PHOTO: Dennison's weary Railroaders, perhaps dreaming about the "one that got away," accept trouphy for runner-up honors. In photo are Coach Tom Connor (left), Kevin DiDonate, Jim Povick, Gary Bente, Greg Goodrich, Dean Green, Jerry Millburn, Randy McCartney, Dave Bridgeman and George Dryden.
STEUBENVILLE - Conotton Valley (21-2) rules the Eastern District schoolboy basketball world today by virture of a victory over Dennison (14-9) here Saturday. The Rockets of Coach Errol Jacobs took advantage of the Railroaders' charity to grab the crown. They were outgoaled 21-19, but sank 22 of 38 fouls, while Dennison was making 10 of 17. As a result of the championship, the Rockets must take on Fairport Harbor (19-4), in Friday's nightcap in Canton Memorial Fieldhouse. Northwestern (21-1), battles Windham (22-1), in the lidlifter that night. The 2 winners return Saturday night for the right to enter Regional firing at Columbus.
Conotton Valley and owning its initial District Tournament title, took a 5-0 lead and after ties at 7-7 and 9-9, held the upper hand until Jerry Millburn knotted the count 23-23 at 1:44 of the 2nd stanza and Georg Dryden made it 25-24 just 28 seconds later. Dennison remained in the driver's seat until 5:58 of the final frame when Jim Monigold tossed in a goal and Ken Beamer 2 fouls for 4 straight points and a 49-49 deadlock. After Railroader Dave Bridgeman made it 50-49, Greg Kurtz spun around inside the key and tossed in a rebound to make it 51-50 at 4:47. Dean Green countered with a rebound "hit" for Dennison, putting Tom Connor's crew back in front 52-51, but Kurtz again popped in a goal to put the Rockets on top for keeps, 53-52. Little more than 2 and a half minutes remained. Dennison, already minus starters Millburn, Green and Bridgeman, continued to be called for infractions and the Rockets dropped in 5 consecutive fouls to take a 58-52 margin with 24 seconds to go. The Railroaders, guilty of 3 turnovers during this late stretch, committed another and Kurtz rimmed a rebound at the buzzer to close out the scoring. For Dennison the loss was extremely heartbreaking. The Railroaders had ended regular season play with a not too impressive 10-8 record. But playing their hearts out, they waxed hot and notched 4 consective victories before running into the Rockets and foul trouble. Thus, the Railroaders close out the final chapter in the school's history. Dennison merges with Uhrichsville July 1. Dennison took 58 shots at the hoops and Conotton Valley 39. The Rockets hit on 8 of 10 in the 1st frame. Rebounds favored Dennison 29-25, Povick grabbing 11 and Millburn 9. Eight of Millburn's came in the 2nd stanza to help Dennison to a 30-28 halftime lead after the Rockets led 17-11 at the 1st stop. Going into the final frame Dennison was on top 47-43. Conotton Valley committed 15 turnovers and Dennison 14. About 5,500 fans watched the tussle.
CONOTTON VALLEY ROCKETS - 60
Jim Connor 3-4-10
Greg Kurtz 6-5-17
Neil Tope 2-5-9
Jim Monigold 7-4-18
Ken Breamer 1-2-4
Jim Sell 0-2-2
DENNISON RAILROADERS - 52
Greg Goodrich 2-0-4
Jim Povick 7-2-16
Dave Bridgeman 3-2-8
Jerry Millburn 2-4-8
Dean Green 6-2-14
George Dryden 1-0-2
Bob McCartney 0-0-0
Kevin DiDonate 0-0-0
Bento 0-0-0
Monday, March 15, 1965
Dan Kopp, Sports Editor
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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