THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 1, 1995 TAG: 9512010393
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Boys Basketball Preview
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
The school with the best boys basketball team in South Hampton Roads is named after a river and has an Indian-themed nickname.
But which river? And which nickname?
The Indian River Braves open the 1995-96 season ranked No. 1 in The Virginian-Pilot followed by the Nansemond River Warriors.
Indian River is coming off a 20-8 season punctuated by a stirring run to the Group AAA state semifinals. The Braves led nationally-ranked Potomac by five points with four minutes to play before bowing 63-58 to the eventual champion.
Indian River is led by 6-foot-7 sophomore Jason Capel, perhaps the best rebounder in the area, and returns its top four scorers.
Nansemond River was even more successful last season. It surged to a 26-2 record that crested with a Group AA state championship.
The Warriors boast two all-state players in guard Antoine Willie and forward Montoria Valentine.
Two teams this talented should be dreaming about going undefeated. But there are other factors at work.
Both teams still have key players involved in the football playoffs. Even if they get those players back next week it will take a while to integrate them into the lineup.
Indian River meets Deep Creek on Dec. 14 and then leaves the next day for the Barnett Bank/City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla.
Nansemond River hits the floor running with Nansemond River Tipoff Tournament games against Norcom tonight and Churchland on Saturday. The Warriors also play fifth-ranked Green Run and perennial Northwest Region powerhouse Woodbridge in the Tidewater Classic.
Indian River also has another distraction. Its gym floor was replaced this month and the Braves won't be able to practice or play at home until Jan. 3 at the earliest.
``This isn't the best way to get started,'' coach Freddie Spellman said.
Time now for a few questions from the audience.
Q: What other area teams are capable of crashing the state tournament?
A: Hampton with Ronald Curry comes to mind. A Peninsula team has advanced to the state quarterfinals each of the past four years. In South Hampton Roads, Tallwood and Lake Taylor are uneasy favorites in the Beach and Eastern districts, respectively. In Group AA, Lakeland beat Nansemond River once last year and must be dealt with again.
Q: What about the private schools?
A: Atlantic Shores might have the best pair of forwards in the state in Damon Thornton and Kenny Inge. Both will play in Division I. Terrence Jones, a transfer from Rock, adds much needed quickness in the backcourt.
Q: How will Booker T. Washington do without Barry Hamler?
A: How are the Knicks doing without Pat Riley? The focus returns to the players, and the players are always good.
Q: Who will be the player of the year?
A: Capel and Willie are the obvious picks, but both are underclassmen. Two talented seniors with heavy burdens are Maury point guard Ike Richardson and Tallwood center Neil Roberts. If their teams come through they will be in line for postseason honors.
Time's up. See you at the games. ILLUSTRATION: TAMARA VONINSKI, VIRGINIAN-PILOT FILE photo
Nansemond River guard Antoine Willie could be the player of the
year. Last season he averaged 27.9 points per game in the regular
season, then broke Bryant Stith's tournament scoring record in the
Warriors' march to a state title.
by CNB