ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, February 26, 1997 TAG: 9702260102
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: DUBLIN
SOURCE: ANGIE WATTS STAFF WRITER
MEMO: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.
They just couldn't stand still. As the national anthem blared over the public address system at Pulaski County High School, all five starters on the girls' basketball team jumped with anticipation. They wiggled. Bounced. Anything to keep moving.
And when the tip went up in the quarterfinal round of the Northwest Region tournament, it was more of the same.
The Roanoke Valley District champions used a tenacious defense to create turnover after turnover en route to a 69-44 victory over the Albemarle Patriots, runners-up in the Western District.
``Most of the time this year we've played that same type of aggressive defense,'' said coach Buddy Farris, whose Cougars have surrendered 60 points or more in only three games all season. ``It's sort of carried us all year, and it really came through for us again tonight.''
Perhaps Pulaski County was motivated by more than the excitement of a regional contest. It may have been sparked by memories of an earlier meeting. The Cougars and Patriots squared off twice during the regular season, both Pulaski County victories. But the last meeting, just weeks ago, was decided by only three points.
``We were ready for this one,'' Farris said. ``The last time we played them we just didn't execute well, and we didn't want that to happen again. They do a great job switching up their defense and causing us problems.''
That may have been the case earlier in the season, but the Cougars encountered few problems Tuesday night - on defense or otherwise. After falling behind by four early, Pulaski County took its first lead of the game, 6-4, on a baseline jumper by sophomore guard Katrina Williams.
Pulaski County extended its lead throughout the first half, heading into the locker room with a 30-20 advantage.
``Turnovers killed us tonight,'' said Anita Jenkins, the Albemarle coach. ``We were slow on defense at times, and against a team like Pulaski that's so quick, you just can't afford that.''
Senior guard Lisa Skeens paced Pulaski County with 12 points, and Williams added 11. All 11 Cougars put points on the board.
Forward Angel Johnson led Albemarle with a game-high 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field.
``I think our bench is one of our biggest assets,'' Farris said. ``We have so many players who can come in off the bench and not lose a beat. Tonight we played all 11 without dropping a step.
``I think that's what really helps us late in the games. Our bench is doing the work when a lot of other teams don't have that kind of depth.''
Pulaski County will need every bit of that depth when it plays host to George Washington-Danville on Thursday in a regional semifinal. Starting center Sarah Donald, who has been a big contributor for the Cougars all season, was taken to the hospital in the fourth quarter with an injured right foot.
``She's had trouble with that foot all year,'' Farris said. ``But my fear is that she may have broken it this time. We may very well have to go shorthanded Thursday.''
NOTE: please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Medium: 64 linesby CNB