THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 16, 1994 TAG: 9412160700
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
There weren't many surprises as the 1994-95 season got into full swing this week. However, a few people are making an unexpected impact in the world of South Hampton Roads girls basketball.
To no wonder, Kempsville continued to shine with three victories - two by more than 50 points and another over defending state champion Salem.
So, what makes the Chiefs so tough to beat? For starters, the offense is averaging 76 points a game while the relentless defense, which includes full-court man-to-man pressure, is allowing the opponents a slim 27.
The area's second-ranked team, Churchland, did, however, get a big surprise this week. Junior Nicole Council, who has been on the back burner to Kizzy Butler these past few years, is closing in on her teammate as the Truckers' and the Southeastern District's top scorer.
Deep Creek's Tamara Sivels is tied with Council for second in scoring in the Southeastern District and is making an unexpected contribution to the Hornets. Michelle Boyd, who has signed to play at Norfolk State next year, has been Deep Creek's top gun the last three years, but is playing second to her 5-foot-10 teammate these days.
Freshman Juritas Thompson has turned a few heads in the Eastern District with 40 points in her first three starts. And, after recovering from a hand injury, Shwante Snead is back to her old self again. Despite Maury's 1-6 record, Snead posted 27, 20 and 21 points in her last three outings.
As for team turnarounds, Princess Anne has tripled last year's win column with the addition of three new transfers and a seasoned veteran in Rasheda Rogers. The junior has made her team 3-1 and undefeated in Beach play after last year's sinking 0-20 record. The 5-foot-7 guard is so hot that she even netted a hook shot from halfcourt with 2.1 seconds remaining in overtime to lift the Cavs over First Colonial.
It's early, but if Rogers' play is any indication of how Princess Anne will fare, she could make her team the Beach's dark horse.
DOUBLE TROUBLE: Fifteen players from 11 teams have scored in double figures in every game. Second-ranked Churchland, No. 9 Bayside and First Colonial each have two players scoring more than 10 a game to lead the pack.
Nicole Council has 52 points in three games for the Truckers while her highly touted teammate, Kizzy Butler, has 55. The Marlins' Caroline Zanelli and Kristy Bryant each have 28 points in two appearances. The Patriots are led by Katie Walters' 57 points and Tanya Laffkas' 47.
But the area's steadiest scorer is Leanna Lillefloren. Though the Stallions have only one victory, the senior has reeled off 30, 25, 18 and 28 in four straight games to lead the area with 25.2 per outing.
Others with double digits in every game are Deep Creek's Tamara Sivels, Tallwood's Amy White, Booker T.'s Cheria Askew, Lake Taylor's Rayray Johnson, Kellam's Anne Marie Bowdoin, Salem's Misty Colebank, Kempsville's Carrie Jonnson and Wilson's Latoya Owens.
SISTER ACT: Despite scoring a game-high 17 points and leading her team to a a key victory over defending state champion Salem Tuesday night, Kempsville's Carrie Johnson was a little disappointed.
``I didn't get to pack my little sister,'' the 6-2 senior center said of her 5-8 sibling, Meagan, who's a starter for the Sun Devils.
``But I'm really proud of her anyway,'' she added.
Meagan, a freshman, has a waiver to attend Salem because of Kempsville's block scheduling and is enjoying the fringe benefits of playing for a team and coach with a long history of excellence.
Even though the Chiefs are expected to make a run for Salem's state title, Carrie and Meagan are sure to pound the driveway for the Johnson family basketball crown.
ON THE TUBE: Tidewater Amateur Sports - channel 11 on cable access - will pick up two games from the Beach Tipoff Classic which continues today at Green Run.
Thursday's game between Granby and Green Run and the Ocean Lakes-Elizabeth Seton game will be tape-delayed and air Saturday. Check local listings for the time.
``It's a great opportunity for the kids to get exposure,'' said Green Run coach Jim Grigsby, who is hosting the showcase. ``The purpose of the tournament is to get these kids in tournament-style play and allow them to be seen by college coaches.''
Grigsby contacted more than 73 coaches and expects several from all three divisions to attend. by CNB