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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 13, 1995                   TAG: 9509130061
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

BYRD KEEPS FLOYD DOWN

It was William Byrd's height against Floyd County's quickness Tuesday night in girls' basketball.

Height won.

The Terriers wore down the Buffaloes for a 56-50 non-district victory in Vinton. It was the third consecutive loss for Floyd County (3-3) after 59 consecutive victories spanning three seasons.

All the losses have come to Group AA Blue Ridge District teams, but coach Alan Cantrell doesn't regret playing the tougher teams, even if his Buffaloes are struggling.

``Finishing things off offensively has been a weakness most of the season,'' Cantrell said of the two-time defending Group A champions. ``We'll get a steal for a quick basket and get the ball inside where we want, but we won't score. It's something we've improved on a little over last week. Games like this will pay off later on.''

Floyd County forced 32 turnovers, but the Buffaloes were outrebounded 46-28. Byrd (6-0) also hit 23 of 42 field-goal attempts; Floyd County was 21-of-65.

``Ballhandling is not our strong point,'' Richard Thrasher, the Terriers' coach. ``To beat the teams in our district, we have to handle the ball better. But hey, Floyd County's game is to create turnovers.''

Still, Byrd made only four miscues and snapped a 40-40 tie as Cathy Smith hit two buckets and Kelli Runyon one to start the final period. The Terriers never trailed again.

Smith was the difference. She connected on eight of nine from the field, hauled down 11 rebounds, dealt out five assists and added a steal and a block. In previous games, foul problems had kept the 1994 Blue Ridge District co-player of the year on the bench.

``I was just playing like I usually do,'' Smith said. ``But I was more aware of where I was on defense and keeping straight up on defense. I wasn't really frustrated [from past games], but it felt really good to play the whole game.''

Sophomore Brandy Allen contributed 12 rebounds and 14 points for Byrd. Floyd County got 15 points from Melissa Cantrell and 12 from reserve Sara Conner, including eight in the final quarter.

NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.

by CNB