Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, January 28, 1992 TAG: 9201280158
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: JOHN SMALLWOOD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LEXINGTON LENGTH: Medium
PENN PACES VMI IN 80-67 SETBACK
Jonathan Penn wasn't worried when VMI basketball coach Joe Cantafio told him he was going to have to step up his game.Penn, a junior guard out of Pulaski County High, has always had confidence in his ability. And while he had started just two games in his first two seasons at VMI, he welcomed the challenge of becoming a go-to player.
He hasn't disappointed.
Monday night at Cameron Hall, Penn paced VMI with a game-high 29 points, but it wasn't enough for the Keydets to prevent an 80-67 Southern Conference loss to Appalachian State.
Playing without leading rebounder and second-leading scorer Lewis Preston, who was out with an abscess tooth, the Keydets (6-9, 2-4) couldn't maintain a double-digit lead and got outscored 45-27 in the second half.
VMI led 46-37 with 18:53 remaining, but Appalachian State (8-10, 4-2) outscored VMI 25-5 over the next 10 minutes to take control.
Appalachian State center Tim Powers scored eight of his 12 points during the run as the Mountaineers beat the Keydets for the fifth consecutive time.
After shooting 43.3 percent in the first half, Appalachian State hit 57.7 percent over the final 20 minutes.
The Mountaineers also outrebounded the Keydets 27-10 in the second half, including 11 offensive rebounds.
Penn scored 16 first-half points as VMI led 40-35 at the break. The Keydets led by as much as 14 points in the first half.
VMI shot 53.3 percent in the first half but only 29.2 percent in the second half.
Coming into the 1991-92 season, Penn was expected to earn a starting role, but he figured to be one component of a lineup that should have featured three senior starters.
But then Erek Perry decided not to return to school. Senior starter Marty Chadwick left school after three games, and junior reserve Louis Anderson quickly followed.
Suddenly, some key members of VMI's attack were missing.
"We lost some people we thought we'd have, and coach looked to me to step up," said Penn, who averaged more than 25 points as a senior at Pulaski. "I have the confidence in my ability to play this game. I feel like I can contribute in a game on both the offense and defense. I felt like I could do what he wanted."
After averaging 7.4 points as the sixth-man last season, Penn has thrived in his role as a starter.
Through VMI's first 15 games, Penn leads the Keydets in scoring, minutes played, 3-point shooting and free throw percentage. He also chips in over three rebounds a game.
"Coach told me early that he wanted me to be a leader on offense," said Penn. "I was just waiting for my chance and took advantage of the opportunity."
Although a small 6 feet 4 and a light 174 pounds, Penn is one of VMI's toughest inside players.
A solid ball-handler and good leaper, Penn attacks the basket with quick cuts past defenders. Many of his shots come from strange angles or when he is off balance.
"In high school, I had to play in the post even though I was smaller than everybody else, so I was used to playing inside," said Penn. "I had to come up with different ways to get my shot off."