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

DATE: TUESDAY, November 15, 1994                   TAG: 9411150066
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

AUBURN SQUAD SEEKS TO FULFILL A GOAL

At 7 p.m. tonight, that goal will be met when the Eagles (12-10) play at Pioneer District champion Glenvar (20-2) in the first round of the Region C tournament.

"It feels pretty good - we've all wanted to go, and now we've finally gotten there," said Sherry Smith, a 5-6 senior guard. "We're going to have to be ready to play. That's all I know."

This is only Auburn's third trip to the regionals since state-level play began in girls' basketball 20 seasons ago. Its other two postseason appearances were in 1978 and 1985.

"We knew it would be tough," said 5-11 senior forward Lori Lyons. "This was a goal that meant a lot to Sherry and I. We've played on the varsity for three years and never gone to the regionals. Finally, we're getting a chance to go."

Glenvar is led by a trio of seniors. Marilea Hale is the main offensive threat. The 5-8 forward is the fourth leading scorer in Timesland (18.8 points per game, 57.1 field goal percentage, 78.9 free throw percentage). Toree Morris, a 5-5 guard, provides the outside threat (12.5 ppg, 38.3 three-point percentage), and Kristy Robinson, a 5-6 point guard, runs the offense (6.3 assists per game). Meanwhile, 5-9 freshman Erika Hale (7.2 rebounds per game, 50.0 field goal percentage) leads the inside game.

"Glenvar plays a lot like Floyd [County]," said Auburn coach Tim Goetz. "We're going to have to handle their pressure, take care of the ball and not turn it over. And we're going to have to make some shots."

The Eagles have players who can make shots and take care of the ball. Lyons (13.2 ppg, 3.2 assists) and Smith (12.1 ppg, 5.0 assists) were among the top scorers and passers in the Three Rivers District. Lyons (7.8 rebounds) was also one of the district's top rebounders. And sophomore guard Michelle Collins provides highly effective outside shooting (40.2 three-point percentage).

The winner of this matchup meets the winner of the Fort Chiswell-Castlewood game in the semifinals Thursday night at John Battle High School near Bristol.

Fort Chiswell (9-14) has won eight of its last 11 games. It is led by 6-0 senior post Jenny Porter (9 ppg, 7 rebounds).

Castlewood (20-3) has three players averaging in double figures, topped by 5-7 senior point guard Shannon Casteel (23 ppg), who was an all-Group A performer last season.

The other half of the regional bracket has Floyd County (23-0), Galax (19-4), Chilhowie (17-6) and Parry McCluer (15-6).

The tournament finals are scheduled for Saturday at John Battle.