Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, December 23, 1994 TAG: 9412230119
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: FLOYD LENGTH: Medium
Harmon's style of play has come to epitomize the boy's basketball team and what they expect: tough, hard-nosed basketball.
"Brian is very scrappy and is always getting on the floor," Cantrell said. "He isn't afraid to mix it up with the big guys; and when the other guys see him do that, they realize they can do it, too."
Harmon, a senior who stands only 5 feet 9 inches, has done the little things, as well as the big, in helping the Buffalos get off to a 3-0 start. The point guard averages 20 points, three assists, three steals and two rebounds a game.
As a testament to the physical nature of Harmon's game, one has to look no further than the 38 free throws he shot in the season's first three games.
"He has a very aggressive style of play, and that causes things to happen," Cantrell said. "He does a great job of attacking the basket and drawing contact."
Harmon has nailed 76 percent of his free-throw attempts (29-38), which makes fouling him a costly situation. But the fact that he is shooting 52 percent from the field suggests that the opposing team is in trouble regardless.
"The free throw is one of the easiest shots to be made," Harmon said. "I really like to penetrate and use my quickness to my advantage. I enjoy being fouled."
Though it is easy to focus on Harmon's 20 points a game, he prefers to talk about the one part of his game that doesn't change, even if he is having an off night shooting or feels a step slow on defense. That aspect is hustle.
"When I walk off the court, I just want to know that I gave all I had, whether we win or lose," Harmon said. "I give 100 percent and let the other guys see me so that they will work harder."
On a team with two freshmen and three sophomores, that type of unselfish play is invaluable.
"I like to give it out [the ball] and let them score," Harmon said of his teammates. "If they score now, it will make a difference at the end of the year in regionals and state because everyone will have confidence to score."
"Brian has to be our captain, the coach on the court," Cantrell said.
Other notable performances:
nPulaski's Eric Webb and Tyrone Hash led the Cougars to victory in their first two games of the season last weekend. Webb led the team in scoring with 25 against both Blacksburg and Heritage. He scored 19 in the first half against Heritage. Hash had 39 points for the week, including 16 points in the second half against Heritage.
by CNB