ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, March 2, 1997 TAG: 9703040006
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: ANGIE WATTS STAFF WRITER
There was pandemonium Friday night when the buzzer sounded at the Dedmon Center. Hordes of Glenvar High School boys' basketball fans stormed the court in celebration of the Highlanders' 52-46 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 Highlanders' stars, with a mass of fellow students following close behind. The victory qualifies Glenvar for the state tournament, and sets up its fourth meeting of the season with rival Floyd County for the Region C title today.
``It was a nail-biter, but we've had a lot of those,'' said Art Lawrence, Glenvar's coach. ``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 90 seconds of the extra period swapping free throws. Parry McCluer guard Robert Snider dropped in the first field goal of overtime with 2:13 remaining on a short jumper to forge a 43-42 lead.
Glenvar's Bryan Fasnacht launched a 3-point shot that banged off the back 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 at 46 and 29 seconds to play, Parry McCluer guard Chad Coffey was bringing the ball upcourt. Pressured by senior Josh Williamson, Coffey made a quick attempt at a chest-pass to get the ball into the hands of a teammate, but the ball was intercepted by Noonkester. The 6-foot-5 sophomore lofted a pass to Fasnacht, who kissed the ball high off the glass for a 48-46 Highlanders lead with 19 seconds 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 a timeout with nine seconds left to set up a final play. Disaster struck seconds later, when senior David Coleman inbounded to a heavily pressured Coffey. The sophomore signaled for timeout with six seconds on the clock, not realizing Parry McCluer had used its two timeouts of the overtime period.
Williamson sank both free throws on the resulting technical foul, sealing the victory for Glenvar.
``I feel really bad for a sophomore to do that,'' said Nelson Fox, the Blues' coach. ``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 also had 12 points for the Highlanders. 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: 69 linesby CNB