PHOTO: Rick Hall (44) of Strasburg has just put in a 2-pointer despite the efforts of Gnaden's Larry Rentsch (55). "Poised For Action" are Tigers Vic Gessner (10) and Rock Van Fossen (14) and Indians Gary Rice (3), Bruce Kohl (41), Bill Kohl and Terry Huebner.
NEW PHILADELPHIA - Strasburg's victory celebration was dimmed somewhat by the possibility that All-Ohio candicate John Peters may not be up to par when the Tigers (18-1) tangle in the semi-finals on February 21 at 7:30PM. Peters who took scoring honors for the game with 21 points, reportedly suffered a broken nose late in the game when he collided with Indian Gary Rice. However, the all-around athlete is expected to be in the lineup. Bob Shahan and the Tigers had received another blow a few minutes earlier when steady Vic Gessner came up with a reoccurrence of a knee injury and had to leave the game. He, too, may not be up to par for the next tussle. And now back to the action.
Oren Thompson had his Indians "sky high" for the battle and they played their hearts out. But, the final analysis showed the Tigers had too "many horses." While the Indians (7-14) got most of their points from the outside off the hands of Kohl, Terry Huebner and Gene Bates, the Tigers got all-around fine play from every starter. Thus, when one Tiger "cooled off" somewhat another would take up the slack. Strasburg was a bit off target in the 1st frame, sinking just 6 of 16 action shots. But, the Tigers warmedup to the task at hand and ended with 28 of 51 for a hot 54 percent. Gnadenhutten also experienced a good night in shooting, sinking 27 floor shots in 57 tries. Strasburg controlled the tipoff and Peters immediately drilled in a 15-foot jump shot. Bruce Kohl countered for Gnaden and then hit again to give the Tribe a 4-2 advantage. Tiger Don Wallick then worked his way loose underneath for a bucket and teammate Rick Hall tipped in 2 points. The Indians went to a 10-6 margin, but Wallick, Peters and Rock Van Fossen (on a pass from Gessner) struck and the Tigers had a 12-10 lead at the 1st rest. The score was knotted 16-16 and 18-18 in the 2nd stanza before Kohl hit from the charity line. Van Fossen, Peters and Wallick all were successful from the floor, but Bates and Kohl found the target to cut the Tigers' margin to a point, 24-23. A 2-pointer by Gary Rice gave the Indians a 27-26 lead with 39 seconds left in the half. Peters then drove in for a basket, but Bates hit from out front with 8 seconds to go to give Gnadenhutten a 29-28 advantage at intermission.
The Tigers began zeroing in on the nets in their usual custom after the long break, making their first 3 shots and, after a miss, 3 more. Their first 5 buckets came from 5 different players. Their biggest advantage of the night---8 points---came when Peters hit on a drive to make it 52-44. Huebner hit right before the buzzer. The Tigers held a seemingly comforable spread until 4:45 at which time they led 59-51. Larry Rentsch, Rice and Bates all connected on 2-pointers to whittle the Tiger led to 2 markers, 59-57, with 1:29 to go. It was at this time that Gessner was injured as he attempted to catch a pass thrown by Peters who had pulled off a theft. The Tigers, instead of becoming rattled by the misfortune, collected their forces for the onslaught. Hall sneaked loose underneath for 2 points and then Van Fossen came up with a clutch 3-point play. The "Rock" also drilled in a charity toss with 33 seconds left to make the score 65-57. Van Fossen sandwiched in another charity throw between 2 buckets by Kohl before the buzzer sounded.
STRASBURG TIGERS - 66
John Peters 8-5-21
Vic Gessner 4-0-8
Rock Van Fossen 5-4-14
Don Wallick 5-0-10
Rick Hall 6-1-13
Ron Lab 0-0-0
John Thomas 0-0-0
GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 61
Bruce Kohl 6-3-15
Terry Huebner 5-0-10
Gene Bates 8-3-19
Larry Rentsch 3-1-7
Gary Rice 4-0-8
Bill Kohl 1-0-2
Friday, February 14, 1964
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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