67 - The Tigers As Unbeaten Stand Alone

Mike Rieger is lost for the remainder of the undefeated Strasburg Tigers' basketball season...but not forgotten.  The veteran starting guard, felled by mononucleosis, was presented the game ball from Saturday night's Regional Championship contest this morning by Gene Bayer, ably plugging the hardwood gap for his Senior teammate.  The victory was dedicated to the stricken youth.  Joining the entourage was John Studer, Gary Phillips, Charlie Jones, Ed Yackey, Ed Rusk and Tom Ferris.  A 4-mile auto caravan saluted Rieger at his home after the game.

Only 8 schools are left in bids for Ohio schoolboy basketball championships...but Tuscarawas County has a decided interest in three.  Joining Strasburg Head Coach Charles Huggins in a huddle during yesterday's pre-tournament meeting were Ken Newlon, Canton Lincoln mentor who coached at Stone Creek and Strasburg before moving up the ladder and Dick Graeff, a 1946 Dover High School grad whose Arcanum squad will compete with Strasburg for Class A laurels.  Assistant Ohio High School Athletic Association Commissioner Harold Meyer isn't involved in the coaching end, but he served in that capacity at Dennison in 1934-35-36 before becoming that school's principal.

DOVER - Strasburg's unbeaten Tigers (25-0) are Columbus-bound, just 2 games away from a State Championship which has "escaped" the grasp of Tuscarawas County teams since 1940 when New Philadelphia won the Class AA bunting.  Now the only undefeated team in Ohio, Strasburg will make its bid for Class A honors Friday afternoon at 1:30, meeting Ross County's Southeastern (21-4) in the 1st game of a twin bill in Ohio State University's St. John Arena.  Arcanum (22-2), coached by 1946 Dover High graduate Dick Graeff, opposes Kalida (15-8) in the nightap. The Friday winners return to settle the issue Saturday afternoon at 2PM.

Strasburg gained the coveted Columbus trip Saturday night by running past Dalton 81-59 in the Canton Memorial Fieldhouse.  The win represented the 25th straight for Head Coach Charles Huggins' crew.  Saturday night's triumph brought Strasburg its 1st Regional Championship.  Tiger basketeers lost in 1946, 1947, 1953 and 1955 finals on the same level.  The current Strasburg edition will be the 4th to travel to Columbus for tournament competition.  "Sweet Sixteen" tournament fields, which were eliminated during World War II, included Strasburg teams in 1928, 1933 and 1938...all losing in first-round competition.  The Class AA field also will carry a county tinge...former Strasburg Head Coach Ken Newlon having led his Canton Lincoln Lions into a semi-final berth against Columbus Linden-McKinley Friday night at 7:30.  Cleveland East Tech and Cincinnati Lasalle round out the cast, their meeting set at 9:30.

Strasburg Superintendent Maurice Helwick announced today that 1250 tickets...1000 adult and 250 student...have been allotted for the schoolboy extravaganza.  Parents of players and cheerleaders, along with season ticketholders, were given 1st opportunity to buy tickets today.  Tuesday sales will be limited to other Strasburg residents with a limit of 2 per person and remaining ducats will go on sale to the general public Wednesday at 8:30AM.  Coaches and school officials were briefed on tournament procedure Sunday.  There will be no practice on the St. John floor other than the usual pre-game practice.  At least 30 minutes will be allowed before each game and between games for warmup drills.


Monday, March 13, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - The 1967 Regional Champions - Strasburg Tigers

Gene Bayer of Strasburg maneuvers past Bob Zuercher (14) and Fred Blesser of the Dalton Bulldogs.

Veteran Canton tournament manager Chuck Wright presents the Regional Championship Trophy to Ed Yackey, Gene Bayer, Gary Phillips, Tom Ferris, Charlie Jones and John Studer.

Strasburg's Ed Yackey hoists the Regional Champion Trophy high.  Others identifiable in the picture are Gene Bayer, Head Coach Charles Huggins, Tom Ferris (43), Rick Margo, Charlie Jones, Gary Phillips (25) and Ron Hall (35).

Strasburg fans give the Strasburg High School Tigers a standing salute.

CANTON - "This one's for "Big Spike."  That's all the incentive the Strasburg Tigers (25-0) needed Saturday night to roll 81-59 over the Dalton Bulldogs after capturing the Class A Regional Championship in a andemonic Canton Memorial Fieldhouse and earn a ticket to the 4-team State playoff for the 1st time since 1938.  "Big Spike," is Mike Rieger, pint-sized starting guard for the 25-game, undefeated Burgermen who was stricken with mononucleousis last week and will miss a lifetime dream...playing in the State finals.

Determined to take the bacon home to Mike, the Tigers, as they did Friday night against Northwestern, quickly adjusted to Dalton's style of play and went on to outrun and outshoot the Wayne County hustlers.  Exploding their offensive might in the face of Dalton's highly-publicized full-court press and, at the same time, bothering the Bulldogs with their own tight defense, the Tigers engineered a first-period lead of 18-11.  Charlie Jones, 6-3 outside pumper, set the initial pace with 9 points as he dueled Dalton's Bob Zuercher, a setshot artist who rimmed 7 points.  The Bengals' only noticeable weakness in that 1st quarter was at the foul line where they cashed only 6 shots, causing their followers to wonder if they were going to have a cold night in that respect.  Fortunately, they improved in their charity shooting as the game wore on.  As the 2nd quarter fireworks began, Dalton gave evidence it had found the range and a scoring contest developed between the Tigers' All-Ohio John Studer and Bulldog ace Mark Berg.  Studer registered 10 points and Berg 9.

Meanwhile, Tad Hobert came off the Dalton bench to can 3 quick action shots to spark a thrust that enabled the Bulldogs to knot the score 28-28 with 2:17 remaining.  The Dalton fans went wild and Tigertown supporters began to wonder again.  But at that point Head Coach Chuck Huggins decided to send Ed Yackey, sore ankle and all, into the fray.  And the big fellow immediately ignited the Tigers and they roared in front by 7 points to hold a not-too-comfortable 39-32 cushion at intermission.  It is assumed Coach Huggins said something about Columbus during the halftime because the Tigers launched a third-period bombardment which can easily be tabbed as the backbreaker from the Dalton viewpoint.  The toasts of Tigertown, limited the Bulldogs to 7 points, while netting 15 for a 54-39 bulge.  The limping Yackey set the pace with 7 in a real display of determination.  Neither Studer nor Berg were able to put a point in the scorebook during that stanza.

Personal fouls began taking their toll in the last period as Dalton totaled 28 and Strasburg 17.  The Tigers' Gary Phillips, who played a sturdy floor game against the Bulldogs' aggressive press, went out at 6:24.  The limping Yackey was called to the bench at 5:14 and received a rousing ovation.  Dalton's Berg fouled out at 4:55.  With the Tiger momentum in high gear, the Bulldogs had to commit fouls or leave the Bengals roll at will.  Of the 27 points Strasburg tallied in icing the victory 11 came from the charity line with Studer and Jones as the principal marksmen.  The Tigers' well-balanced attack proved just too much for the Bulldogs, who had bowed to Strasburg in an 88-58 game during the regular season.  Studer finished with 23 points and 15 rebounds.  Jones, relying on his pet long-range jumper, harvested 20.  Ed Rusk looped 14, most of them from the side and Yackey had 10.  Pacing Dalton were Rick Oswald and Zuercher with 16 each and Berg with 15.

Gene Bayer, who added 8 points in the Strasburg victory, turned in another all-around performance.  He consistently fed Rusk and Studer on offense and then when Dalton had the ball he practically glued himself to its talented Bruce Nussbaum, who finished with a big goose egg.  Strasburg's muscle under the boards was a big factor in thwarting Dalton's heralded fast break.  The Tigers picked off 43 back bounces to Dalton's 20.  The machinegun Tigers fired 71 times and made 29 hits for a 40.3 percentage, while Dalton cashed 21 of 53 field efforts for 30.5.  Strasburg also held a 23-17 margin in good free throws.

In the wild post-game Tiger dressingroom Coach Huggins attributed his team's championship to its ability to quickly adjust.  "We play every team differently," he commented.  "There was ample proof of that the last 2 nights.  First we had to change to Northwestern's slower style of play and tonight to Dalton's faster style.  And our kids are tremendous when it comes to rising to the occasion.  They're just tremendous...period."

STRASBURG TIGERS - 81

John Studer 8-7-23
Ed Rusk 7-0-14
Gene Bayer 2-4-8
Ed Yackey 4-2-10
Charlie Jones 7-5-20
Gary Phillips 1-2-4
Ron Hall 0-0-0
Tom Hall 0-0-0
Art (Butch) Haswell 0-0-0
Tom Ferris 0-0-0
Tom Margo 0-0-0
Bob Welling 0-0-0

DALTON BULLDOGES - 59

Mark Berg 5-5-15
Bob Zuercher 7-2-16
Rick Oswald 4-8-16
Slosser 2-2-6
Bruce Nussbaum 0-0-0
M. Nussbaum 0-0-0
McFarren 0-0-0
Larry Huff 0-0-0
Hobart 3-0-6
Ober 0-0-0


Monday, March 13, 1967
Ed Smith
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Strasburg Joins Stark Loop

DOVER - Head Coach and Athletic Director Charles Huggins of Strasburg High School today confirmed acceptance of Strasburg into the Stark County Senate League.  Strasburg officially submitted an application on February 5th and at the meeting at Tuscarawas Valley High School Thursday night...formal acceptance was granted.  Huggins said the Strasburg decision was based on the folding of the proposed Tri-County League.  The Tigers are the 2nd Tuscarawas County school to enterte conference.  Tuscarawas Valley was accepted last November.  Both county schools will engage in all sports competition beginning with the 1968 football schedule.  The 7-member league will consist of the following teams:

East Canton Hornets
Lake Blue Streaks
Northwest Indians
Sandy Valley Cardinals
Strasburg Tigers
Tuscarawas Valley Trojans
Tuslaw Mustangs

No mention of further teams entering the league has been entertained.  Athletic directors of the league will meet on April 4th to discuss scheduling arrangements.


Saturday, March 11, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Strasburg's Defense Stops Northwestern 44-28 (3-10-67)

Gene Bayer (31) and surprise starter Ed Yackey (53), who had been sidelined with an ankle injury, provide Strasburg a tough two-some on the backboards in battling for this rebound.  Also ready to move  on the scene is Bengal Ed Rusk (21).

Tiger Gene Bayer (31) who picked off 8 rebounds, grabs this one from the out-stretched hands of Northwestern's Harold Kline (00).  In the background is Jon Kinney (44) of the Huskies.

Strasburg All-Ohioan John Studer (23) makes a quick move to get out of Northwestern Territory.  That's Gene Bayer (31) of theTigers and Larry Neumeyer (25) and MikeGrenert (22) of the Huskies.


CANTON - They Keep saying they've really never been tested!  And "they" may be right because Strasburg's Tigers (24-0) clawed their way into tonight's Regional finals last night by whipping 3rd ranked Northwestern (22-2) in Canton Memorial Fieldhouse.  In the preceding game Dalton simply outclassed and outran Summit County's Woodridge 86-68 to inherit the opportunity to stop the Tiger string of 24 consecutive wins and gain revenge for an 88-68 defeat earlier in the season.  The powerful Bengals have found more ways than one to down their foes this season and last night was no exception.  They gave 3rd ranked Wayne County Huskies a lesson in defensive basketball that has left over 5600 fans still shaking in disbelief.  The Tigers elected to play the same brand of ball for which the Waynemen were highly publicized and gave a good team a dose of its own medicine.

The defensive machine was a full team effort as Strasburg's choking limited Northwestern to 11 points in the first 2 periods.  Northwestern was no slouch on defense, itself.  Strasburg, which had been averaging 70 plus points per outing, was held to its lowest tally of the season.  Strasburg's previous low was 62 points against Wayne in the District Tournament opener.  Head Coach Charles Huggins  pulled the surprise of the season when he inserted 6-2 Senior veteran Ed Yackey into the starting lineup.

Yackey missed the District after suffering a severe ankle injury and Huggins said earlier this week he definitely would not start.  But after hobbling into the fieldhouse on a crutch and having the ankle tightly dressed by team  physician Dr. James Hougian of Dover, Yackey played 2.5 quarters.  He scored 7 of the Tigers' 19 first half points and grabbed several key rebounds.  After sitting out the 3rd period he returned to action midway through the 4th when Ed Rusk fouled out.  The absence of guard Mike Rieger, stricken with mononucleosis this week, resulted in several other shifts by Huggins.

Gene Bayer moved into John Studer's forward slot as the versatile Studer went to guard to replace Rieger.  Bayer filled the bill as he consistently cleaned the defensive boards, pulling down 8 rebounds; altogether.  Charlie Jones and Rusk followed Huggins orders to the letter in a flawless-playing defense.  First quarter action was highlighted by superb playing of both clubs.  The sticky defenses would not yield as the high flying Tigers could manage only 7 shots.  Studer, Jones and Yackey connected for 2 pointers along with 2 foul shots as Northwestern connected for 2 pointers along with 2 foul shots as Northwestern was held to baskets by Larry Newmeyer and Harold Kline.   Only 3 more baskets were registered by the Huskies in the 2nd period as the Tigers netted 9 points for a 19-11 halftime cushion.  It was with 5:50 left in the 3rd period before either team moved the scoreboard.  Rusk then slipped a long side shot through the nets.  Strasburg's defense again shined as the Bengals had 3 consecutive turnovers and the Husky quintet could not take advantage.

Northwestern's high scoring duo, Larry Newmeyer and Mike Grenert, were set down with a total of 17 points between them.  Newmeyer had 11 for the only Husky to hit double figures.  Grenert had 6.  The Tiger attack was paced by the roaming John Studer who canned 19 for the only Tiger in double figures.  Yackey assisted with 9.  Strasburg picked its shots to the tune of 14 of 29 for a 48.3 percent.  Northwestern could manage only 13 of 44 for 30 percent, far below its season average.  The Bengal boardwork was another tribute to victory as Bayer and Studer set the pace in the 27-17 rebound margin.  Each team lost a player via the personal foul route as Northwestern was whistled for 18 personals to 11 for Strasburg,  Rusk left in the 4th period with 5:38 remaining and Jon Kinney with 6:49, as the winners outscored the losers 16-2 at the free throw line.

STRASBURG TIGERS - 44

John Studer 6-7-19
Ed Rusk 3-0-6
Gene Bayer 1-2-4
Charlie Jones 2-2-6
Ed Yackey 2-5-9
Tom Hall 0-0-0

NORTHWESTERN HUSKIES - 28

Larry Newmeyer 5-1-11
Mike Gerhert 3-0-6
Jon Kinney 1-0-2
Dick Jacobs 2-0-4
Harold Kline 2-1-5
Jerry Herman 0-0-0


Saturday, March 11, 1967
Ed Smith
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Strasburg-Northwestern Seen As Defensive Duel

CANTON - Strasburg's unbeaten Tigers (23-0) roll into the Canton Class A Regional Tournament against the highly touted Northwestern Huskies (22-1) at approximately 9:15 Friday night with a long list of impressive statistics.  They have smothered 23 straight opponents by an average margin of 34 points to bring to light a defense that has permitted a meek 44.6 point per game average.  The nearest any opponent came to the  Bengals this year was arch rival Hiland.  The Tigers downed the Hawks 77-63 along with 2 other defeats, including a 74-53 victory in the New Philadelphia Sectional Tournament.  Northwestern downed the Hawks 62-55.

Another commen foe was Dalton.  Strasburg took an 88-68 decision from the Bulldogs.  Northwestern and Dalton split in mid-season competition.  Fans clamoring for a high scoring tilt just might be treated to one of the best defensive games in a long time.  Both combinations have limited foes to slightly over 40 points per contest.  Supporting the solid Tiger combination is 6-3 All-Ohioan John Studer who is averaging 27 points per game along with 17 rebounds.  He is deadly from any spot and has been swishing the cords with a 56 percent average.  The other forward spot is filled by 6-1 Junior Ed Rusk who possesses a deadly left hand, averages over 11 per game and can play adequately off the boards.

The Bengals sport a 78.4 per game average offensively and 6-3 Charlie Jones is the leading percentage shooter.  Jones has connected at 63 percent from outside, mainly with a pet jumper.  The pivot post will be shared by either 6-2 Ed Yackey or 6-4 Gene Bayer both Seniors.  Yackey is a rugged rebounder averaging around 10 points per outing.  Amount of his service will depend on an ankle injured in Sectional play.  Bayer who has been the 1st line backup man all year will take over for Yackey or any other player when Head Coach Huggins needs bench help.  He carries about the same statistics as Yackey and likes the board work.  Mike Reiger and Gary Phillips share the remaining guard duty.  Both are of equal size, shooting ability and excel in starting the offensive plays.

When confronting Huggins about the stiuations ahead he was slow to elaborate.  He did state when asked whether Northwestern was tougher offensively or defensively, "They are better defensively."  He was also slow with a direct answer about the other teams playing another tournament on the fieldhouse floor.  Said Huggins, "What's the use to say anything.  That's the way it is, we'll take 'em one at a time."

B E A T  N O R T H W E S T E R N


Thursday, March 9, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

NOTE:  From "Down The Line With Ed Smith" - Ed Bates, former Port Washington athlete now coaching at Bristol in Trumball County, has been tub thumping for one of his players to gain All-Ohio recognition.  Ed is campaigning for Wes Mahan a 5-11 Senior who leads all statistic departments at Bristol.

67 - Strasburg Tigers Regional Tournament Foe - Northwestern Huskies

CANTON - Strasburg Tigers (23-0) roll into the Canton Class A Regional Basketball Tournament on Friday night in the 2nd half of a twin bill to face a quintet of fighting Northwestern Huskies (22-1).  Always a heavy tournament favorite, the Huskies are entering the Regional Tournament in the Canton Fieldhouse for the 7th time in the past 15 years.  Coaching the Northwestern aggregation is 1st year Head Coach, Johnny Hull, a former teacher who took over from long-time coach and Athletic Director, Roy Bates.  The highly touted Wayne County powerhouse was ranked 3rd in the final Associated Press weekly ratings and has captured 18 consecutive wins since dropping a one pointer to Dalton Early in the season.

Northwestern is rated as a top defensive combination with an offense sporting a 50 percent shooting average.  The Huskies employ ball control and work for the good shot.  Turnovers are a rarity for the Husky club.  The 2 opponents for Friday's Clash last met in the 1953 Regional.  Strasburg playing the role of the underdog, upset the Huskies 53-43 before bowing to Canfield in the Regional finals.  Two top scorers cause double trouble for Husky opponents as Mike Gerhert, a 6-foot Junior averages 19 per game and 6-1 Larry Neumeyer 18, along with outstanding rebound ability.  Rounding out the probable starting lineup will be Harold Kline, 5-9 Junior with a 10-point average and Jon King, a 6-1 Senior, with an 8 point average along with an outstanding reputation for cleaning the boards.

The remaining spot will be eaually divided between Jerry Herman, 5-10 Senior and Dick Jacobs, 5-7 Junior, who has recently crashed the starting lineup.  The Huskies are tournament veterans having won State crowns in 1958 and 1965 and were semi-finalists in 1959.  Northwestern captured the Wayne County League with a 13-1 record as Coach Hull stressed the traditionally solid Northwestern defense, which limited Huskie foes to a 41.4 points per game.  Offensively the Silver and Blue garnered 63.5 for an average advantage of 22.1 over the opposition.  Hull stated, "We change nothing in our offense or defense.  Everyone knows our style of play, we only try to execute our methods to make less mistakes."

Four of the Huskies' starting combination were selected for the All-Area All-Star team, with Neumeyer and Grenert on the 1st team and Kenney and Kline winning berths as 2nd team selections.  "Grenert makes our offense go," says Hull.  "He can think out on the floor as well as any player I've seen."  (He has a 4.0 scholastic mark).  "Neumeyer is hitting a 56 percent clip from the field and is our leading rebounder with 157 grabs in the last 18 games."  Kline was rated the area's best defensive player and, Hulls adds, "He has handled the best on our schedule.  Jon King can play on anyone's club."


Tuesday, March 7, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - The 1967 Eastern District Champions - Strasburg Tigers!

Maurice Helwick, superintendent of Strasburg schools and a member of the Eastern Ohio District Athletic Board, presents the Class A District Championship Trophy to Senior members of the Tiger squad and Head Coach Charles Huggins.  Receiving the award are:  Gene Bayer, Charles Jones, Tim Ferris, John Studer, Gary Phillips and Ed Yackey.

STEBENVILLE - Thousands of fans in Steubenville's Diocesan Arena witnessed Strasburg's powerful Tigers (23-0) roll into Regional Tournament play Saturday night by defeating Mt. Pleasant (18-5) 69-51.  The Bengals now move into Canton's "sweet 16" opposite Northwestern's Huskies, who owned East Canton 52-34 in another Saturday District finale.  Smoothness was not one of Strasburg's strong points in capturing the Class A Eastern District Crown.  Rather it was a stranglehold defense that offset a sputtering offense until the Bengal bombers could find the range.

After that, Strasburg's heavy artillery took over to blast the Mounties off the tournament trail.  The Mounties, fresh from a big upset over Dennison St. Mary's, appeared a threat throughout the 1st quarter as the Strasburg scoring machine couldn't get cranked up.  However, the Tigers managed to slip into a 6-5 first quarter lead on the strength of a highly touted defense which limited Mt. Pleasant to one basket and 3 fouls.  Tourney jitters seemed temporarily in command as 13 turnovers marred 1st quarter play, 7 by Strasburg, 6 by Mt. Pleasant.

The usually hot-handed Tigers connected on 2 of 11 action shots and the Mounties 1 of 10, but it was just a matter of time as Mt. Pleasant couldn't match the board strength of the taller Tigers.  All-Ohio John Studer, Strasburg's big bomber, seemed to bide his time looking the situation over a bit until 5:52 remained in the 2nd period when he scored his 1st goal.  From then on the talented Tiger swished 13 of 20 from the floor and 6 of 8 from the foul line to set the pace with 32 points before leaving the floor with 2 minutes remaining.  Ed Rusk, the lone underclassman in the starting lineup, lefthanded 17 through the hoop as he too picked up momentum in the 2nd quarter.

A commendable job by Gene Bayer, who is taking over the spot of injured Ed Yackey, was lauded by all of his teammates after the game.  The 6-4 Senior stood out under the backboards on defense and scored 9 points to add confidence to Tiger backers.  Charlie Jones, Gary Phillips and Mike Reiger shared the guard duties to keep the Tiger machine rolling.  Strasburg never really got off its feet until Studer popped his 1st fielder.  At that time the score was 10-10 and the Mounties seemed to be quite a pesky little group.  But, within 1 minute the Bengals snared a 10 point lead as Studer canned 3 jumpers, Rusk ripped one from the side and Bayer bucketed 1 from about 12 feet.  Strasburg cut the cords for 23 in the 2nd stanza to Mt. Pleasnat's 11 and from then on it was "no sweat" for the terrific Tigers.  As it has on numerous occasions in the past, defense surely has to be recognized as the Mt. Pleasant aggregation was held to its lowest output of the year.

The Mounties' high scoring ace Mark Thompson was limited to a lone fielder and 6 fouls as he was repeatedly stopped from his driving antics that had built him a 25 point average per game.  Mt. Pleasant was limited to 19 field goals and in the losers dressing room after the game, it was repeated that Strasburg's defense was the toughest thing faced all year.  Ed Kubat, Husky guard, paced the Mt. Pleasant output with 15 markers 6 of them coming in the last period.  The losers attempted 53 shots from the floor and connected on 19 for a 35.8 percent.  Strasburg rang up 24 of 49 shots for 48.9 percent and controlled the boards 31-19.

STRASBURG TIGERS - 69

John Studer 13-5-32
Ed Rusk 6-5-17
Gene Bayer 2-5-9
Charlie Jones 2-4-8
Gary Phillips 0-0-0
Mike Reiger 1-0-2
Ron Hall 0-0-0
Tom Hall 0-0-0
Art Haswell 0-0-0
Tom Ferris 0-1-1
Tom Margo 0-0-0

MT. PLEASANT MOUNTIES - 51

Mark Thompson 1-6-8
Jeff Timko 1-1-3
Ron Thompson 3-1-7
Gary Schrickel 0-0-0
Ed Kubat 7-1-15
Cleaver 0-0-0
Yost 1-0-2
Witherow 0-4-4
Winfield Robson 5-0-10


Monday, March 6, 1967
Ed Smith
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Strasburg And Mt. Pleasant Lock Horns In Canton Tournament Bid

STEUBENVILLE - A berth in next week's Regional Tournament will be at stake for the Tuscarawas County Class A scholastic quintet of Strasburg tonight in Steubenville's Diocesan Arena.  The undefeated Tigers (22-0) set their sights on a 23rd straight triumph when they tangle with the Mt. Pleasant Mounties (18-4) at 7PM.  Strasburg's foe, Mt. Pleasant, boasts a balanced attack led by 6-3 Sophomore forward Mark Thompson, who had 377 points entering District Tournament warfare.  Rounding out the Mounties' probable starting lineup will be 6-3 Jeff Timko at forward, 5-11 Ed Kubat at center and 5-11 Ron Thompson and 5-8 Gary Shrickel at guards.


Saturday, March 4, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Strasburg Barrage Pockets Wayne 62-44 (3-2-67)

Strasburg basketball Head Coach Charles Huggins didn't have to get off the bench too often as his charges jumped to an early lead and held it.

Ed Rusk of Strasburg tries to offer a helping hand to 2 fallen foes, Wayne's Jim Peterson and Bob Reid, but it was seconds too late.  Seeking information on an official's ruling are Tigers' Charles Jones (33) and John Studer.

Gene Bayer (31) of Strasburg has a tight grip on the ball after grabbing it from Wayne's Bob Reid.  Also pictured are John Studer (23), Charles Jones (33), Mike Reiger (41) and Ed Rusk (21) of the Tigers.

Strasburg Head Coach Charles Huggins details strategy to his charges, while Manager Kenny Dreher sprinkles talcum in the hands of Ed Rusk.

Gary Phillips (25) of Strasburg drives for 2 points past Wayne defender Gary Davenport.

STEUBENVILLE - Strasburg's powerful Tigers (22-0) put on a devastating shooting performance last night as they ousted the Wayne Wolves from tournament play for the 2nd time...this time for good.  Once more it was a baffling defense and a 1st half barrage that saw the Tigers mesh 16 of 29 for 55.2 percent.  Practically all of these were from long range as the Wolves applied an air tight zone defense that was aimed at stopping Strasburg All-Ohioan John Studer from getting the ball.  Studer was moved to the pivot post to replace Ed Yackey who did not suit up due to an ankle injury.

Wayne's zone defense was successful in the above respect, but it did not take Ed Rusk, a classy corner shooter and 6-3 Charlie Jones long to assume command as they made a habit of popping over the top of the zone and serve notice as to why the Bengals are considered a threat from anywhere on the hardwood.  The Wolves indicated in the 1st period they could also score as they pushed the Tigers trailing 14-12 at the period's end.  Starting the 2nd quarter, the Bengals knew it was time to go to work and they outscored Wayne 21-12.  All 5 players flicked the nets as the balanced attack left little doubt the Burgermen came to play.  Ed Rusk connected on 4 outside shots to set the pace.  Main target of the Bengal defense was Gary Davenport, 6-7 Wayne Junior who has averaged 21.5 points per game.  He was limited to 8 markers, his lowest output of the season.

Studer was also the victim of a tight defense as Wayne's web prevented him from getting the ball.  Studer was limited to 16, his 2nd lowest for the year.  The low point production does not indicate the fine performance of the 6-3 Senior as he connected on 6 of 7 shots from the floor and contributed a fine game on the boards, grabbing 12 rebounds against the taller opponents.  In addition to the outstanding performances of Studer and Rusk, Charlie Jones bagged 20 markers to reap game scoring honors.  Strasburg's hot shooting tapered off somewhat in the 2nd half as the Tigers seemed to play as hard as necessary to maintain the point margin they gained in the 1st half.  They still rang the bell for 23 of 55 attempts for 41.1 percent.  The Bengals outrebounded the taller Waynemen 31-28.  Wayne attempted 53 flings at the basket and registered 18 of 33.9 percent.  Strasburg now enters the finals Saturday against Mt. Pleasant.

STRASBURG TIGERS - 62

John Studer 6-3-15
Ed Rusk 6-4-16
Charlie Jones 8-4-20
Gene Bayer 1-2-4
Mike Rieger 2-0-4
Gary Phillips 0-1-1
Ron Hall 0-0-0
Tom Hall 0-0-0
Art Haswell 0-0-0
Tom Ferris 0-0-0
Tom Margo 0-0-0

WAYNE WOLVES - 44

Gary Davenport 3-2-8
Harvey 5-1-11
Rowland 2-4-8
D. Reid 4-1-9
Jim Peterson 4-0-8
Bob Reid 0-0-0


Friday, March 3, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Mt. Pleasant Clips Dennison St. Mary's 60-59 (3-2-67)

The agony of a tight basketball game is mirrrored in these actions of Dennison St. Mary's Head Coach Paul Drotovick (3 Photos).

Glen Carter of Dennison St. Mary's and Mark Thompson (34) of Mt. Pleasant leap high in a duel for the basketball.

Tom Crosswhite, Dennison St. Mary's All-Ohioan, dribbles past Mt. Pleasent's Ed Kubel (44) en route to a basket.

Blue Wave Mike Bracone unleashes a jump shot over top Mr. Pleasant defender Gary Schrickel.

Dennison St. Mary's Head Coach Paul Drotovick huddles with his charges during a crucial timeout.

STEUBENVILLE - The long awaited battle between Dennison St. Mary's and Strasburg came within a single point of being reality.  But an underdog team of fighting underclassmen upset one of the top powerhouses in the State.  Disregarding press clippings and State ratings, the Mounties (17-4) moved to a 15-7 first period lead over St. Mary's (19-3), surprising almost everyone in the huge Steubenville Arena.  Bearing the reputation  of one of the runningest clubs in the river area, the scrappy quintet from Mt. Pleasant elected to slow things to a moderate tempo.  St. Mary's chose to go along with the style.

Both clubs employed 1-3-1 defenses which produced effective results as they limited each other to very few close range shots.  Tom Crosswhite, ace scorer for the Waves, was limited to a lone fielder in the 1st quarter.  St. Mary's zone was almost as effective as it limited the victors to a mere 4 baskets, but 5 points from the foul line provided the difference for Mt. Pleasant.  The zone defenses were somewhat solved in the 2nd period with both clubs racking up 18 points each as the Mounties trotted into the lockerroom with a 33-25 halftime lead.  Turnovers played havoc for the Dennison crew as each drive was temporarilly stemmed.  The Waves were guilty of 11 miscues, as the hustling opponents were johnny-on-the-spot to take advantage of them.

After halftime, St. Mary's came charging back like a new team as the pressing man for man began to take charge.  Crosswhite stole the ball 5 times as the press rattled the Mounties and caused them numerous turnovers.  Crosswhite connected for 10 markers in this period as he led the Waves to a 42-40 third period lead.  Fourth quarter action brought the fans to the edge of their seats, as practically all Tuscarawas County patrons were dreaming of the game they had built for the past year.  Action was furious throughout the entire last period.  With 6:20 remaining on the clock, St. Mary's held a slim 46-42 lead as Mike Bracone fouled Jeff Timko.  Timko cashed both ends of the foul attempts, but Crosswhite countered with a long jumper before Gary Schrickel put his team within 2.

After a Mt. Pleasant timeout, Ed Kubat tied it 48-all on a driver with 5:20 remaining.  Mark Thompson swished a pair of fouls before leaving on 5 personals at 4:35.  Crosswhite quickly made it 52-50 with a pair of free throws and a 20-foot jumper before he incurred his 5th personal in fouling Timko after Ron Thompson put the Mounties ahead with another free throw.  Timko missed the 1st shot, but Bracone was called for being in the lane and Timko put his team in front 53-52 with 2:59 on the clock.  With 2:08 left, it appeared St. Mary's had completed a comeback that would long be remembered as Carter and Bracone swished 2 pointers to give the Waves a 56-53 margin.  Mt. Pleasant refused to throw in the towel.  Carter was assessed his 2nd technical foul of the night and Kubat cashed in to cut St. Mary's lead to 56-54.  Tolloty fouled Ron Thompson and with 1:56 to go the score was tied again as the result of the 2 fouls.  St. Mary's cashed in another foul shot at 1:27 to forge into the lead 57-56.  At this point; however, Carter was whistled for his 5th personal.

Winfield Robson, a late substitute, then stepped into the starring role as he knotted the count 57-57, despite being placed in the pressure chamber for the do-or-die moment.  Robson added another free throw and with the Mounties leading 58-57 and 12 seconds remaining, Bonaduce calmly swished an 18 footer for a 59-58 St. Mary's lead and the house of turmoil felt the Drotovick charges were home safely.  With the demand for a last shot, the Mounties called timeout.  A wild scramble ensued under the basket, but again it was Robson donning a hero's mantle as he slipped through 3 defenders to can the winning markers with 2 seconds left. 

Crosswhite, an All-Ohioan, paced St. Mary's with 28 points before fouling out with 3:36 remaining in the 4th period.  Mark Thompson set the pace for the victors with 18.  Thompson was in foul trouble and had to sit out almost all of the 3rd period.  St. Mary's connected on 26 of 54 action shots for 48.1 percent, while the victors managed 19 of 62 for 31.2 percent, but the margin of victory was at the free throw line.  Mt. Pleasant rang 22 of 32, while the losers could claim 7 of 13.  St. Maray's ended the season with a fine 19-3 season record.

MT. PLEASANT MOUNTIES - 60

Mark Thompson 5-8-18
Jeff Timko 4-6-14
R. Thompson 1-2-4
Gary Schrickel 3-0-6
Ed Kubat 5-4-14
Winfield Robson 1-2-4

DENNISON ST. MARY'S BLUE WAVES - 59

Tom Crosswhite 12-4-28
Glen Carter 4-0-8
Steve Moeller 0-1-1
Mike Bonaduce 3-2-8
Chris Tolloty 3-0-6
Mike Bracone 4-0-8
Stull 0-0-0
Ridgeway 0-0-0
Jordon 0-0-0


Friday, March 3, 1967
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio

67 - Strasburg Waltzes And Dennison St. Mary's Falls (3-2-67)

STEUBENVILLE - Tuscarawas County's Class A District basketball hopes were masked by many emotions in Diocesan Area last night.  One was contoretd with the agony of a one-point, 60-59 loss in the last 2 seconds by Dennison St. Mary's to Mt. Pleasant.  The other was drenched with ecstasy of a 22nd straight triumph as Strasburg's undefeated Tigers won 62-44 to eliminate Wayne's Wolves from the tournament for the 2nd time in less than a week.  Wayne was provided a 2nd chance when Bridgeport, to whom the Wolves bowed in a Sectional Championship contest, was declared inelligible after it was learned the Bulldogs used an overage player.  Strasburg and Mt. Pleasant will collide Saturday night at 7 for the District Championship and a trip to next week's Regional Tournament at Canton.


Friday, March 3, 1967
Ed Smith
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio