Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 22, 1994 TAG: 9412280004
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Long
You thought they played only football in Pulaski? Think again.
If the Republicans can gain control of Congress for the first time in 50 years, then Pulaski High School definitely will contend for the Roanoke Valley District crown with two players of Eric Webb and Tyrone Hash's ability playing on the same team. The senior combination is as deadly as any that will patrol the Timesland area this year, and they intend to make everyone aware of it.
"It's kind of a letdown, because every year we are picked behind Cave Spring and William Fleming," said Hash. "Everybody in Roanoke thinks we are a bunch of country boys who can only play football. We are going to surprise some people this year."
As a team, the Cougars may surprise people, but on an individual level nobody in the Roanoke Valley District will overlook either Webb or Hash, both of whom averaged over 20 points a game for last season's squad.
The biggest difference for this year's team will be the health of Webb, who missed more than half of last season after breaking a jaw in the state semifinal football game. Despite his scoring average, Webb never recaptured his sophomore form, when he was named first team all-district and region.
"I'm more excited this year," Webb said of his health. "I'm taking it personally to make sure we improve."
On the court, the 6-feet-2, 230-pound Webb expects to play near the basket most of the time, where he can use his size and strength. But don't let his enjoyment of the physical nature of basketball in the paint fool you - he is more than capable of stepping outside and nailing a three-pointer. All of which creates headaches for opposing coaches and players when it comes to matching up with the Big Nasty of Pulaski.
"Eric is the most natural athlete and instinctive player I have ever coached," said Pulaski boy's basketball coach Pat Burns. "He makes things look simple. Does he look like he weighs 230 pounds when he is running up the court? He would be a Division I basketball player [if it weren't for football]."
Hash, who has not garnered the attention Webb has over the course of his high school career, is every bit the player Webb is. Though Hash is a rather intimidating sight himself at 6 feet 3 and a very well defined 215 pounds, he relies as much on athletic ability as he does on raw strength.
"He is the best athlete I have ever coached," said Burns. "He is the first kid I have ever designed a lob dunk for. He is definitely a Division I player."
"It's a great experience playing with Tyrone," Webb said of the player he is playing beside for the third year on the varsity squad. "I don't have to worry about scoring because he is very dependable."
When asked to name a singular position that each would play, Burns could only discuss the versatility of his two stars.
"Tyrone will jump center for us every game this year," said Burns. "In that respect he is a center. They can both go to the post, shoot threes and lead the break. They can play anywhere."
Because of their athleticism and versatility, both will in all likelihood play Division I college sports next year. Webb, whose prowess on the football field has helped to perpetuate the myth that football is the only sport played in Pulaski, was named the Timesland Defensive Player of the Year and is being recruited by the University of Tennessee to roam the sidelines next fall. Hash will continue his athletic career on the hardwood, where he is being recruited by Auburn and UNC-Greensboro.
Collegiate prospects aside, both players have more interest in helping the Cougars capture the RVD title and advance to the regional tournament after last year's sub-.500 record.
After honing his game at various camps over the summer, Hash, who was a first team all-district selection last year, is hoping his experiences will benefit not only himself but the entire team.
"It was a great experience," Hash said of the camps. "You get to play against top-notch competition and gauge your game to see where you need to be. Personally, I hope to raise my game to the top-notch level. I want my total game to pick up: intensity, hustle and scrapping."
While it is still early, it appears as if this dynamic duo is going to force the fine folk of Roanoke to take notice of Pulaski's exploits on a basketball court. Webb led the team in scoring in each of the teams first two games with 25.
Saturday night's 73-53 victory over Heritage may indicate the difficulties the pair will create. In the first half, Webb scored 19 points. What is an opposing coach to do, shift the defensive emphasis to Webb? Fine idea, but Hash lit the Pioneers up for 16 of his 24 points in the second half.
Regardless of their individual success, both Webb and Hash know they will need help from their teammates if they are to make a serious run at the RVD title, and they feel their supporting cast will be more than ample.
"The key is depth," said Hash. "We have to have strong bench play, intensity and focus. The team is very excited about the whole year. We have more skill players than in the past."
They may have the two most skilled players in the RVD, which bodes ill for those who think the Pulaski High School sports season ends with football.
by CNB