ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, July 6, 1996 TAG: 9607080028
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KEITH POMPEY STAFF WRITER
It's funny how the perception of the Roanoke AAU boys' basketball organization changed.
When the Hawks first went to the Boys' AAU National Tournament in 1985, it was thought that a team from Roanoke couldn't survive against teams from Philadelphia, New York and Washington. The Roanokers not only survived, they have excelled.
On Sunday, Roanoke's 16-and-under team faces Lake Erie Gold Star (Mich.) in the first round of the 1996 nationals in Fayetteville, N.C. The Hawks (25-5) qualified by finishing second to Boo Williams (Hampton) in the state tournament.
``We have gotten respect,'' Roanoke coach Joe Gaither said. ``It's a good feeling when you can go up against teams from the Midwest, up North and the West Coast and they know who we are and that we can play. Our team has held our own against national competition.''
He's right.
In the organization's 11-year history, the Hawks have had at least one age-group team reach the nationals nine times. The best performance was the 17-and-under squad in 1988, which finished second in the nation to the Anfernee Hardaway-led Memphis YMCA. Hardaway is now a point guard for the NBA's Orlando Magic and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Dream Team.
This year's team feels it can do better.
``I think we can win it all,'' point guard William Hankins said. ``All we have to do is listen to what Coach Joe tells us."
The Hawks are led by Patrick Henry forward Boo Battle and Liberty guard Raymond Arrington. The 6-foot-5 Battle averages 18.5 points and 11 rebounds. Arrington, who is 6-3, averages 19 points.
LENGTH: Short : 40 linesby CNB