ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, December 29, 1995 TAG: 9512290081
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
Future opponents beware: Riverside is a second-quarter team.
The Durham, N.C.-based Pirates defeated Salem 69-53 for the NationsBank Holiday Hoops Classic title Thursday at the Salem Civic Center.
A late rush in the final two minutes of the first half turned a two-point Riverside deficit (28-26) into a 10-point advantage (38-28) at intermission.
For the third consecutive day, Riverside's play during the second quarter foreshadowed the game's outcome. The Pirates (9-0) outscored Franklin County, Northside, and Salem by an average of nine points during the second period. Riverside's average margin of victory was 15.7 points.
``We like [to implement] a full-court zone press in the second and fourth quarters when the situation dictates,'' Riverside coach Larry Parrish said. ``Of course, there has to be an element of surprise for it to be successful.''
After two days of close observation, Salem anticipated what was coming, but still failed to handle the pressure.
``We panicked,'' Salem coach Charlie Morgan said. ``That was the difference in the ball game.''
Salem junior Marshall Wooldridge converted a three-point play to give the Spartans (3-3) their final lead of the game (28-26) at the 2:10 mark of the second period.
Riverside then held Salem scoreless while converting baskets on six consecutive possessions before the half. During the decisive run, Riverside got two baskets each from Marc McPhatter and Antoine Morman, and one each from Mark Green and Ben Olbon.
Playing his bench extensively, Parrish guided Riverside to its biggest lead (49-32) late in the third quarter.
Salem rallied in the final period, but got no closer than 56-47.
``One advantage we have over most opponents is depth,'' Parrish said. ``I think that was especially true today.'' Thirteen Pirates played, and 10 scored. Only two reached double figures, McPhatter (the game's leading scorer with 17 points) and Morman (12).
``I'm sure our players were thrilled to be in the championship game,'' said Morgan, whose team defeated Glenvar on Tuesday and knocked off previously unbeaten William Byrd on Wednesday.
``But to go to the next level we need to be able to compete with teams like [Riverside]. After this experience, we might just beat a team or two at this level. So in the long run, today was good for us.''
Wooldridge was Salem's leading scorer with 12 points. Eric Grinnell added 10 points, while 3-point threats Andy Beach and Sam Lazzaro Jr. contributed eight points each.
This was Riverside's first appearance in Salem's Christmas-week tournament. Parrish said his team was invited because of his association with Salem assistant coach Richard Morgan.
Their relationship dates to the early '80s at summer camps.
``This was a nice tournament,'' Parrish said. ``We were fortunate to win. And as I told our guys, it's either play in this tournament or practice all week. They were happy to be in the tournament.''
RIVERSIDE (69)
McPhatter 7 3-3 17, Morman 6 0-0 12, Daye 4 0-2 9, Olbon 3 1-1 7, Henderson 0 1-2 1, Stewart 0 1-2 1, Hicks 1 0-0 2, Holmes 1 2-2 4, Wiley 3 2-2 8, Green 3 2-2 8. Totals 28 12-16 69.
SALEM (53)
Wooldridge 5 1-1 12, Beach 2 2-2 8, Thomas 1 3-4 5, Lewis 3 1-4 7, Lazzaro 3 0-2 8, Grinnell 4 2-2 10, Williams 1 0-0 2, Hall 0 1-5 1. Totals 19 10-20 53.
Riverside 13-25-14-17-69
Salem 12-16-9-16-53
Three-point goals: Daye, Beach 2, Lazzaro 2, Wooldridge. Fouled out: None. Total fouls: Riverside 17, Salem 14.
LENGTH: Medium: 74 linesby CNB