THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 30, 1995 TAG: 9511300532
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Girls Basketball Preview
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
Could last year's top-ranked team and state semifinalist Kempsville get any better?
You better believe it.
The Chiefs, who held South Hampton Roads' No. 1 spot the entire season by going 22-0 against local teams and finishing with a 29-1 record, are just as good as they were last season, if not better, area coaches say.
``They're going to be much quicker,'' Salem coach Larry Bowman said. ``They're just as strong, if not stronger. They don't have that dominant post player, but they'll still put a lot of pressure on you.''
That pressure defense, Kempsville coach Greg Dunn said, will make up for the question marks in the paint left by the graduation of All-Tidewater Carrie Johnson, the team's top scorer, as well as her two backups in the post.
But there's four other reasons why the Chiefs will keep a stranglehold on the area and make more of a showing at the state playoffs: Charlette Fayton. Kristen Cholewa. Toni Patillo. Erin Duckett. The rest of Kempsville's starters are back.
``I think our experience at the region and state level will definitely help,'' Dunn said. ``Our perimeter is deeper and we've added a couple of good sophomores. This is the best defensive team I've ever coached. We'll be able to rely more on our press. We may give up more points than we did last year, but we're going to be able to create more points off our defense.''
If any area teams have a shot at ending Kempsville's unbeaten streak, it's Salem and Princess Anne.
The Sun Devils have Tidewater Player of the Year Misty Colebank, who's signed with James Madison, and Kelly King, an Adams State signee and second team All-Tidewater pick, plus talented freshman Michelle Garcia.
For Princess Anne, Suwanna Taylor returns at the point and Rasheda Rogers in the frontcourt. Throw in shining freshman guard Okeisha Howard and the Cavs could mix things up.
But the Beach is strong - seven of the 10 teams could make a run at the district title.
``People are forgetting that we had a big experience advantage last year,'' Dunn said. ``A lot of teams have their whole teams back this year.''
The better teams in the Southeastern District are also stocked with returning starters.
Great Bridge, behind Lashelle Griffin, Kalisha Brown and Courtney Simons, is the favorite and boasts eight returnees. The Wildcats have plenty of experience and their depth should give them staying power.
Churchland and Oscar Smith should battle it out for second place, although the Truckers have the edge with Nicole Council, one of the area's purest shooters. She can take her game inside, but behind the 3-point arc is where she's most dangerous.
The Tigers return six from the district tournament championship team and won a division crown in a summer league. If Krystal Johnson and Starr Parker come through, Oscar Smith will be in the thick of the title race.
In the Eastern District, Lake Taylor has the edge with Juritus and Tasha Thompson and plenty of other returnees from last year's regular-season championship team. Maury and Booker T. Washington should also be in the race. by CNB