Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 20, 1995 TAG: 9502210050
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Salem won the Group AA boys' state the Vikings returned most of their including three starters.
In Group AAA, William Fleming welcomed back two starters and four key players from a team that finished second.
In Group A, Parry McCluer has many of the players back from a team that was runner-up.
So what has happened? This has been one of the most inconsistent seasons in Timesland history. William Fleming and Northside, both favored to take their district titles, face playoffs tonight for their respective regular-season championships.
Fleming takes on Pulaski County at Patrick Henry High School, while Northside meets Salem at Lord Botetourt High School. Both games begin at 7 p.m.
Parry McCluer wasn't as fortunate. The Fighting Blues finished fourth in the Pioneer District, despite a 15-6 record that included one loss to a Group AAA team.
There's another playoff today, with Auburn taking on Floyd County at Blacksburg at 7:30 p.m. for the Three Rivers District crown.
Meanwhile, here's a look at the best and worst of Timesland teams as the tournaments begin:
WHO'S HOT?: Salem is sizzling, with six consecutive victories. The Spartans' turnaround started when they lost 73-71 to Fairdale, Ky., the 1994 champion of that basketball-rich state, in the Crestar Roundball Classic. Freshman Herschel Thomas arrived and provided the spark, while Chad Pendleton, Kevin Garst, Matt Woolwine, Bryan Monroe and reserve Ryan Reeves have stepped up their games.
Liberty, despite losing 57-54 at Amherst County late in the season, has been Timesland's most consistent team. The problem is the Minutemen (18-2) have played only Seminole District opponents, and that district has not fared particularly well in state play.
Pulaski County has won eight of nine games to take over the top spot in the Timesland rankings. The only loss in that stretch was at E.C. Glass. As a reward, the Cougars have to prove themselves once more by beating Fleming for a third time this season.
WHO'S NOT?: Cave Spring, William Fleming, Northside and almost every Group A team in Timesland.
The Knights and Colonels were expected to have big seasons, but have been inconsistent. Fleming seemed to make a statement on the final evening of the regular season by beating Cave Spring with authority, but that came one night after the Colonels lost at Pulaski County because their defense couldn't stop the Cougars.
Northside plays like a state champion at times. The best stretch for the Vikings was when they ripped William Byrd 90-72, then outlasted Salem 70-69 in overtime two nights later to take a two-game lead in the district. Northside then went out and split its last two games.
No Timesland team in Region C has established any pattern of consistency.
ON THE BUBBLE: William Byrd has a 17-4 record, but did not win a district title. At times, the Terriers are sensational.
Christiansburg is 18-3, but its schedule has been loaded with Group A teams. That's why the Blue Demons have not been ranked in Timesland.
Martinsville is 16-4 and needs one victory in the Region III tournament to advance to state play. Anyone want to bet against Husky Hall, winningest public-school coach in the state, in his final postseason before retiring?
by CNB