THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 1, 1995 TAG: 9512010384
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Boys Basketball Preview
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Losing 12 players last season didn't stop Nansemond River from winning a state championship.
That gives the Warriors, who return Group AA player of the year Antoine Willie and all-state forward Montoria Valentine, even higher expectations in their final Bay Rivers season before moving with Lakeland to Group AAA and the Southeastern District.
Coaches agree that four teams - Lakeland, Southampton, Franklin and Bruton - will be in a tight contest for second.
NANSEMOND RIVER Coach: Spencer Mayfield
Last season: 26-2 overall, 13-1 district
Impact players: Montoria Valentine, 6-3, senior guard-forward; Antoine Willie, 6-1, junior guard; Maurice Fofana, 6-0, senior guard; LaShawn Pugh, 6-5, senior forward; Randell White, 6-4, senior forward.
Newcomers to watch: Leroy Skinner, 5-6, junior guard; Reginald Holloman, 5-7, senior guard; Karron Riddick, 5-11, senior guard.
Outlook: Perhaps the only thing that can stop the Warriors from winning a district and state title is overconfidence. They're solid at each position and have a load of talent coming off the bench. Willie averaged 27.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists in the regular season, then broke the state tournament scoring record.
LAKELAND Coach: John Fuller
Last season: 17-8 overall, 12-2 district
Impact players: Brian Baker, 5-10, senior guard; Amon Cross, 5-11, senior guard; Herman Knight, 6-3, sophomore forward; Damon Tillery, 6-4, junior forward; John Ricks, 6-7, senior center; James Pruden, 6-0, senior guard.
Newcomers to watch: Terard Sessoms, 5-8, freshman guard; Aubrey Everett, 6-3, sophomore forward; Earl White, 5-7, freshman guard.
Outlook: The Cavaliers, whose returnees each started several games last year, could emerge from the pack if they can stay consistent. Their tough early-season schedule includes five Group AAA teams.
SOUTHAMPTON Coach: Randy Jesse
Last season: 11-11 overall, 10-6 district
Impact players: Shawn Tann, 6-4, senior guard; Rodney Darden, 6-4, senior guard; Brad Davis, 5-10, senior guard; Greg Scott, 6-5, sophomore forward; Larry Woodley, 5-10, junior guard; Anthony Wiggins, 6-0, senior forward.
Newcomers to watch: Rico Ivey, 6-0, junior guard; Hank Fuller, 6-4, junior center; Jesse Scoggins, 5-10, senior guard.
Outlook: The Indians are experienced, with four returnees having scored 10 points or more per game last season.
FRANKLIN Coach: James Jones
Last season: 17-10 overall, 8-6 district
Impact players: Sidney Gainey, 6-2, senior guard; Antonio Hines, 6-0 senior guard.
Newcomers to watch: Lee Eughart, 6-5, sophomore forward; Andy Page, 6-6, sophomore center; Larry Person, 6-0, freshman guard.
Outlook: Gainey, who averaged 19.6 points last season, will be looked upon to carry a relatively inexperienced team.
SMITHFIELD Coach: Jonathan Penn
Last season: 3-17 overall, 2-12 district
Impact players: Derek Carter, 6-2, senior forward; Daryl Savage, 6-2, senior forward; Carlos Parker, 6-0, senior guard; Javaar Pitman, 5-11, senior guard; Dwayne Wilson, 6-2, senior guard.
Newcomers to watch: Andre Thompson, senior forward; Daryl Blevins, sophomore guard.
Outlook: The Packers will fast break to offset their lack of size and depth. by CNB