THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 7, 1996 TAG: 9602070534
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
Montoria Valentine's favorite professional basketball player is Charles Barkley of the Phoenix Suns, and his teammates call him ``The Worm'' after Chicago Bulls rebound hound Dennis Rodman. But the Nansemond River senior wants everybody to know something.
``I'd rather they just speak of my name,'' Valentine said, matter-of-factly. ``I don't try to emulate them, I just go out there and play. I'd rather just be Montoria.''
Being himself has been plenty in three years for the Warriors.
The 6-foot-3, 218-pound Valentine was a Group AA all-state forward last season and helped Nansemond River win the state championship.
And in 15 games this year Valentine has averaged 14.9 points and 16.1 rebounds, also adding more than four assists and four steals per game.
``He is just remarkable,'' Warriors coach Spencer Mayfield said. ``I tried to hide him, but it's hard to keep him hidden. He's like a robot.''
Anyone who disagrees should check out Valentine's statistics in Nansemond River's last two games: 49 points, 46 rebounds and 15 assists in wins over Bruton and York.
For his efforts, Valentine has been named The Virginian-Pilot's male athlete of the week.
``I took (the last two games) the same as any others,'' said Valentine, a three-year starter who led the Bay Rivers District in rebounds as a sophomore.
``That's what I had to do to help the team win.''
Valentine has helped the Warriors (13-2 overall, 9-0 district) despite being double- and triple-teamed in most games.
``He gets inside and pounds the boards no matter what,'' Warriors assistant coach Calvin Mason said.
``He plays hard the whole time he's out there.''
``It's timing,''said Valentine, who has four straight 20-plus rebound games.
``I just tap the ball until I can get it. I stay with the same thing. When I (see a loose ball), I just go get it.''
Of Valentine's college prospects, Mayfield said ``everybody'' is interested, including Division I schools. But Mayfield doesn't allow recruiters to speak with his players until after the season.
Valentine, who is awaiting results of his Scholastic Assessment Test, said that gives him a chance to concentrate on academics and winning another state championship with the Warriors.
And concentrate on being himself. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
by CNB