THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 27, 1996 TAG: 9601270411
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
If she was not in a Western Branch player's face, Churchland's Nicole Council was streaking for yet another basket. If a Bruin tried to double-team her in the lane, Council zipped a pass to an open teammate.
By game's end Friday night, Council had played a role in 52 of the Truckers' points as Churchland defeated Western Branch 66-52.
The second-ranked Truckers (12-0) remained the only undefeated team in the area.
Council, shaking off Western Branch's full-court defensive coverage, played perhaps the best game of her four-year career, earning a triple-double with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists and going 10 of 11 from the free-throw line to halt a Bruins rally.
``I think we're better prepared because of her leadership,'' Churchland coach Duke Conrad said. ``She's doing a great job on the floor, not just scoring and getting turnovers, but talking and being vocal. It's like having a second coach on the floor.''
Reigning Southeastern District champion Churchland edged to a 10-point halftime lead in a hard-fought first half, then unleashed a 9-0 run after the break and held a 19-point lead until the fourth quarter.
Then Western Branch's Tia Snell and Brandi Woodard sparked a 17-8 run to put the Bruins back in contention.
But with her team leading 55-48 with 2:23 remaining, Council pulled the Truckers together.
``First, I told Shelly (Singleton) that every rebound was hers,'' Council said. ``Then I told everyone to box out. They can't get the second shot if we do and they can't run with us because we're a little quicker. That's what we did.''
Western Branch, the area's eighth-ranked team, scored only four points in the final minutes.
Stacey Hundley added 16 points for Churchland.
Millette Green led Western Branch (10-3) with 14 points and Snell added 13. Ciaro Lascano grabbed 11 rebounds. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by Gary Knapp
by CNB