ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 2, 1995 TAG: 9512040065
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS STAFF WRITER
Gateway Christian Academy might not possess the area's tallest or the most talented basketball team, but coach Stanley "Shake" Smith said there's one intangible that distinguishes his team.
"This team plays with a lot of heart," Smith said. "If you take a look at our roster, we don't have any really big-time players, but we play with a lot of heart, and that makes us a good team."
Last season, heart and defense carried the Crusaders to a Old Dominion Association of Church Schools state title and a third place finish in the National Christian Schools Tournament. Gateway posted a 14-6 overall record along the way.
"Every year our goal is to win regionals, because we like the opportunity to travel," Smith said. "We don't have our own gym so we play our home games at the Blacksburg Recreational Center. Going to regionals and nationals gives our kids a chance to go places like Richmond."
With three starters and its top reserve returning, Gateway Christian once again appears primed to make a run for the state and national title.
Senior Ryan Gordon, the most valuable player of last season's state tournament, ranks as the Crusaders' top returnee. Gordon, a 5-foot-11 forward, averaged 14.6 points and 10 rebounds a game last season.
Monty Pence (5-10, senior, guard, 9.7 ppg.) and Allen Surface (5-10, sophomore, forward, 6.2 ppg.) also return as starters. Last season's sixth man, sophomore center Scott Perfater (6-3, 3.7 ppg.) will step into the starting spot at center.
The shooting guard position falls to Brad Duncan, a 5-8 junior transfer from Pulaski County. Smith describes Duncan as a lightning-quick player with a knack for defense.
"We have a lot of players back and some good new kids," Smith said. "We should be looking at another good season."
GATEWAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 94-95 record:14-6 overall
Coach: Stanley "Shake" Smith, fourth year
Returning starters: Monty Pence, 5-10, sr., guard, 9.7 ppg.; Ryan Gordon, 5-11, sr., forward, 14.6 ppg., 10.0 rpg.; Allen Surface, 5-10, so., forward, 6.2 ppg.
Other key players: Scott Perfater, 6-3, so., center, 3.7 ppg.; Brad Duncan, 5-8, jr., guard; Chris Kintner, 5-9, so., guard; J.T. Surface, 5-11, sr., forward.
Outlook: Gateway returns three starters from last season's state championship squad, including state tournament MVP Ryan Gordon. The Crusaders, plagued by depth problems all of last season, will be able to take advantage of a deeper bench this season. Smith said the goal as always is to win regionals. This year the Crusaders should have an excellent shot.
LENGTH: Medium: 56 linesby CNB