THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 30, 1995 TAG: 9512300516
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Kempsville was sluggish in the opening minutes Friday night, but once the Chiefs hit their stride they stormed to a 64-41 victory over Oscar Smith in the Green Run Christmas Classic championship.
After opening a nine-point first-half lead, the Chiefs went for the kill in the third period. Coach Greg Dunn's frequent substitutions kept his team fresh and the Chiefs racked up a 23-point third quarter to seal the championship.
``We're suffering from a bit of lethargy from (Thursday) night,'' Dunn said. ``I thought we played well, but not with intensity. In the second half we picked it up.''
The Chiefs defeated top-ranked Princess Anne in Thursday's showdown. Kristen Cholewa said there were no side effects from the draining matchup of top Beach District contenders.
``We went out there and played to win the game,'' she said. ``We always do that - we always play to win.''
The win did not come unchallenged. The Tigers went toe-to-toe with Kempsville in the opening minutes, but the Chiefs began to pull away and never lost the momentum. Oscar Smith penetrated the defense, but failed to connect on crucial inside shots.
Cholewa sparked the Chiefs each time she took the floor, fighting for rebounds and pressuring opponents.
``Kristin always does that, she's a good all-around player,'' Dunn said. ``She can pass, defend and she does a good job on the boards.''
Toni Patillo and Charlette Fayton paced the Chiefs with 14 points each.
Krystal Johnson and Sharnnia Artis powered the Tigers with 12 points apiece.
In other tournament action:
Princess Anne 66, Northeastern 31: The Cavaliers grabbed a 40-17 halftime lead they never relinquished en route to victory in the third-place game. The Eagles often failed to cross halfcourt as the Cavaliers' pressing defense forced turnovers. Suwanna Taylor powered the attack with 16 points in three quarters. Okiesha Howard added 15.
Bertie (N.C.) 67, Kellam 61: In the fifth-place game, the Knights put together their best fourth quarter of the tournament, but could not overcome a 13-point halftime gap. Kellam outhustled the Falcons for a 27-point fourth quarter. Kellam's Ashleigh Brooks, who constantly dove for loose balls, scored 22 of her 24 points in the second half.
Henrico 58, Green Run 39: In the game for seventh place, the Warriors battled to a 34-21 halftime lead, then held the Stallions to two third-quarter points. Green Run's offense struggled as starting point guard Shak Davis was sidelined for personal reasons. Latasha Shelton orchestrated the Warriors assault with 21 points and Dalchon Brown added 15. by CNB