ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, January 29, 1997 TAG: 9701290056
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: ANGIE WATTS STAFF WRITER
SALEM WINS 69-40 in its first trip to Christiansburg behind a strong press and key scoring by its reserves.
The buildup to the big one looks promising for Salem High School. With an impending date against Blue Ridge District leader William Byrd on Friday, the Spartans knew they first had to get the job done at Christiansburg on Tuesday night.
In impressive fashion, the Spartans (9-6 overall, 7-2 Blue Ridge) marched into the home of the Demons and took control. The Spartans jumped out to a 20-point lead by halftime and cruised to a 69-40 win.
Salem's first trip to Christiansburg was one it won't soon forget, thanks in part to a crowd of supporters that traveled with the Spartans and far outnumbered the Demons' fan base.
``The biggest thing they were allowed to do was double team and got a lot of steals off it,'' Christiansburg coach Gerald Thompson said. ``We had a lot of turnovers. That was basically the game.''
Leading 24-15 with 5:03 remaining in the second quarter, Salem tightened its defense. One fast break led to another for the Spartans, sparking a 16-5 run to end the half.
``I think our defensive pressure was real good tonight,'' Salem coach Charlie Morgan said. ``Plus we were able to contain them. You can apply all the pressure in the world but you have to be able to contain them too. Tonight we were able to do that, and to capitalize on their turnovers.''
Continuing to swarm defensively in the second half, the Spartans allowed just six field-goal attempts by the Demons (9-5, 4-4) the entire third period. After extending the lead to 47-23 with 5:06 left in the third, Morgan began clearing the bench. By the end of the third quarter, all the Spartans' starters were seated with their warm-ups on, cheering their teammates.
``It's always good to get the guys who don't get to play much in the game,'' Morgan said. ``And it's even better when they come in and do the things you're teaching them to do.''
Christiansburg was whistled for 16 second-half fouls, and 25 for the game. Salem picked up 17 fouls.
The Spartans capitalized on just 55 percent of their trips to the foul line, canning 17 of 31 for the night. Respectively, the Demons knocked down nine of their 17 attempts from the line for a 53 percent average.
Salem was paced by starting forward Kwan Lewis with a game-high 17 points. Reserve Sid Williams made the most of his minutes as well, notching 12 points.
Christiansburg's big man, Mike Kazee, led the Demons with eight points, but was shut out in the second half.
``This just wasn't a very good game,'' Thompson said. ``We just have to get ready for Friday night [against Blacksburg] and forget about this one.''
The Spartans, coming off back-to-back solid performances, including a 77-49 win over Blacksburg on Saturday, can turn their attention to William Byrd.
``I'm proud of the way this team didn't overlook tonight's game,'' Morgan said. ``It will be a big one Friday night, but we had to get this win first. We came here and just took care of business.''
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: ALAN KIM STAFF. Salem's Travis Richardson (left) andby CNBScott Carter (right) stop Christiansburg's Matt Reynolds under the
basket. color. KEYWORDS: BASKETBALL