-1 first quarter lead.  Using the fast break as their main weapon, the Pirates upped the margin  to 25-4 for their largest lead of the game before Baltic came back to make it 30-10 at halftime.  Garaway shot an even 50 percent in the half, connecting on 13 of 26 attempts.  Down but not out, the Eagles who became the sentimental favorites when they upset Strasburg, managed to keep pace with Garaway through the third period.  It was 45-26 at the quarter's end.  Led by all-county choice Dick Gerber, the Eagles made things interesting in the final period by outscoring the league co-champions 17-7.  Eight points was as close as they could get, however.  Garaway finished with a credible 43 percent shooting night, canning 20 of 43 attempts.  Baltic finished with 24 percent, making 17 of 70.  Big Dan Bleininger paced the Pirates with 18 points and also picked the boards clean of rebounds.  Roy Yoder had 13.  Gerber paced Baltic with 15 markers, all coming in thesecond half as he directed the Eagle attack.  Geof Stevanus, Garaway forward, was injured in the  first quarter when he and Willis Mullet of Baltic collided going after a loose ball.  He was taken to the hospital to have stiches taken above his eye, but returned to play part of the last quarter.  It was the third win of the year for Garaway over the Eagles.

GARAWAY PIRATES - 52

Wayne Burkey 1-5-7
Geof Stevanus 1-0-2
Dan Bleininger 7-4-18
Don Deetz 4-0-8
Roy Yoder 5-3-13
John Spear 1-0-2
T. Stevanus 1-0-2

BALTIC - 43

Dale Lautenschleger 0-2-2
Larry Kaser 2-2-6
Jack Miller 4-1-9
Willis Mullet 3-1-7
Dick Gerber 6-3-15
Stein 2-0-4


Saturday, February 24, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Baltic Nips Strasburg 44-42 (2-16-62)

PHOTO:  BIG IMPROVEMENT - Last year at this time, the Strasburg Tigers held a 1-18 record.  A big year of improvement sends the Tigers into tournament play with a 11-7 record.  Coach Warren Binder's crew finished in a third place tie in  the county league and was looking for a big win over Baltic.  The Tigers Kneeling - Cliff McCoy, Frank Welling, John Peters, Vic Gessner, and Adrian Edie.  Back Row - Coach Warren Bender, Charles H., Don Wallick, Jim Clymer, Joe Aul, Jim Tidrick and (not legible).  Missing is Dan Sliffe.

PHOTO:  WITH TONGUE IN CHEEK - Strasburg's Adrian Edie is about to pick up a loose ball and take off down the court, but Dale Lautenschleger (12) of Baltic stands ready to defend.  At right is Jim Clymer (28), while game hero Jack Miller is partially hidden behind Lautenschleger.  Miller's tip-in with 8 seconds left gave the  Baltic Eagles a 44-42 upset win in the tournament.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - Only 8 seconds remained on the scoreboard when Jack Miller leaped high off the floor, tipped Dick Gerber's missed jump shot back up toward the basket and watched the ball fall through the cords to climax Baltic's stunning upset over Strasburg (11-8).  In the remaining time, a jump ball was called at the center circle and Gerber came up with the tip and held on for dear life as the buzzer sounded and bedlam broke loose.  The final minute of play saw Baltic (10-11) put the finishing touches on a rally in overcome a 13-point first half deficit and to capture their sweetest victory of the season.  Making the upset even sweeter was the fact that just one week ago, Baltic had succumbed 81-62 on its own floor to Strasburg.  Aside from an early 1-0 Baltic lead, Strasburg dominated most of the game and it wasn't until late in the tilt that the triumphant Eagles tied the score and then moved ahead.  While Strasburg led by as much as 13 points, Baltic never held more than a 2-point advantage.  With All-County performer Jim Clymer sweeping the boards and scoring consistently, Strasburg moved out to a 14-5 first quarter lead.  The Tigers made it 18-5 on a basket by Don Wallick and a pair of fouls by Clymer.  A cold shooting start virtually froze the Eagles in their shoes in the first quarter as they attempted 14 shots before they finally hit from the field.  They made only one of 23 for the quarter.  Near the end of the half, Baltic began to find the range and narrowed the margin to 26-18.  For the first half, Baltic made only 7 of 44 shots, or 15 percent.  Strasburg hit on about 31 percent.  After falling further behind, 32-22, the Eagles began to roll.  Willis Mullet, Dale Lautenschleger and Miller combined for 8 straight points to cut the gap to 32-30 as the third quarter ended.  In that third quarter, Strasburg could connect for only one field goal, attempting 16 field goals.  After trading baskets, Strasburg seemed to regain its poise after Adrian Edie stuffed in a shot and Wallick followed suit to give the Tigers a 6-point lead, 40-34, with 3:50 left.  But, Baltic came back on a basket by Mullet, another by Gerber and a set shot by Larry Kaser from the corner to knot the count at 40-40 with 1:23 left.  The Eagles then went ahead for the first time since the opening  minute of play when Gerber swished a pair of bonus tossses after being fouled by Vic Gessner at 1:02.  Wallick tied it back up with just 16 seconds remaining when he hit from the top of the key.  Baltic then brought the ball up court and Gerber fired from the foul circle and Miller rose from the scramble under the basket to tip in the winning basket.  It was only the third field goal the Baltic hero made all night.  Mullet with 13 and Lautenschleger with 11 paced Baltic, while Clymer netted 19 and Wallick 11 for Strasburg.  It was a disappointing end to a successful season for Strasburg, which finished with its best record since 1958.  The Tigers were 1-18 last year.  Friday, February 16 will be remembered as "Black Friday" in Strasburg, but for Baltic's celebrating Eagles it will remain as July 4th, Christmas and New Year's rolled into one.

BALTIC EAGLES - 44

Dale Lautenschleger 4-3-11
Karry Kaser 2-0-4
Jack Miller 3-2-8
Dick Gerber 3-2-8
Willis Mullet 6-1-13

STRASBURG TIGERS - 42

Jim Clymer 7-5-19
John Peters 2-0-4
Don Wallick 4-3-11
Vic Gessner 0-1-1
Adrian Edie 2-3-7


Saturday, February 17, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Midvale Drops Tusky Valley 67-33 (2-16-62)

 PHOTO:  OFF THE FINGERTIPS - Midvale's Walt Weaver strains to reach the ball before it goes out of bounds, but it barely hits his fingertips.  Watching are Jim Tidrick (23), Neal Beans (behind Weaver), Ken Burris (20) of Tusky Valley and Mike Page (45).  The Blue Devils won 67-33.

PHOTO:  HERE'S TWO - Tusky Valley's Dean Nemetz springs into the air and pushes off a soft layup for a basket as teammate Gary Ferren moves into position.  The Trojans got few easy baskets; however, as they fell to the Blue Devls of Midvale  in county tournament play.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - The Devils (15-4) of Coach Pete Hilliard never were in any real trouble, in the first test of the 1961-1962 county tournament and actually their offense failed to get any test.  The veteran-studded Devils of Coach Pete Hilliard boomed into a quick 8-0 lead before the smaller Trojans (3-17) could even find the range.  A mild-surprise winner over Port Washington (5-15) in the tourney lid-lifter on Thursday, TV met almost the same fate that had spilled Port.  The Trojans missed their first 7 action flings in the tale-telling first stanza and managed but one field goal in the canto as Midvale took a 12-4 lead.  While the Midvale offense never really sparkled, its defense was stout-hearted as it limited the Trojans to but 13 filed goals as they rushed most of their 50 flings for a meek 26 percent.  Midvale, meanwhile, sparked spectacularly by a hustling reserve squad which came in  late in the game, finished with a good 44 percent on 27 of 61 action shots.  Net-swishing 15-foot set shots by Neal Beans, one from each side of the court got the Devils off and running followed by 2 more deuces on a rebounder and jumper by Dean DeMattio as the devils went in front 8-0.  The Big Blue then upped their 8-point advantage at the first halt to as much as 14 points in the second quarter to take a 23-13 lead at intermission.  Tusky Valley, using a slow deliberate offense against the taller foes, staged their only serious rally of the game in the third stanza as they sliced the margin to 6 at 23-17 before 3 quick buckets spiked the rally and got Midvale on the move again.  Beans again led the surge on a layup and jumper in the key, while a 15-foot corner deuce by Bob Byers pushed Midvale back in front 29-17 which all but iced the verdict as Tusky Valley never got closer than 15 points after that.  Midvale led 38-24 going into the home stretch.  Beans led a balanced 11-man scoring attack for the Devils with 20 points, Walt Weaver added 12, and Byers canned 10.  Dean Nemetz, playing his last game for the Trojans of Coach Bob Heller and Don Crilley were high for the losers with nine points each.

MIDVALE BLUE DEVILS - 67

Neal Beans 8-4-20
Mike Page 1-0-2
Rick Belknap 1-0-2
Walt Weaver 3-6-12
Bob Byers 5-0-10
Dean DeMattio 3-0-6
Jim Leggett 1-0-2
Don Ickes 0-1-1
Don Basquin 1-2-4
Charles McPherson 1-0-2
Tom Mackey 3-0-6

TUSCARAWAS VALLEY TROJANS - 33

Jim Hickman 1-2-4
Ed Crawford 1-1-3
Gary Ferren 1-1-3
Don Crilley 4-1-9
Dean Memetz 4-1-9
Burris 0-1-1
David Schwartz 1-0-2
Randulic 1-0-2


Saturday, February 17, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Tusky Valley Slips Past Port Washington 43-36 (2-15-63)

PHOTO:  IT'S BEEN A LONG YEAR - Runner-up in league play last year, Tusky Valley has suffered through a losing 1961-1962 basketball campaign.  The Trojans have won only twice against Stone Creek and Baltic.  (The rest was not legible)

PHOTO:  PORT WASHINGTON PURPLE RIDERS - The Riders played Tusky Valley in the 40th Annual Tuscarawas County Class "A" Tournament .  The Riders of Coach Don Durham have won 5 and lost 14 over the season, finishing with a 2-6 league mark.  Kneeling, left to right - Jeff Quillen, Wayne Blind, Alvin Fillman, Larry Laisure, Ken Gay and Steve Bender.  Back Row - Coach Durham, Tom Loader, Tony Nigro, Roger Beighley, Paul Schwab, John Foust and Robert Casteel.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - The proverbial lids were on the hoops for both Tuscarawas Valley (3-16) and Port Washington (5-15), but the Trojans were a bit more consistant and were never behind from the first to last point.  Unable to get inside the Tusky Valley defense, Port Washington was several degrees below zero in the first and fourth quarters; although, they made one determined rally late in the game.  The Riders could manage only one field goal in 11 action flings in the first quarter as Tusky Valley opened up with a 9-0 lead before the Riders found the hoop.  For all practical purposes, that was the jump Tusky Valley needed as it went on to 24-15 and 36-27 leads at stops before a late Port rally.  Port missed its first 8 shots from the field and also missed 5 straight in the fourth quarter to account for the frigid effort of 13 of 52 and 25 percent for the game.  TV, almost as cold,dropped 19 of 67 shots for 29 percent.  The Trojans of Coach Bob Heller were sporting a comfortable 41-27 lead early in the fourth quarters before Port put together its only solid uprising of the game to cut the score to 41-35 with 1:33 minutes left.  But 2 charities by Ed Crawford snuffed the rally that had come off a determined Port press for a 43-35 lead with 1:26 minutes left.  Dean Nemetz, the only letterman on the fold from last year for the Trojans, led the victors with 15 points, while Gary Ferren had 11.  Ferren was a key man in the first half.  The 6-3 Sophomore who saw only 5 minutes service in  the second half due to personal fouls got all of his points in the early minutes.  Tony Nigro, a 6-2 Senior made his bow for Port an impressive one with 16 points and good board work.  The victory also avenged a regular-season loss when Port nipped the Trojans 57-52.

TUSCARAWAS VALLEY TROJANS - 43

Verle Hickman 2-0-4
Dean Nemetz 6-3-15
John Ferren 5-1-11
Ed Crawford 4-1-9
Don Crilley 2-0-4

PORT WASHINGTON PURPLE RIDERS - 36

(Box score not legible)


Friday, February 16, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Gnaden Dumps Tuscarawas 74-39 (2-15-62)

PHOTO:  DONNING THE WAR PAINT - Gnadenhutten's Indians has begun donning their war paint for their game with Tuscarawas in the county tournament.  The Indians, coached by Ron Sakola and led by high-scoring Bob Ervin, have won 14 and lost 6 this year and finished tied for third in the league with a 5-3 mark.  The Indians, front row left to right - Brad Kaiser, Larry Rentsch, Glenn Miller, Jim McCreary and Bob Ervin.  Standing - Coach Sakola, Paul Blind, Dave Struchen, Bruce Kohl and Ed Allensworth.

PHOTO:  THE GIANT-KILLERS - The giant-killers of Tuscarawas tried to rise again when they met rival Gnadenhutten in the county tournament.  The Broncos ended the season all even with 9 wins and 9 losses.  they finished 5-3 in  the league.  Kneeling, left to right, are:  Chuck Reichman, roger Knisley, Bob  Romig, Phil Meese, Fred Burmich, Lloyd Wallace and Robert Turney.  Back row - Coach Aaron Miller, Ivan Summers, Phil  Caldwell, Russ McGlothlin, Dave People, Jerry Wilson, Jeff Maswell and Assistant Coach Richard Roland.

PHOTO:  IT'S A TOUCHDOWN - Referee Glen Hursey of Glenford seems to be signaling a touchdown, but he's calling for a jump ball.  Sam McCreary of Gnadenhutten fell over Fred Burmich of Tuscarawas as they were trying to come up with the ball,  which squirted out of bounds.  In background is Brad Kaiser (35) of Gnadenhutten and Ivan  Summers (42) of Tuscarawas is at right.  Gnadenhutten romped 74-39 in tournament play.  Port fans, check out the Port Washington banner in the background!

NEW PHILADELPHIA - The game between the neighboring schools of Gnadenhutten  (15-6) and Tuscarawas (9-10) failed to live up to it's billing as the Indians went on the warpath early and were never threatened.  Jumping off to a 7-0 lead before the Broncos could get one through the hoop, Gnadenhutten showed signs of filling its role as a dark-horse in the tournament as it used its height-advantage to good stead and showed some potent scoring ability.  Particularly outstanding for Coach Ron Sakola's Tribe was the league's top point man Bob Ervin who netted 24 points including 4 for 5 in the first quarter surge.  Ervin netted 2 quick baskets to get Gnaden on the road to victory both from about 15 feet in the corner.  A shot by Brad Kaiser, another corner bucket and a drive in by Ervin found them in  a comforable 9-2 lead with 4:04 still remaining in  the opening period.  It was never close the rest of the way as Gnaden rode herd on the Broncos for quarter leads of 16-6, 23-17 and 50-27.  Working for their shots, Gnaden canned 28 of 70 action flings for 40 percent, while a wilder shooting Tuscarawas offense,  stymied by the Gnaden height and alert defense, made only 17 of 82 attempts for 21 percent.  The Broncos were particularly cold in the tale-telling first quarter as they made only 2 of 21 attempts for under 10 percent.  Gnaden meanwhile potted 7 of 18 in the same period and was never under 30 percent in  any quarter.  Effectively bottled up was the usual potent one-two punch of Phil Meese and Fred Burmich for Tusky.  Meese hit only 5 of 23 for the evening, while Burmich, who sat out the third period, made 8 of 18 attempts.  Each; however, scored 12 ponts for team honors.  Bob Ervin led the Tribe, while Jim McCreary hit 12 and Bruce Kohl and Glen Miller both contributed 10 points.  Tuscarawas, which earned the title as "giant killer" this year with coveted victories over Gnadenhutten  and Garaway in regular season play, effectively ended their season.

GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 74

Jim McCreary 5-2-12
Brad Kaiser 1-3-5
Dave Struchen 4-0-8
Bob Ervin 9-6-24
Bruce Kohl 2-6-10
Glenn Miller 5-0-10
Paul Blind 1-0-2

TUSCARAWAS BRONCOS - 39

Ivan Summers 2-3-7
Phil Meese 5-2-12
Fred Burmich 3-6-12
Russ McGlothlin 2-2-6
Phil Caldwell 3-0-6


Friday, February 16, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Garaway Tames Stone Creek Panthers 72-41 (2-15-62)

PHOTO:  STONE CREEK PANTHERS 1962 VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM - The underclassmen dominated Stone Creek Panthers had been waiting all season to growl and coach Ken Lawhun hoped that last night would be the night.  The Panthers, 3-17, clashed  with league co-champion Garaway last night.  Kneeling left to right - Dale McAfee, Bob Hamilton, Cliff Endlich, Jim Billman, Ed Wallace and John Flinner.  Back Row - Jerry Lahmers, Verle (Curly) Endlich, Dwight Zurcher, Dick McPherson, Adrian Rausch and Vic Turner.

PHOTO:  BIG MAN-BIG REACH - Dan Bleininger, Garaway's only "big" man, soars high into the air to pull in a rebound during last night's tournament action.  Jerry Lahmer (42) and Verle (Curly) Endlich (31) of Stone Creek weren't successful in stopping Blenininger, or the Pirates, as Garaway coasted 72-41.

NEW PHILADELPHIA - The fast stepping Pirates of Garaway (16-5) followed the script.  As had Tusky Valley and Gnaden opened up a quick gap in their victories earlier in the evening, the Pirates were in front 9-2 early in  the first stanza and were never headed.  But, for almost half the game, Stone Creek (3-17) refused to roll over and play dead.  The Bucs led 19-8 at the end of the first stop, but were in front only 25-17 midway in the second period before a sizzling performance by Wayne Burkey finally broke the game open impressively.  Burkey, unleashing the finest point-effort of his career, netted 14 points in the second quarter uprising including two 3-point plays as he scored and was fouled on the attempt.  All told, the Senior got 20 points for game honors; although, Coach Glenn Bower didn't use the first-liner the entire last quarter.  The Pirates were leading 42-21 at intermission, thanks to the Burkey-buckets and led 60-30 going into the final stanza.  Dan Bleininger used his 6-2 frame to good advantage for the Pirates who controlled the boards and also chimned in with 12 points.  Geof Stevanus added 12 and Don Deetz had 11.  Roy Yoder, who has been in double figures in 16 of 20 games this season got only 7 for the Pirates, but proved his worth as a playmaker in the victory.  Stone Creek was led by Bob Hamilton's 11 points, while Jim Billman had  10.  Garaway hit 28 of 76 action attempts for 36 percent, while Stone Creek dropped 15 of 50 for 30 percent.

GARAWAY PIRATES - 72

Dan Bleininger 5-2-12
Roy Yoder 3-1-7
Wayne Burkey 7-6-20
Geof Stevanus 6-0-12
Don Deetz 4-3-11
John Spear 3-0-6
Fred Miller 1-0-2
Bob Lang 0-2-2

STONE CREEK PANTHERS - 41

Ed Wallace 4-1-12
Bob Hamilton 3-5-11
Verle (Curley) Endlich 1-0-2
Cliff Endlich 2-1-5
Jerry Lahmers 1-2-4
John Flinner 1-1-3
Jim Billman 4-2-10


Friday, February 16, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Baltic Clips Fresno 47-43 (2-13-62)

BALTIC - Repeating an earlier victory, the Eagles of Baltic (9-11) clipped Fresno Tuesday to boost their season record.  Baltic, which had defeated Fresno 38-33 earlier, led all the way last night, but had trouble pulling away from the visitors.  The Eagles would soar ahead 10 or 12 points only to have Fresno chop the lead down to practically nothing.  Then Baltic would spurt back up.  The Eagles led at the quarter stops 14-10, 28-22 and 36-31.  Baltic was hurt at the foul line, being whistled for 26 personal fouls, while only 10 were called on the visitors.  Baltic outgoaled Fresno 21-14.  Baltic returns to play Friday night when it meets Strasburg (11-7) at 7:30 in county tournament action at New Philadelphia High School gym.  Dick Gerber topped Baltic with 16 points, Willis  Mullet adding 10.  Four of Freesno's starters were in double figures, led by Bill Ames' 12.  It was reported only that the Baltic Reserves (6-8) won the game.

BALTIC EAGLES - 47

Jack Miller 2-2-6
Dale Lautenschleger 3-0-6
Willis Mullet 4-2-10
Larry Kaser 4-1-9
Dick Gerber 8-0-16

FRESNO INDIANS - 43

Stein 3-4-10
Bill Ames 3-6-12
Mosser 4-2-10
Butch Gibbs 4-2-10
Brown 0-1-1

Wednesday, February 14, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

STANDINGS (Final)

1.  Midvale Blue Devils 7-1 (14-4)*
2.  Garaway Pirates 7-1 (15-5)*
3.  Gnadenhutten Indians 5-3 (14-6)
4.  Strasburg Tigers 5-3 (11-7)
5.  Tuscarawas Broncos 5-3 (9-9)
6.  Baltic Eagles 2-6 (9-11)
7.  Port Washington Purple Riders 2-6 (5-14)
8.  Tuscarawas Valley Trojans 2-6 (2-16)
9.  Stone Creek Panthers 1-7 (3-16)

POINT LEADERS - LEAGUE (Final)

1.  Bob Ervin, Gnadenhutten Indians 65-51-184 23.0
2.  Roy Yoder, Garaway Pirates 59-18-136 17.0
3.  Phil Meese, Tuscarawas Broncos 48-42-134 16.7
4.  Willis Mullet, Baltic Eagles 34-17-125 15.6
5.  Fred Burmich, Tuscarawas Broncos 52-21-125 15.6
6.  Dick Gerber, Baltic Eagles 48-28-124 15.5
7.  Rick Belknap, Midvale Blue Devils 48-20-116 14.5
8.  Dan Bleininger, Garaway Pirates 41-32-114 14.2
9.  Neal Beans, Midvale Blue Devils 40-17-97 13.8
10. Tony Nigro, Port Washington Purple Riders 35-34-104 13.0

POINT LEADERS - SEASON (Final)

1.  Bob Ervin, Gnadenhutten Indians 131-99-361 18.0
2.  Phil Meese, Tuscarawas Broncos 99-98-202 16.2
3.  Roy Yoder, Garaway Pirates 132-48-312 15.5
4.  Dick Gerber, Baltic Eagles 133-42-308 15.4
5.  Willis Mullet, Baltic Eagles 110-22-203
6.  Fred Burmich, Tuscarawas Broncos 120-29-269 14.4
7.  Neal Beans, Midvale Blue Devils 99-5-243 14.2
8.  Jim Clymer, Strasburg Tigers 87-56-230 12.7

62 - Garaway Romps To Junior High Crown 43-32 (2-13-62)

BOLIVAR - The undefeated Garaway Pirates Junior High Cagers reigned today as champions of the First Annual Tuscarawas County Class "A" League Basketball Tournament which ended yesterday.  Coming from behind in  the final quarter, the young Pirates turned back Tuscarawas Valley for the victory in the final round.

GARAWAY PIRATES - 43

Young 7-3-17
Sedwick 1-3-5
Andreas 3-3-9
Pope 5-0-10
D. Andreas 1-0-2

TUSCARAWAS VALLEY TROJANS - 32

Cerett 2-1-5
Adams 4-1-9
Mahoney 2-0-4
Martin 4-3-11
Swineford 1-1-3


Wednesday, February 14, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

62 - Garaway Races Past TV 65-36 For Co-Title (2-12-62)

PHOTO:  KEEPS THE CROWN - Garaway managed to successfully defend its county league championship, losing only to Tuscarawas in league play.  Garaway shares the 1961-1962 League Championship this year with Midvale.  The co-champions, left to right:  Asst Coach William Ray, Bob Lang, Geof Stevanus, Fred Finzer, Wayne Burky, Fred Smith, Frank Miller, Dan Bleininger, Ed Meuller, John Spear, Roy Yoder, Tim Stevanus, Don Deetz and Coach Glenn Bower.

SUGARCREEK - Garaway's Pirates (7-1) (15-5) broke up a Tusky Valley (2-6) (2-16) stall late in the first quarter Monday night to trip the invading Trojans and capture a share of the Tuscarawas County League Championship with Midvale.  It was the 3rd straight title for Garaway.  The game originally scheduled for last Friday, had been ruled a 2-0 forfeit for Garaway when an influenza epidemic made it impossible for Tusky Valley to  play at that time.  The County Athletic Association ruled; however, in a special meeting Saturday,that the game must be played, resulting in last night's contest.  TV, employing a stall, crept out to a 7-2 lead in the first 5 minutes of play last night, but Garaway broke it up and took the lead just before the end of the first quarter 12-9.  The Pirates outscored Tusky Valley 20-2 in the second quarter to wrap up the County League Title with Midvale as co-champions; eventhough, they did beat Midvale in league play.  The Pirates enter tournament play against Stone Creek on Thursday.  Tusky Valley is paired once again with Port Washington in the tourney opener at 6:30 Thursday night.  Garaway looped in 23 of 51 shots Monday for 45 percent.  Tusky Valley attempted only 41, making 12 for 27 percent.  Roy Yoder followed up his 37 point performance of Saturday night with a 17-point output against Tusky Valley.  Don Deetz had 16 and Geof Stevanus 15 to back up Yoder for the Pirates.  Dean Nemetz and Gary Ferren had 11 counters apiece for the Trojans.  Tusky Valley Reserves (13-4) got by the Garaway Reserves (10-7) 52-40.

GARAWAY PIRATES - 65

Geof Stevanus 7-1-15
Don Deetz 5-6-16
Wayne Burkey 2-0-4
Roy Yoder 8-1-17
Dan Bleininger 0-0-0
John Spear 1-0-2
Frank Miller 1-0-2

TUSCARAWAS VALLEY TROJANS - 36

Dean Nemetz 3-5-11
Gary Ferren 5-1-11
David Schwartz 1-2-4
Verl Hickman 2-1-5
Don Crilley 1-1-2
Ken Sims 1-0-2


Tuesday, February 13, 1962
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

STANDINGS

1.  Midvale Blue Devils 7-1 (14-4)*
2.  Garaway Pirates 7-1 (15-5)*
3.  Gnadenhutten Indians 5-3 (14-6)
4.  Strasburg Tigrs 5-3 (11-7)
5.  Tuscarawas Broncos 5-3 (9-9)
6.   Baltic Eagles 2-6 (8-11)
7.  Port Washington Purple Riders 2-6 (5-14)
8.  Tuscarawas Valley Trojans 2-6 (2-16)
9.  Stone Creek Panthers 1-7 (3-16)

** Co-Champions