THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 22, 1995 TAG: 9501200189
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 29 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY GARY EDWARDS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
Sometimes less is more.
With the Dec. 12 decrease in greens fees at city-owned golf courses has come an increase in the number of golfers.
``It has been well-received. The golfers seem to appreciate it,'' said Phil Stewart, the city's head golf professional. ``They came to us and said other courses had done this, so we're doing it.''
Municipal courses had reduced winter fees in years past, but abandoned the cost-cutting last winter, Stewart said. The winter green fees will be in place until March 31.
So for now, 18 holes of golf at Red Wing Lake that costs $20 from March 31 until mid-December now goes for $17. At Kempsville Greens, the in-season rate of $18 has dropped to $15; at Bow Creek, the $17 fee is now $14. Golf-cart prices have been decreased correspondingly. Renting transportation for 18 holes costs $16 during the spring and summer. You can ride those same 18 now for $14. If you want to play nine holes, you can travel for a dollar less, $7 instead of $8.
Hoopsville at Great Neck: The Norfolk Senior Jaguars took the 15- and 16-year-old division title at the Annual Boys Basketball Tournament at the Great Neck Community Recreation Center late last month.
Most valuable player Errick Robinson led the Jaguars to the championship. The Green Run Trailblazers finished second.
Darren Douglas of the Larkspur/Salem Blue Devils was voted best defensive player. Thf the Trailblazers, Jason Young of the Princess Anne Plaza Rockets, Mario Smith of the Razorbacks, Kevin Alig and Matt Keenan of the Woodstock Tarheels and John Miller of the Larkspur/Salem Hoosiers.
In the 13- and 14-year-old bracket, Great Neck Magic won the title. Nick Westermeyer of the Magic earned MVP honors and Mike O'Hare of the Courthouse Spurs claimed the best defensive player award.
Brian Delaney of the Spurs, John Curry of the Courthouse Wildcats, C.J. Clemons and Bobby Olson of the Larkspur/Salem Bulls and Brannon Thomas of the Magic made the All-Star team.
And the ball keeps bouncing: The Great Neck Wildcats won the championship of the Youth Basketball Tournament at Kempsville Community Recreation Center played the same weekend.
The Wildcats, coached by Ray Mattes, beat the Kings Grant Knicks, 33-8, to claim the title. Phil Quam led Great Neck in scoring with 10 points. Other Wildcats players were: Pat Ryan, Jarrett Fitz, Graham Hall, Russ Sneed, John Young, Brian Langboard, Ray Mattes Jr. and Kenny Donovan.
``Trophies were presented to players from both the championship and runner-up teams,'' said Jimmy Butts, who ran the tournament.
And even more roundball: Youth and adult recreation basketball is in full swing with 31 adult and more than 200 youth teams currently in action.
Playing at various school gyms in a neighborhood near you, the teams began the 1995 indoor hoops season Jan. 9.
``There are tons of youth teams,'' said Shannon Cox, athletic supervisor for the Department of Parks and Recreation. ``We have 101 teams in the 10- to 12-year-old division alone.''
Rich Sauls supervises the youth leagues, while Cox handles the adults.
The adult league is divided into divisions for men's A, men's B, church and public service. The big guys began play at Salem Middle School on Monday night.
One team is composed of teachers and coaches.
``Their team name is `Old & Slow,' '' Cox said. ``But they're confident. They're playing in the A league.''
Basketball, pizza and prizes: A team composed of Casey Ireland, Damian Ricks, Juan Sanders, Kenny and Deshawn Dunbar won all the above when they took the championship of the Teen Basketball Challenge Tournament at The Bow Creek Center.
The tournament featured players 13-17.
Upcoming events:
The department will hold adult open gymnasium basketball programs at several locations running through March 31. The gyms will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and the fee is $2 each visit. The program is for players 18 and older. For information, call 471-5884.
The department will hold BASIC (Beginner Athlete Sports Instruction Clinic) for ages 8-14 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 28, at the Kempsville center. For information, call 474-8492.
An adult 3-point shootout for 18-over will be held at 8 p.m. Feb. 13. Registration is $3. For information, call 474-8492. by CNB