THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 17, 1995 TAG: 9512140183
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: HERTFORD LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Apparently, nothing changes a whole lot when it comes to Perquimans High School boys' basketball.
The 1995-96 Pirates will feature a typical lineup with speed and good outside shooting, but little height.
According to head coach Luther Overton, the Pirates will once again run teams up and down the floor, hoping to get into a transition-type game. Overton says his team's strengths are speed, outside shooting and the ability to pass inside.
``It's a typical Perquimans team,'' Overton said.
Three of the Pirates' projected starters will not begin the season because of academic and disciplinary reasons. The lone starter back from last year's squad is guard Lyrone Welch.
``We're looking for some of those players to come back, but right now we've got to use what we've got,'' Overton said. ``We're trying some new things, especially in these early games.''
Other players who have started for the Pirates through their first four games include Travis Warren at point guard, Odell White at weak forward, Shelby White at strong forward and Tykinsten Wood at center. Wood is just 6-foot-2, but he is a good leaper and has a wide frame that helps him inside.
Other players expected to see time are forward Amos Fletcher, guard Tyshaun Ford, guard Lamond James and center Brad Owens.
Overton said the Pirates still have a tendency to lose control, which last year's second place Albemarle Conference squad also did.
``Staying in control at times is something we're looking at,'' Overton said. ``We're looking better than we have looked in that regard.''
Overton has some immediate goals for the team, as well as some long-term goals.
``We have our sights set on the Christmas tournament (Daily Advance Four-County Classic in Hertford), having won our first tournament last year,'' Overton said. ``We're looking to be very competitive in the conference. . . . Northampton East and Williamston are always strong, and we're looking forward to coming near the top as well.
``We believe we can get into the state playoffs and advance through that.''
The Pirates were bounced out of the playoffs in the first round last year.
To compete with Williamston and Northampton East, the Pirates will have to run. That will be a tough assignment without point guard Maurice Shannonhouse, who ran the Perquimans offense for three years before he graduated.
Even without Shannonhouse, one thing is always certain in Hertford: Perquimans will run and gun. by CNB