THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 25, 1995 TAG: 9506230186
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 32 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
Larry Bowman was faced with a dilemma right after the Salem softball team's Eastern Region semifinal victory that put the Sun Devils in the Group AAA state tournament.
He could go to Paris with center fielder and basketball point guard Misty Colebank for an international AAU basketball tournament or stick around and play in the region final.
No choice.
Going to Paris on an all expenses-paid trip wins hands down.
``It was tremendous, unbelievable,'' Bowman said. ``And Misty played terrific.''
Unfortunately, the Sun Devils lost to Booker T. Washington in the softball final and had to travel to Richmond for the Group AAA state quarterfinals, where they lost to Mills Godwin.
But you have to take your opportunities where you can.
``It's too bad, though, that we came back a day early to be at the softball game and it got rained out until the next day,'' Bowman said.
``We could have stayed for the Monday game. We were playing for third place.''
Colebank was part of an East Coast AAU team selected by Boo Williams and the Philadelphia area director.
Bowman was asked to assist with the coaching duties.
Colebank, a rising senior, was one of only two underclassmen selected for the U.S. team that beat Greece and Italy and lost to Sweden and Croatia in overtime.
She will be asked to return next year.
``She did very well,'' Bowman said. ``The other point guard was a Parade All-American heading for UNC, but Misty still played quite a bit.
``I think she was nervous at first, but she realized she could play with these girls and started opening up.''
The team had trouble, at first, dealing with international rules and the often more physical style of play.
``We were the only team not used to those things, so it took us a while,'' Bowman said. ``But we were asked back for next year and it will be an honor.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Larry Bowman
Helped coach team
Misty Colebank
Played on AAU team
by CNB