Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 2, 1993 TAG: 9312020299
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BRIAN DeVIDO STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Although the Highlanders won a district title for the first time since 1975, they again failed to win a game in the Region C tournament.
In fact, Glenvar has never won a game in the Region C tournament.
"We want to repeat as [district] champions," Lawrence said, "but we also want to go farther than we did last year."
Lawrence may be in luck. Brad Melton, a 6-foot-4 all-Region C selection at forward returns after averaging 15.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last year. So does 6-1 senior forward/center Jason Anderson (8.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg).
"I think we're going to be better than last year's team," Lawrence said. "On paper, we look a lot better. We're quicker, and we handle the ball better. We also have more depth. We're two deep at every position."
James River finished 8-19 overall last year, and tied for fourth place in the district. The Knights return two starters - 6-2 senior center Keith Bryant, (7.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg), and 5-10 sophomore guard/forward Brian Shorter.
Four starters will be sophomores. It could be a long year.
"I don't have any proven scorers," said head coach Randolph Howard. "All I'm expecting right now is that they minimize their mistakes. I think they'll come along as the season comes along."
Craig County finished 9-13 overall last year, and sixth in the district. The Rockets return three starters, including all-district selection Robby Huffman (19 ppg, 8.8 rpg). The main problem, however, is depth. Only eight players are on the team.
"I'm not sure how we'll do if we get in foul trouble," head coach Dan Bowser said. "That may be a real weak spot for us."
Covington has two starters back in Van Wallace (23.6 ppg.) and Keeno Jones (15.0 ppg.) who averaged double figures last year. The Cougars also have four other players - Andy Lambert, Cory Hunter, Roscie Martin, Rob Daugherty and Mike Barber who saw quite a bit of action.
The Cougars will get help inside from Greg Ensminger, a 6-3 junior who will see significant playing time.
Parry McCluer finished tied for second with Covington last year in the district. The Fighting Blues could contend for the district title, as four starters return. But the starters must stay healthy.
Nathan Baker (14.4 ppg, 8.9 rpg), an all-district selection last year, leads the team, but 6-4 junior center Brian Sizemore (8.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg) may have knee surgery.
Bath County returns one starter from last year's team that finished fourth in the district: 5-8 senior guard/forward Michael Edwards (6.9 ppg, 5.0 steals). Eight players with varsity experience are coming back.
Highland returns three players who saw a lot of action last year, headed by 6-1 John Hull (10.0 ppg.). The Rams have no height, however, which could make winning consistently a struggle. \
See microfilm for summaries.
Keywords:
BASKETBALL
by CNB