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

DATE: FRIDAY, October 22, 1993                   TAG: 9310220096
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

BASKETBALL PLAYER ON OAK HILL TEAM COMMITS TO XAVIER

Tavares Johnson, a 6-foot-6, 248-pound forward from Charlotte, N.C., has become the third member of Oak Hill Academy's nationally prominent basketball team to give an oral commitment to a Division I college program.

Johnson, who averaged 8.3 points and 5.9 rebounds in helping the Grayson County school to a 36-0 record last season, said Thursday he will sign a letter of intent with Xavier.

Johnson, who has met NCAA academic standards for freshman eligibility, picked the Musketeers over West Virginia, Rutgers and East Carolina.

"T.J. definitely was overlooked last year," said Steve Smith, Oak Hill's coach. "This year, as a starter, he will be vital to our success. He's a lot bigger than he was, but he's quicker and he jumps better.

"He'll have a much bigger role this year; we expect him to average double figures in points and rebounds."

Teammates Curtis Staples and Tarik Turner have committed to Virginia and St. John's, respectively. - Staff report

by CNB