THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 4, 1996 TAG: 9602010159
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
THEY HAVE both played the post position for the Manteo High School girls basketball team this year, but that's where the similarities between Heather Daniels and Amy Lane end.
When the two take the court, they are the ``The Odd Couple'' of the hardwood.
Just like Oscar and Felix, Daniels and Lane have contrasting personalities. Daniels is a serious competitor with a constant determined look on her face. Lane plays hard, but she likes to loosen things up.
Daniels, in her fourth year on the team, is still the field general and the top scorer. Lane is the heir apparent.
Manteo head coach Bill Bohannon has moved Daniels from the center position to off guard on some occasions this year for two reasons: to keep Daniels away from a constant double team and to better prepare her for college ball.
Lane has been moved to the post position in Daniels' place. In a 65-55 win over Southeast Halifax Jan. 26, Daniels scored 21 points, and Lane had 18.
``Heather has never faced the basket in three-and-a-half years,'' Bohannon said. ``She'll need to do that in college. She still has a little work to do on her driving.''
Daniels has been recruited by Barton College, the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg and Queens College.
``She needs to work more on her shot,'' Bohannon said of Lane, ``but she's as good a pure athlete as there is on this team. Her jumping ability is unbelievable.''
Lane realizes that her senior year will be the big one for her. ``I'll have to score as much as I can,'' she said.
Lane is a free spirit on the court. Many times she tries to break the ice when the pressure is on. ``I've always got to smile, gotta have fun,'' Lane said. ``I try to make the other players laugh, especially Heather.''
That's not always an easy task, but Daniels did crack a smile late in the Southeast Halifax game. Her assessment of Lane's season is also serious.
``Amy is getting some good experience this year,'' Daniels said, ``and we are helping each other.. . . She does work hard. I've been trying to teach Amy to take that leadership position. We work together a lot after practice.'' by CNB