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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, February 15, 1992                   TAG: 9202170195
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: From staff reports
DATELINE: BUCHANAN                                LENGTH: Medium

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COVINGTON CLINCHES PIONEER

Covington sank its free throws when it needed to and defeated James River 62-58 Friday night to clinch the regular-season boys' basketball championship in the Pioneer District.

When second-place James River (12-6 overall, 12-4 Pioneer) was forced to foul in the fourth quarter, Covington (15-3, 15-1) held its lead by sinking nine of 17 free throws. The Cougars, who led 35-30 at halftime, were held to three field goals as the Knights tried to rally.

Everett Hughes led all scorers with 18 points for the Cougars, who won by 14 points when the teams met at Covington. Tony Jeter had 17 points.

Troy Thompson led James River with 17 points. Salem 89

Alleghany 69

Josh Pugh led all scorers with 27 points - his 10th straight game over 20 - as Salem whipped the Mountaineers in Blue Ridge District action.

Corey Epperly finished with 19 and Mark Byington 13 for the Spartans (9-8, 2-4).

Michael Hunter had 18 points and Todd Wheatley 15 for Alleghany (10-9, 2-5). \

Timberlake Christian 80

Roanoke Catholic 57

LYNCHBURG - Marty Chandler scored 25 points as Timberlake Christian buried Roanoke Catholic and got its first Virginia Independent Conference victory of the season.

Travis Stickle had 17, Matt Anderson 10 and Joe Blair 10 for Timberlake (5-17, 1-11). Scott Sartini had 16, Mike Kolnok 12 and Charles Cunningham 10 for Roanoke Catholic (9-10, 5-8). \

Hargrave Military 75

Roanoke Valley Christian 71

Dewayne Swinton gunned in 34 points as Hargrave Military held off the Eagles for a Virginia Independent Conference victory.

The Tigers (11-7, 8-5) went into a slow-down offense in the fourth quarter and took only wide-open shots or free throws.

Aaron Hassell led Roanoke Valley Christian (9-11, 7-7) with 15 points and Jason DeLong added 14. \

GIRLS

Roanoke Catholic 39

Timberlake Christian 31

Shannon Simpson scored 14 points to lead the Celtics (14-3 overall, 10-3 Blue Ridge Conference) to a girls' victory over Timberlake Christian. \

see microfilm for box score

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