Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 16, 1993 TAG: 9311160140
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FORT CHISWELL LENGTH: Medium
"We don't know anything about them," said Shawnees coach Tracy Poff, whose team is making its second regional appearance in three years. "We don't know what they do. We don't know who they go to. We don't even know what jerseys they wear. We do know what district they play in [the Hogoheegee] and that's about it."
The teams will get a chance to find out more about one another in their first-round match at 8:30 p.m. at Fort Chiswell High School.
"We're just hoping our people can match up against them," said Northwood coach Jean Gillespie.
In some areas, what each team knows about itself should provide information about the opposition. Both teams have 15-8 records. Both finished second in the regular-season and tournament in their districts. Both have strong defenses.
The team that wins moves into Thursday's semifinal against Pioneer District regular-season winner Glenvar (17-5), which has a first-round bye. Tournament finals are Saturday.
"It's going to be hard," said senior Kelley Ryan, Shawsville's all-district guard. "We've got to play tough, play good defense and keep our heads up."
Forward Robin Burdette described the Shawnees' task even more succinctly. "We'll have to play one of our best defensive games in the regionals," she said.
Against Northwood, that defensive pressure will have to be spread out. The Panthers do not have a single player who averages in double-figures. Center Heather Gillespie, a 5-foot-10 senior, leads the team with 9 points per game.
The Panthers' experience helps them balance their scoring. Besides Gillespie, three other seniors return from the squad that lost to Glenvar in the first round of last year's regionals: guard Christie Hancock, wing-guard Rebecca Debord, and wing Becky Montgomery.
Shawsville will try to counter Northwood with a balanced offense of its own which features Ryan, a 5-3 senior (11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds); Burdette, a 5-6 junior, (10.0 points, 10.0 rebounds); and Brandy Alexander, a 5-0 junior point guard (8.2 8.2 points, 3.1 assists).
If the Shawnees win tonight, they will get a third chance at Glenvar Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Glenvar beat Shawsville 46-39 and 57-33 in the teams' meetings this year.
The Highlanders are led by 5-8 junior forward Marilea Hale (16.7 points, 9.1 rebounds). Other major contributors include 5-4 junior guard Toree Morris (14.2 points) and 5-6 junior point guard Kristi Robinson (5.6 assists).
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB