Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 10, 1995 TAG: 9506130036
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Timesland Player of the Year. Decker ended his career by assisting on the goal that broke a scoreless tie in the Indians' 2-0 Group AA championship win over Western Albemarle, their third title since 1989. Decker led the Indians in scoring with 16 goals and 22 assists.
SHELLEY BLUMENTHAL, Blacksburg coach
Timesland Coach of the Year. Blumenthal has become one of the state's top high school soccer experts. This year's team was his second state championship outfit. He says Blacksburg's present edition was his best offensive team, although the victory over Western Albemarle in the state finals was achieved with a tough defense.
MICHAEL BERRY, William Byrd junior forward
Only a junior, Berry has been a three-year starter for the Terriers. He was a co-captain and has been All-Group AA for two years. He is an excellent all-around athlete - he led Timesland football in punting and played a key part on the Terriers' Region III basketball team.
BRAD BLUM, North Cross senior midfielder
A key defensive player for a team that always plays competitively with Timesland's best programs, Blum marked the opponents' strongest offensive player. He added six goals and four assists.
MATT BRYANT, William Byrd senior fullback
Another outstanding all-around athlete who played sixth man on the Terriers' basketball team, Bryant was a four-year starter in soccer. He will play in the first Virginia High School Coaches' Association All-Star game this summer.
STEVE CHERRY, Blacksburg senior forward
Part of the Indians' strong offensive unit, he made the pass to Decker on his key assist in the state championship game. He was the Indians' second-leading scorer with 19 goals and 10 assists.
JON FREEMAN, Blacksburg senior stopper
He stepped up in the state title game by marking Western Albemarle's Andrew Novak, who had 25 goals and 20 assists. He was also an offensive catalyst and a three-year starter.
CHRIS HEWITT, Cave Spring junior forward
A hard worker, Hewitt was the leading scorer in the Roanoke Valley District. He was a key for the Knights, who dominated the RVD then lost in the Group AAA Northwest Region tournament to Albemarle.
BEN PINKERTON, Blacksburg junior goalkeeper
While Blacksburg might have had its best offensive team according to Blumenthal, the defense wasn't bad thanks in large part to Pinkerton. He allowed only eight goals in 20 games for the Indians.
JOHN PRILLAMAN, North Cross senior midfielder
Prillaman scored nine goals and had three assists for a team that usually spreads its scoring around. He was impressive enough to earn a soccer scholarship to the University of Richmond.
RYAN REEVES, Salem senior halfback
He was a force for a team that made the Group AA state tournament by beating defending champion Martinsville in Region III. The Spartans also upset William Byrd with help from Reeves, a tough defensive and offensive player.
JONATHAN SEALE, Franklin County senior midfielder
He had seven goals and six assists for an Eagles team that upset Patrick Henry and was one of the most improved teams in Timesland. The Eagles made the Northwest Region tournament despite finishing 8-9.
SECOND TEAM
Patrick Barritt, Patrick Henry junior midfielder; Justin Brittle, Cave Spring senior goalkeeper; Brad Dalton, Pulaski County sophomore forward; Gary Jenkins, Laurel Park senior halfback; Sam Kirby, Martinsville junior fullback; Tony Lisanti, Christiansburg junior midfielder; Chris Lucado, Northside junior halfback; Nebiyu Noad, Alleghany junior forward; Marty Martin, Martinsville senior forward; Brian Sharp, Cave Spring junior midfielder; Kurt Williams, Blacksburg senior forward.
by CNB