THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 29, 1994 TAG: 9412240134
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, COMPASS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
Not since the days of Dexter Reid back in 1976 when Granby finished 20-1 have the Comets jumped to an 8-0 record to start the season. And prior to that, it happened only once before when hot-handed Lefty Driesell led Granby to a Cinderella story year and an upset victory over Newport News in the 1950 state championship.
Much to the surprise of Eastern district hoops watchers, Comet coach Jim Harvey has matched the mystical teams of old with his team's early 8-0 run.
Despite the fact that a 81-45 victory over Northeastern (N.C.) Wednesday night put the 1994-95 Comets in the Granby record books with the likes of Driesell and Reid, Harvey insists on keeping things in perspective.
``We have 12 games left,'' he said. ``So we're not real excited (about the streak).
``But we have a lot of heart and that's making all the difference. They're not going to give up. They're scrappers and they're winners.''
For Harvey, whose team has yet to play a district game, it's still too early in the year to predict how far the Comets will go. And even though he says the Comets aren't paying much mind to the streak, he still isn't taking any chances.
``Our first district game is January 13,'' he said. ``That's Friday, January 13th. I hope there's no black cats around and I sure won't be walking under any ladders.''
CLASH OF THE TITANS: Also off to an impressive start is John Kelly's 5-1 Lake Taylor team. The Titans, predicted to finish fourth in the Eastern district, are led by sophomore Toot Young and senior Reggie Hawkins, who have combined for 150 of the Titans 403 points.
So, what's the secret of first-year head coach Kelly, who played professionally with the New Jersey Nets and has coached in the college ranks?
``I'm used to winning,'' he said. ``And I'm not satisfied with anything but winning. They were very competitive the last two years, but they played a slower tempo. The kids are all enthusiastic about playing up-tempo this year.''
Must be. The Titans have average 70.6 points a game when they win, holding their opponents to just 51.
``The best thing is that this team is well-balanced,'' Kelly added. ``We've had eight different guys score in double figures. I'm trying to sell them this team concept thing. I can be pretty hard, but they've responded.''
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: With the surprise resignation of Norfolk Collegiate boys basketball coach Larry Schwab, who stepped down after just four games citing personal reasons, athletic director Larry Swearingen's return to coaching has gotten off to a rocky start.
Swearingen and the Oaks had only four practices but played a grueling seven games in the first week.
``It's been a slow process with the kids,'' Swearingen said. ``But they've been very receptive and cooperative to the new system. There was nothing wrong with coach Schwab's system. I just wasn't capable of coaching it.
``Basically, we're looking at our TCIS schedule. I think we'll be very competitive and surprise a lot of people. Offensively we can play with anybody.''
With Swearingen's past record - 152-97 in 11 years as the girl's varsity coach, including a league championship - the Oaks could easily be among the top finishers in the conference despite their slow start.
``We're gearing up for our opener against Walsingham on Jan. 3 and Peninsula Catholic on the 6th,'' Swearingen said. ``The league is wide open after Nansemond-Suffolk.''
WINTER BASEBALL: Tidewater Pro Sports Camps will be offering four winter baseball camps beginning in January.
The Atlanta Braves pitching clinic, featuring Braves head pitching coach Les Mazzone will be held Jan. 6, 7 and 8th for ages 13 and over. Space is limited to 30 participants. The cost is $150 for 8 hours of instruction.
A pre-season conditioning program, consisting of weight-training, endurance conditioning, throwing mechanics and hitting, will be offered from Jan. 15 to March 5 at the Elite Academy. Cost is $120.
Johnny Grubb of the Detroit Tigers will be featured at a hitting clinic on January 28 and February 7. Cost for six hours of hitting instruction is $60.
A spring academy will run from February 12 to April 2. All aspects of baseball will be covered for ages 8-12. Cost for the eight week camp is $200.
All camps will be held at Greenbrier Christian Academy.
For more information, please contact Gary Lavelle at 467-3677 or Towny Townsend at 482-4414 or Ted Doughtrey at 547-8006. by CNB