THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 2, 1994 TAG: 9412020712
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
The coaches in the Eastern District qualify almost all talk of title contenders by saying, ``Look out for Granby.'' While Booker T. and Maury are traditionally the Eastern powers, this could be the year of the power shift.
The Bookers can shoot. Maury has its starting five back. But the pure athleticism and size of Granby is, at the very least, intimidating.
1993-94 champion: Booker T. Washington.
Predicted order of finish: 1. Booker T. Washington. 2. Granby. 3. Maury. 4. Lake Taylor. 5. Norview.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
Coach: Barry Hamler.
Last season: 18-5 overall, 6-2 district (1st)
Impact players: Kenny Brown, 6-foot-1 senior guard; Dewayne Jacobs, 6-2 junior forward; Shawn Wilson, 6-4 senior guard-forward
Newcomers to watch: Ashley Berry, 6-1 senior guard; Michael Basnight, 6-3 senior forward
Outlook: This could be Hamler's shortest cast ever, but the Bookers can run and shoot. Their quickness could chop down sizable opposition. Brown, a first-team All-Tidewater pick, and Berry are dangerous 3-point bombers. A pair of 6-3 forwards, senior Brian Parker and junior George Wilson, will be asked to give interior support.
GRANBY
Coach: Jim Harvey.
Last season: 9-10 overall; 5-3 district (tied for 2nd)
Impact players: Shawn Hobson, 6-5 senior guard-forward; Rashard Russell, 6-0 junior guard; Toweh Ketter, 6-7 senior forward
Newcomers to watch: Clifton Townes, 6-8 junior center-forward; Richardo Trevisan, 6-9 junior forward
Outlook: The Comets have college-type size and quality depth. Hobson led the district in scoring last year at 17.8 points per game and was a second-team All-Tidewater pick. Forwards Delando Mercer, Tiran Matthews and guards Anthony King, Milton Hyman and Antoine Upshur give Harvey a Blue team to go with his White team, like the old University of North Carolina squads. Hobson and Russell must show leadership.
MAURY
Coach: Jack Baker.
Last season: 15-9 overall, 5-3 district (tied for 2nd).
Impact players: Shaun Jackson, 6-6 senior forward; Ike Richardson, 6-1 junior guard; Ray Heard, 6-3 senior center.
Newcomers to watch: Alton Dance, 6-7 junior forward.
Outlook: The Commodores may have the luxury of moving Jackson from big forward to a more natural small forward if Dance can provide quality inside play. Richardson made huge strides over the summer and should increase Maury's offensive effectiveness. Tommy Spruill and Todd Davidson also return. The Commodores' weakness could be lack of depth.
LAKE TAYLOR
Coach: John Kelly.
Last season: 10-12 overall, 2-6 district (4th).
Impact players: Reggie Hawkins, 5-11 senior guard; Mike West, 6-3 senior forward.
Newcomers to watch: Brian Kelly, 6-2 senior forward; Alturis ``Toot'' Young, 6-2 sophomore guard; Antonio Harrell, 6-4 sophomore center-forward.
Outlook: The improving Titans have a great deal of senior leadership, but will be adjusting to a new style under a new coach. Hawkins brings experience, so do senior forwards Calvin Morris and Lamar Brown, who will join West up front. Look for the Titans to run more.
NORVIEW
Coach: Darnell Miller.
Last season: 12-11 overall, 2-6 district (4th)
Impact players: Corey Ricks, 6-1 senior guard; Ben Fenner, 5-8 senior guard.
Newcomers to watch: Dennis Anderson, 6-1 sophomore guard.
Outlook: The Pilots have been out-sized before, but have made up it with quickness. There's a new coach, but the philosophy won't change drastically. The Pilots lack experience all around. But 6-4 juniors Lauren Edmonds and Chuck Barnes lend some inside size. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
GARY KNAPP/File
Maury's Ike Richardson, at left checking Indian River's Shawn Hobson
last year, looks to spark the Commodores this season.
by CNB