Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 56, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 March 1919 — THEY’RE OFF IN TITLE MARATHON [ARTICLE]

THEY’RE OFF IN TITLE MARATHON

332 Hl&i SCHOOL FIVES OPENED BATTLE FOR STATE NET SUPREMACY TODAY. RENSSELAER, 36; FRANCESVILLE, 9. EMERSON, 40; MONTEREY, 2. BROOK, 40; LOWELL, 7.

Rensselaer defeated Francesville in the opening tournament game at Gary this Friday morning, smothering their opponents under an avalanche of baskets. The final score was 36 to 9. During the second period the losers failed to garner a single point and presented practically no opposition to the Rensselaer machine. The weakness of the opposition permitted the Rensselaer coach to send in his second string men that his regulars might rest up for the gruelling contest at 8:30 o’clock this evening, •when they stack up against the flashy Emerson five from Gary. At tiie time the reports were received here Emerson has just defeated Monterey 40 to- 2. —Emerson rules a heavy favorite among the railbirds anc the Rensselaer quintet was the subject of much favorable comment due to their speedy, flashy style of play (displayed in the opener. o o o o off.” Those two magic words shot a thrill throughout all high school Hoosierdom at 9 o’clock this Friday morning when the starter’s gun signalizing the opening of hostilities among the 332 high school fives who get into action today in pursuit of the highest premium that is offered in the state in the way of basketball honor in the greatest classic of its kind since such tournaments were dedicated. The hearts of the followers of each team beat just a little faster as they saw their favorites take the court to defend their colors and honors against the enemy in the variolas sectional centers. The stay'-at-flimes had to be (Content with focusing&their eyes on -the tickers, but they did not let a tsringte thing escape them and were

just as enthusiastic as the more fortunate who were to view the battles first hand. It is a trying hour for all —players, spectators and ticker fans.