MIDVALE - At best Coach Pete Hilliard is casual as he approaches his 13th season at the helm of the Midvale's Blue Devils. Hillard with a superb 203-56 record behind him, doesn't seem greatly disturbed over the lack of experience that answered his 1st practice call earlier this month. And the cagey veteran of local basketball wars smoothly sidetracks the subject when it comes to making any predictions. He does say; however, that maturity is the big factor. "It only takes one or 2 boys to develop your whole season. I think this could happen to us," one of Ohio scholastic's winningest coaches remarks.
Four lettermen return from last year's 17-4 Blue Devil combination which brought Pete his 200th victory last February 5th, a 108-73 triumph over Port Washington. The leader is Bob Carlisle, a 6-1 Senior forward, a smooth and aggressive performer. He jogged the nets for 251 points during the 1965-66 campaign, 3rd highest on the team. Adding support are Lee Eberly, another Senior at 6 foot, Bob Grimm, a 5-9 Junior guard and John Tollotti, at 5-7 a promising Sophomore who could surprise a lot of people. Tollotti is in contention for a starting berth at either of 2 positions and as Coach Hilliard states, "Again this brings up the subject of maturity." Eberly tallied 59 points and Grimm 25 in last year's warfare. Along side of Carlisle at the other forward spot will probably be Mike DeMattio, a 6-foot Senior who is getting fierce competition from Randy Bolen, a 6-foot Sophomore and Bob Morrison, 5-10 Senior. The center job could be filled by switching several players who are capable of filling the bill. But, Tom Booth, a 6-foot Sophomore is making a strong bid to handle the slot. If this looks like a year of leanness for Coach Hilliard, don't throw him a tear...not just yet. "Foxey Pete" always comes up with a winning combination. The Blue Devils open the season at Tuscarawas on November 25th.
Saturday, November 19, 1966
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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