Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 15, 1993 TAG: 9301150188
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS STEUART STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PEARISBURG LENGTH: Medium
MITCH REED HELPING SPARTANS IMPROVE BASKETBALL REPUTATION
The Giles high school boys' basketball team has doubled its output of last year: It has two wins.Historically, Giles hasn't been a notable basketball power. Last year it was 1-17.
But this year, the Spartans (2-5 overall, 2-4 in the Mountain Empire District) are revealing a touch of basketball prowess.
The games have been close. In its last four losses, Giles has succumbed by a total of 13 points - and never by more than six points in a game.
"Last year we weren't even close," second-year Giles coach Howlett said. "But we are this year. If we can win a couple of the close ones we will be right in the thick of things, which is where we want to be."
The leadership for the squad that may turn Giles' hoop misfortunes around comes from a solid group of juniors, and especially from swingman Mitch Reed.
Reed leads the team in scoring with an average of 12 points per game. He also contributes six rebounds per game, has hit four three-pointers and has blocked three shots.
"I am not a very physical player. Everybody tells me I should be more aggressive," Reed said.
"When I am watching films it's obvious that I'm not. I guess that's just the way I play."
Yet, Reed still manages to slip inside to pick up the rebounds.
After seven games he has a most consistent 20 offensive and 22 defensive rebounds.
"They are all good kids and they play hard," Howlett said. "They want Giles Spartans basketball to be good."
Reed said the Spartans' image is important to him.
"I think we have some of the best talent Giles has ever had," Reed said.
"We've shown people around here that we can play and you wouldn't believe how many fans came out when we played Fort Chiswell. That really helps the team. I love it."
He must have, because he scored a team-high 15 points in the 58-56 loss.
Some notable offensive outputs of the past week were:
Gateway Christian's Brad Ewing, scoring a game-high 27 points in an 85-67 victory over Pipestem Christian on Tuesday night.
Galax's Wilbert Campbell, scoring the last of his game-high 22 points from the foul line to lead the Maroon Tide to a 61-56 victory over Auburn High School last Friday night.
Narrows had three players in double-digit scoring Tuesday night in a 66-44 win over Shawsville. Anthony Wiley had a game-high 20, while Chad Fleeman and Jeff White each had 12.