NEW PHILADELPHIA - Lower bracket semi-final action in the New Philadelphia Class A Sectional Basketball Tournament takes place tomorrow night as 4 hopeful combinations vie for Saturday night finals berths and a trip to the Steubenville District. The 1st contest, beginning at 7:30, finds the undefeated Strasburg Tigers (19-0) trying to corral the Tuscarawas Broncos (12-7), followed by the Hiland Hawks (10-11) attempting to trap the Jewett Wildcats (8-11). The Tigers are paced by the county's 2nd leading scorer John Studer and long shot Charlie Jones, both 6-3 Seniors. The 1-2 punch has swished the strings for 518 and 273 respectively. Studer is also a standout with driving antics and supplies ample board strength along with Ed Yackey, whom Head Coach Charlie Huggins leans heavily for limiting the opposition to one shot.
Ed Rusk, 6-1 Junior, who is Studer's runningmate at the other forward spot, is dangerous from the outside and is usually given one of the toughest defensive assignments. Guard Mike Reiger is relied on for the initial setup of playmaking. When Huggins goes for bench strength, usually his 1st grab is Gene Bayer, 6-3 Senior, who has canned 153 points in relief and spot starting assignments. Backing up this "big 6" are the Hall twins, Ron and Tom, 6-1 and 6-3 Juniors, respectively, along with Tom Ferris, Tom Margo and lone Sophomore, Butch Haswell. Tuscarawas completed its' schedule with a respectable 11-7 record and could easily step into the role of spoiler.
The Broncos of Head Coach Lyle Matlick, are led by the consistant scoring of Juniors Brent Lehigh and Fred Rausch, 6-1 and 5-11, respectively. Both lads can swish the nets from any angle and possess good speed. Lehigh possesses a total of 287 points for the year, while Rausch follows with 229. John Bihari, 6-3 Senior, has collected 254 markers, while leading the Broncos in the rebound department. Supplying danger to the opponents defense is Butch Reed and the McCauley boys, Jim and Birney. Tracy Knisely, 6-3 Senior, adds additional size and has seen equal playing time. Coming from the bench for backup support is Bill Goshorn, Les Donahue and Mark Cox.
The nightcap is rated as somewhat of a tossup by the local experts; although, many favor the tough schedule of the Holmes County quintet. The Hawks have squared off with such powers as Northwestern, Dalton, Strasburg and Class AA West Holmes, as they waged an uphill battle throughout the season. Pacing the always tournament tough charges of Head Coach Abe Mast, are veteran performers Merle Mullett and Galen Swartzentruber, who are at their best under fire. The 6-foot Mullett, known for his squirming and twisting antics under the basket, has amassed 306 points up to date and is always a threat. Swartzentruber is a cool customer in the front court and is referred to as "Mr. Clutch." Hiland's pivot post is manned by Terry Skelly, 6-3 Senior, who provides the Hawks their most size and board work. Roland Stutzman, Joe Wengerd, Dick Clark and Jeff Ling are considered for equal duty to cage the surging Jewett combination.
Jewett is a high scoring machine that has averaged just a shade over 75 points per outing this season and is known to the tourney fans for its' upset over Scio, Harrison County League Champions. Pacing the Wildcat scoring machine is Bernie Wilson, 6-foot Senior who is a dead shot from far out. Wilson bulls-eyed way beyond 300 markers up to date and likes to shoot over any defense. Running mate of Wilson at the other guard is Scott Samples, a crowd pleaser who never stops running, while Nolan Harkins, another consistent scorer, has averaged 14 per contest. Two Adrians, Shultz and Tharp, round out the starting speedsters, while Mike Carson and Greg Tullis are 1st line replacements.
Tuesday, February 21, 1067
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
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