ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 10, 1996 TAG: 9602120078
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
SPARTANS SOPHOMORE scores final five points as Salem beats William Byrd for third time this season.
Salem High School's basketball team found a new method of putting William Byrd into its misery Friday night.
In a six-second span, Spartans sophomore Sammy Lazzaro scored the final five points of the game, lifting Salem to a 68-64 victory in a Blue Ridge District contest.
With his team trailing 64-63, Lazzaro took a feed on the baseline from Andy Beach for the go-ahead basket with 8.8 seconds remaining. The 5-foot-8 Lazzaro was fouled by Byrd's Chris Childress (6-foot-21/2) on the score, and he converted the three-point play. Lazzaro also made two more free throws (on four attempts) in the game's final moments to secure the win.
It was Salem's third consecutive win over the Terriers this season. Byrd, the fifth-ranked team in Timesland, is 12-1 against other opposition.
Salem's record is 10-7 overall, 6-1 in the district. Byrd's record stands at 12-4, 3-3.
Lazzaro's heroics overshadowed two technical fouls and a game ejection of Byrd coach Paul Barnard.
Barnard was slapped with his second technical with 5.9 seconds left. After Lazzaro gave Salem a 66-64 lead, Byrd inbounded the ball to guard Mayo Wilson, who was whistled for a double-dribble as he crossed mid-court.
A timeout was immediately called, and Barnard strolled onto the court while glaring at the officials, extending his arms and holding his palms upward. Barnard was given a technical, although he maintained that he said nothing and was preparing to discuss strategy in his team's huddle.
``I thought [Wilson] was bumped, but we didn't get the call,'' Barnard said.
Lazzaro made the first of the two technical free throws, and then repeated the sequence when he was fouled on the ensuing inbounds play.
``That was awful tough for a sophomore,'' Salem coach Charlie Morgan said. ``But a lot of our players who weren't proven at the varsity level early on this season have stepped up. It's a learning process.''
``I just happened to get open and Andy found me underneath,'' Lazzaro said, describing his three-point play. ``Then I just tried to shield the ball with my body and go up strong.''
Salem's Herschel -, also a sophomore, was the game's high scorer with 22 points. Thomas, who missed his first five shots from the field, made seven of his last 10, and all six of his second-half free throws.
The game was close throughout. Byrd's largest first-half lead was eight points (24-16), but Salem closed the second period with a flourish to lead 30-29 at the half.
The game was tied five times in the third quarter and included seven lead changes. Wilson put Byrd ahead 51-50 with a runner at the third period's conclusion.
Childress, who was averaging 27.3 points per game, injured his right ankle and had to leave the game at the 2:59 mark of the third period with the score tied at 41. When he returned from the locker room two minutes later with his ankle taped, Salem led 48-46.
``I thought Childress being out was the difference in the game,'' Morgan said.
``I don't think Childress' ankle affected us that much,'' Barnard said. ``He's a tough kid, and he came back to score [seven] points in the fourth quarter.'' Childress finished with 19 points.
The Spartans got 13 points from center Eric Grinnell, and 11 from forward Kwam Lewis. Other than Childress, no Terrier scored in double figures, although Jason Thomas came off the bench to score nine points.
Salem hosts Blue Ridge District leader Northside this afternoon, following the junior varsity game that starts at 2 p.m.
Barnard, who had not been given a technical in the past 41/2 years, said VHSL rules require him to sit out Byrd's Monday night game with Northside, unless he appeals the decision. Byrd plays Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday next week.
``But this isn't cancer, or leukemia, or liver disease,'' Barnard said. ``It's a game.''
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Medium: 79 linesby CNB