THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 13, 1994 TAG: 9407130591
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: HAMPTON LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
The East coaches got virtually everything they wanted in Tuesday's inaugural Virginia High School Coaches Association girls volleyball game.
Everything, that is, except a victory.
The West rallied from a 7-1 deficit in the final game and scored the final eight points to win, 15-8, 6-15, 5-15, 15-8, 15-10.
Volleyball's debut as an all-star sport, featuring an enthusiastic crowd, high-level play and a rousing finale, exceeded expectations.
``We were hoping at the least we'd have five games,'' said Western Branch's Jim Stanko, a member of the East coaching staff. ``It was our first time out, and we didn't want a three-game blowout. And we got five exciting games. The only thing we didn't get was a victory.''
The West was led by Abingdon setter Kelly Weddle, who claimed team most valuable player honors. Robert E. Lee setter Ashley Lowman was the East MVP.
Western Branch's Annyce Treherne and Kellam's leaping Latisha Brewer represented South Hampton Roads on the East squad. Brewer, an alternate and a late addition to the final roster, was especially effective at spiking, surprising since she's only 5-5.
NO BREAKS: Menchville forward Misty Hart received good news when she learned the ankle injury she suffered in Monday's girls basketball all-star game was a severe sprain, not a break.
``Everything's going to be fine,'' Menchville coach Phil Forbes said. ``I saw her today and she's got a walking splint that she'll be wearing for three weeks.
``She's got crutches, too, but she told me she's done away with those already.''
Hart will play for ODU this fall.
LESS IS MORE: The East football squad is looking to break a four-game all-star losing streak by practicing smarter, not longer.
``The West is spending more time in practice, but we're getting a lot done in less time,'' said Cox lineman John Dellinger, a JMU recruit.
``We'll be ready,'' Smithfield lineman Ricardo Crocker (Hargrave Military Academy) added.
The players said Indian River quarterback/safety Tony Morrison (Virginia Tech) and Norcom lineman David Turner (Butler Community College) have emerged as the team's leaders.
``They're the ones getting everyone going,'' Crocker said.
The game will be played Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Darling Stadium.
COACHING NEWS: Former Granby three-time state wrestling champion Joe Boone, a disciple of legendary coach Billy Martin Sr., said he's set to take over the struggling Comets' program this fall, Granby athletic director Marty Bechtol said.
Former Granby coach James Lee resigned earlier this year.
``A lot of people tell me I'm crazy (to take the Granby job),'' Boone said. ``But a lot of people told me I was crazy to think I would be a state champion. Let them laugh. We'll turn this thing around.''
Poquoson head football coach John Ceminara, a former captain of the William and Mary team, has also resigned and will resurface as a Granby assistant, Bechtol said.
``I'm excited,'' Bechtol said. ``These are two quality people, and we're fortunate to have them both.''
Boone, 46, wrestled at Oklahoma, was the head coach at Tennessee for five years and became an Oklahoma assistant before moving into private business. He returned to coaching last year and led Poquoson to a second-place finish in the Group AA state tournament. by CNB