ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, February 21, 1997 TAG: 9702210070
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
With 1:56 left in the third period of the Roanoke Valley District semifinal boys' basketball game between Patrick Henry and Pulaski County on Thursday night, the Cougars' Ronald Branch scored inside to give his team a 41-40 lead.
It appeared the Cougars, in the midst of a 16-8 run, might be primed for an upset and might avenge their two earlier losses to PH this season.
Not!
The Patriots, buoyed by leading scorers Boo Battle and Ronnie Kasey, went on an offensive tear, outscoring Pulaski by 26 points in the game's final nine minutes, dumping the Cougars 76-51 in the second game at the Salem Civic Center.
With the victory, PH (17-5) will vie for the district tournament championship at 9 tonight in a rematch with crosstown rival William Fleming, a 54-50 double-overtime winner against Cave Spring.
Fleming doubled the Patriots 72-36 on Monday night in a playoff game for the regular-season title. The Patriots and Colonels split two games during the season.
Was PH looking past the Cougars?
"I'm sure [Fleming] was on our players' minds,'' said PH coach Jack Esworthy, "but when we went down a point, the kids looked up at the scoreboard, and that was a good wake-up call.''
"We took a few shots that didn't go down,'' explained Pulaski coach Pat Burns. "And at the other end, they kept shooting until they made it. Our heads went down. .. It's a shame to lose when we played so well, but they're bigger, stronger, and don't quit until they make it.''
Pulaski finished its season 11-10.
Battle scored 10 of his game-high 25 points during the final period, and Kasey consecutively hit eight of his 17 points (including two 3-pointers) during a fourth-quarter two-minute spurt that increased PH's 10-point lead (53-43) to 16 (61-45).
"I knew we were going to win,'' Kasey said confidently. "I told Boo I was going to hit two 3's. Game over.''
Battle confirmed Kasey's prediction, and acknowledged he thought Kasey would back up his words. "After that Gar-Field game [when Kasey connected on three 3-pointers in the fourth period to force overtime in the NationsBank tournament], I believe he can do anything.''
"When Ronnie Kasey's hot,'' Esworthy said, "he can score a lot of points in a hurry. But Pulaski played a good game. They made plays when they had to.''
Kasey emerged as one of the best 3-point shooters in the district this season, but Thursday night he misfired on seven of his first eight attempts. "I wasn't worried,'' Kasey said.
Pulaski sophomore Dorian Hendricks, who led his team with 18 points, also defended Kasey for most of the game. Branch added 16 for the Cougars.
Patrick Henry led after each period, but couldn't put away the Cougars until the end. PH hit 14 of 20 free throws, while Pulaski was just 11-of-24.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: DON PETERSEN STAFF. Boo Battle of Patrick Henry grabs aby CNBrebound in front of Beau Feris of Pulaski County. Battle finished
with 25 points (ran in color in New River Valley edition.