Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 30, 1995 TAG: 9511300018
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The Green Wave, coming off last season's 14-9 (6-4 district) showing, looks to be among the MED's better teams, especially with the return of one of the district's top players in forward Bryan Pruett.
But injuries to Pruett and forward Robby Stafford have left coach Todd Lusk scrambling for players to fill the void
``The injuries to Bryan and Robby are a couple of big holes for us to fill right now,'' Lusk said. ``I feel as if we can compete for the district title if we can get those two healthy and back in action.''
Pruett and Stafford were injured during the Narrows football season. Stafford suffered a knee injury four weeks ago that resulted in surgery, and Pruett has been shelved for close to three months with a severe ankle injury.
``Robby is moving around, but he is still favoring that knee,'' Lusk said. ``Pruett's injury could cause him to miss the first couple of games. We're not sure how long he'll be out. We haven't put a timetable on his recovery. When he's ready to play, he'll play, but not before.''
When he will be ready to play is anyone's guess, Pruett said.
``When I first hurt my ankle, the doctors told me they couldn't find anything broken, but they put me in a cast anyway,'' Pruett said. ``They said that I would probably miss two or three weeks. That was 10 weeks ago.''
Pruett's injury could prove to be especially devastating to the Green Wave if he isn't back in uniform soon. He is Narrows' leading returning scorer (15 ppg). Considering Lusk's team has only three players back (Pruett, Stafford and Mike Perdue), Pruett's return to the lineup is crucial.
``Right now, our biggest problem is we're just not healthy,'' Lusk said. ``It's going to be a learning process early for our kids. Hopefully, those two [Pruett and Stafford] will be back pretty quick.
``Lucky for us, all 10 of our district games are the second half of the season, so we have time to get healthy. A positive side to it all is some people will get a lot of experience until those two are healthy.''
The answer to Lusk's problems could be junior shooting guard Joe Shipbaugh, who averaged 25 points per game last season for the Green Wave junior varsity.
``Last season, Joe was probably the best shooter in the district in either varsity or JV,'' Lusk said. ``He's just an unbelievable shooter with a great work ethic. He's really made himself into a great basketball player.''
The point guard duties will be handled by another player promoted from the JV level, junior David Turner. Lusk said although Turner lacks varsity experience, he brings a great deal of hustle.
``David is the kind of kid who would run through a brick wall for the team and not ask a single question,'' Lusk said. ``I love kids like that because you never have to wonder if they are going to give it their all night-in and night-out.''
Joining Pruett and Stafford in the Narrows frontcourt is Perdue. The senior averaged barely one point per game, but with the questionable status of the other two returning regulars, Perdue will be counted on to provide quality play at center.
``He came off the bench last season, but this year he's going to make a bigger contribution to this team, especially with the injury situation,'' Lusk said. ``He is going to have to provide some leadership, as well.''
Here is a look at the rest of the Mountain Empire District:
Galax, coming off last season's 9-11 record, has positioned itself in the thick of the title race this season. The Maroon Tide has four starters back, including all-district performer Jeff Ross (11 ppg, 7.0 rpg).
``We are going to have a pretty good team this year,'' said Ken Ross, Galax's coach. ``We won 24 of 26 games at camps this summer, and we beat some good teams. Our only losses were to Pulaski County and a Group AAA team from North Carolina.''
Grayson County will challenge Galax and Narrows for the district title. Coach John Ayers' squad has five returning players, including two all-district performers.
Senior forward Chad Shaffner (13.0 ppg) and junior guard Wes Selfe (14.0 ppg) earned all-district honors last season for the Blue Devils and will be asked to provide leadership this season.
``The district is going to be really strong this year,'' Ayers said. ``I think Galax is the front-runner, but Narrows has the best player in the district in Pruett. We're right there, but I would probably place us third in the MED.''
Danny Jonas hopes his senior-laden Fort Chiswell lineup will give Pioneers fans cause for celebration this season. Fort Chiswell's roster features eight seniors, including three-year starter Shannon Jonas and point guard Brad Hughes.
``The Mountain Empire is going to be a tough district top to bottom,'' Danny Jonas said. ``We should do well with our eight seniors. Our only problem is Shannon is recovering from a stress fracture of the ankle and will miss the first three games.''
Bland and Rocky Gap round out the district, and each team will rely on its inside games.
``They've got some big kids at Rocky Gap and Bland,'' Jonas said. ``Both teams should have good seasons and will be forces to reckon with if their inside games are strong.''
NARROWS
'94-95 record: 14-9 overall, 6-4 district.
Coach: Todd Lusk, fifth year.
Returning starters: Bryan Pruett, 6-4, Sr., F, 15.0 points per game.
Other key players: Robby Stafford, 6-1, Sr., F, 5.0 ppg; Mike Perdue, 6-4, Sr., F, 1.0 ppg; Joe Shipbaugh, 5-10, Jr., G; David Turner, 5-9, Jr., G.
Outlook: Narrows looks to be one of the strongest teams in the Mountain Empire, if Pruett and Stafford recover from injuries. The good new for coach Todd Lusk is the district season doesn't start until January, giving the duo time to get healthy. Shipbaugh is being hailed by the district's coaches as the top shooter in the MED. The Green Wave's fate may depend heavily on his 3-point accuracy.
by CNB