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

DATE: SUNDAY, August 27, 1995                   TAG: 9508280035
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: D-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GLENVAR'S PIONEER SWAN SONG MAY BE `WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS'

It may seem as if Glenvar has been the Pioneer District girls' basketball champion forever, and that's not far from the truth.

But with the Highlanders moving to the Three Rivers District next year, it's safe to say this will be the last season they dominate the Pioneer.

This year, Glenvar will be counting on some young guards to maintain its stranglehold on a district where Parry McCluer, Covington and Bath County may be ready to challenge for the title.

Glenvar has a strong inside game, paced by 5-foot-10 sophomore Erica Hale (11.2 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game), 5-11 junior Amanda Rydell (5.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and 5-10 junior Amanda Bishop (6.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg).

If the Highlanders come up with strong guard play from Amanda Kennedy (3.0 assists per game), Jamie Dowdy (2.8 apg) and Amy Layman (2.5 apg), they will be able to challenge any Group A team in the state.

``The kids who have been role players have to step up,'' said Dennis Layman, Glenvar's coach and the father of Amy Layman. ``We didn't lose any height. Most of our bigger kids were our younger ones.''

Glenvar did lose a big chunk of its offense in Toree Morris and Marilea Hale, who combined for 742 points in 24 games.

Parry McCluer has four starters back from a team that upset Covington 47-44 to make the Region C tournament. The Fighting Blues never came closer to Glenvar than 27 points in three tries.

``We'll take a step closer to them,'' said coach Fred Horeis. ``If we can't beat them, we can't play at the state level."

Parry McCluer welcomes back 5-7 Robin Floyd, 5-10 Lindsey Coleman (9.9 ppg, 4.0 apg), 5-9 Chrystal Humphries (12.6 ppg), 5-3 Avis Williams and 5-9 Clarissa Johnson.

Covington released schedules with the words ``Unfinished Business'' over a team picture. That's because coach Rob Bennett's Cougars went 14-4 during the regular season - losing only to Glenvar and Group AA Alleghany and Lord Botetourt - then were stunned by Parry McCluer in the district tournament.

Covington has its three top scorers back in 5-9 Michelle Jeter (9.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg), 5-5 Joann Helton (12.6 ppg) and 5-4 Charlie Lewis (7.4 ppg) to make a run at the Region C tournament.

Bath County also has five returning starters, but no double-figure scorer. The player to stop is the district's tallest, 6-1 Katie Hardbarger (9.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg). The Chargers also have 5-10 Melanie Woods (8.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg).

James River is young and lacks height. Amy Sprinkle (4.9 ppg), at 5-4, is the top returning scorer.

Craig County will be paced by 5-8 Bonnie Boardwine (8.1 ppg). Highland did not submit information.

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH: 1, Glenvar; 2, Parry McCluer; 3, Covington; 4, Bath County; 5, James River; 6, Craig County; 7, Highland.

by CNB