ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, March 1, 1997 TAG: 9703030113
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: ANGIE WATTS STAFF WRITER
There was pandemonium when the buzzer sounded at the Dedmon Center in Radford, as hordes of Glenvar High fans stormed the court in celebration of the Highlanders' 52-46 upset overtime victory over the state's top-ranked Group A team, Parry McCluer.
Students with G-L-E-N-V-A-R painted across their chests were the first to arrive at midcourt to tackle the Highlander stars, with a mass of fellow students following close behind. The win qualifies Glenvar for the state tournament, and sets up its fourth meeting of the season against rival Floyd County for the Region C title today.
"It was a nail-biter, but we've had a lot of those," Glenvar coach Art Lawrence said. "It says a lot for our players ... look at what we've done these last four games, knocking off teams with 18 and 20 wins.
"This team just keeps clawing and scratching and hanging in there and tonight was no exception. I guess you could say somebody's watching over us."
With the score knotted 40-40 at the end of regulation, the two teams spent the first minute and a half of the extra period swapping free throws. Parry McCluer guard Robert Snider dropped in the first field goal in overtime with 2:13 remaining on a short jumper for a 43-42 lead.
Glenvar's Bryan Fasnacht launched a 3-pointer that banged off the back corner of the rim, but was knocked home by Seth Noonkester.
Noonkester, who missed much of the regular season with a broken hip, finished with 12 points. But more important than his scoring total or his presence inside, was his alertness. With the score tied 46-46 with 29 seconds to play, Parry McCluer guard Chad Coffey was bringing the ball upcourt. Pressured by senior Josh Williamson, Coffey's quick attempt at a chest-pass to get the ball into the hands of a teammate was intercepted by Noonkester. The 6-5 sophomore lofted a pass to Fasnacht, who kissed the ball high off the glass for a 48-46 Highlander lead with :19 remaining.
"I thought Seth Noonkester did a heck of a job keeping us in the game," Lawrence said. "I think he surprised Parry McCluer - he's really now just getting back a lot of his mobility after the injury. And for a 6-5 kid he's awful agile."
The Fighting Blues worked the ball around the perimeter, but were unable to find a shot, and called for a timeout with :09 left to set up a final play. Disaster struck seconds later, when senior David Coleman inbounded to a heavily pressured Coffey. Coffey, a sophomore, signaled for timeout with :06 on the clock, not realizing Parry McCluer had already used its two timeouts of the overtime period.
Williamson sank both free throws on the ensuing technical foul, sealing the victory for Glenvar.
"I feel really bad for a sophomore to do that," Blues' coach Nelson Fox said. "It was just one of those things that could have happened to any individual. I'm just very proud of this group ... a bunch of overachievers who played with a lot of heart all year."
Fasnacht and Noonkester paced the Highlanders with 12 points apiece. Guard Donnie Wimmer added 10.
Glenvar was without the services of starting forward Chris Evans, who was serving a one-game suspension after being ejected in the quarterfinal round against George Wythe, but will return against Floyd.
"Let's face it, this team is playing well right now," Lawrence said. "And I think the fact that we're going to the state playoffs is going to be enough motivation for us "tonight against Floyd County." NOTE: please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Medium: 67 linesby CNB