Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 27, 1994 TAG: 9402260125
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: DALEVILLE LENGTH: Medium
"Lar-ry! Lar-ry! Lar-ry!`
The Fighting Blues were referring to retired NBA basketball legend Larry Bird, who won a basketball game or two in his time - and knew how to score in the clutch.
Now wait just a minute. McElroy scored two field goals and didn't even start the game.
But he converted 13 consecutive free throws - 10 in the final four minutes - leading the Blues to a narrow 63-60 victory over a stubborn Bath County team in the first semifinal game of the Pioneer District tournament.
Free-throw shooting was literally the name of the game, as more free throws were made (40) than field goals (38). The winners sank 25-of-36, while Bath County converted 15-of-21.
Parry McCluer improved its season record to 19-2 and will play for the district tournament title tonight. The Chargers finished their year 11-10.
The Blues crushed Bath County 61-36 when they played Feb. 19.
"It was a different ball game tonight," said Parry McCluer coach Nelson Fox, who recorded his 204th career victory. "We expected that. They attacked our press much better tonight."
The Chargers, who trailed by 15 midway through the third quarter, never quit. Patrick Lennon scored 14 of his game-high 21 points after halftime, and Caleb Kirkland hit three 3-pointers in the last two periods.
But whenever Bath County drew close, McElroy (an 82 percent free-throw shooter) made his free throws, most of which were bonus situations. He missed only the first and last of his 15 attempts. The 6-foot-3 junior forward finished with a team-high 18 points.
"The team did a good job of getting me the ball," McElroy said. "I was very confident shooting the free throws."
"Mike's just like Larry Bird," freshman teammate Mike Clark said. "He doesn't have the greatest body, and he's not that quick, but he sure can shoot!"
Nathan Baker and Kris Carter each scored 12 points for Parry McCluer.
Although Bath County opened the game's scoring with Kris Phillips' 3-pointer, the Blues led 15-13 after the first quarter.
Parry McCluer increased its advantage to 11 (32-21) in the second period, holding the Chargers to just eight points on 3-of-10 field goal shooting. Baker and Carter paced the Blues in the first half, scoring 10 and nine points, respectively. \
see microfilm for box score
by CNB