ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 27, 1995 TAG: 9512270102
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
Glenvar will have to wait for another day.
The heralded first basketball meeting between Group AA Salem and the Group A Highlanders, a pair of next-door neighbors, saw the host Spartans emerge with a 68-60 victory in the NationsBank Hoops Classic on Tuesday at the Salem Civic Center.
Salem takes on Blue Ridge District rival William Byrd tonight in a semifinal game at 7:45, while Glenvar goes after another big-time foe, Patrick Henry, this afternoon at 2:45.
Players from both teams acted matter-of-factly after the game.
``We wanted to step up and get it done. If they beat us, they'd have something to talk about,'' said Salem guard Herschel Thomas, who joined teammate Kwan Lewis in scoring 16 points, one more than reserve Scott Hall.
``There was some talk,'' said Glenvar guard Cory Willis, who also scored 16 points. ``We knew a lot of things that we had heard about them talking trash, and I'm sure they heard we were talking trash. But it was a friendly rivalry, and the thought was to try and beat a good team.''
Salem (2-2) broke on top 30-21 at the half, and though Glenvar (3-3) kept making runs at the Spartans, the Highlanders could get no closer than three points, which they did four times in the second half.
``We didn't spend a lot of time talking about Glenvar,'' Salem coach Charlie Morgan said. ``I think the guys know what they had to do, and that's what we concentrated on during the game.''
Glenvar coach Art Lawrence saw his club lose a third game this season to a Blue Ridge District team, but he figures it will make his club better by tournament time to play tough competition.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: WAYNE DEEL/Staff. Salem's Eric Millard (20) gets twistedby CNBup while trying to steal the ball from Glenvar's Josh Williamson.