THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 24, 1996 TAG: 9602240456
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Misty Colebank wanted an Eastern Region berth for her birthday. When it looked as if her Salem team might not be able to get it for her, she took matters into her own hands, leading a 51-44 victory over Princess Anne in the Beach District semifinals at Tallwood Friday night.
``Misty Colebank took over the game in the second half,'' Salem coach Larry Bowman said. ``She just refused to lose.''
Salem (18-5) trailed until the fourth quarter, when Colebank sparked a surge. She challenged the inside defenders, drawing fouls and sinking 7 of 8 free throws as the Sun Devils took a 36-35 lead they never relinquished. For the game she posted 20 points, including 11 of 14 from the line, seven steals and three assists.
``I just wanted to pick up the pace of the game,'' said Colebank, who turned 18 Friday. ``We're normally fast-paced. They pretty much forced our offense.''
Colebank also wanted to avenge last season's Salem playoff loss to Princess Anne - after defeating the Cavaliers twice in the regular season - and a pair of regular-season setbacks this year.
``I just wanted to pay them back for last year,'' he said. ``We came back and had to return that.''
Princess Anne (22-3) looked prepared to stop Salem's revenge plot in the first half. The Cavaliers had the 17-14 halftime lead with a relentless zone, Salem scoring just three field goals before the break.
But the Cavaliers, playing their fourth district game in five days, appeared to tire. They were in foul trouble early, with both Sherry Whetsel and Daminica Moody drawing three in the first half. Starting inside threat Whetsel fouled out with 5:11 remaining. Senior Rasheda Rogers was moved to cover Kelley King, who had been slipping past defenders, opening the way for Colebank.
Both Salem and Princess Anne carry 3-point threats, but Colebank hit the only trey of the night.
``In the first half, as long as they ran a man-to-man we were okay,'' Bowman said. ``But when they went to zone we had a hard time. We finally solved the zone in the second half.''
Jenny Harmon, playing with bronchitis, had 12 points with seven rebounds and King scored 10.
Salem plays Kempsville in the championship game tonight at 6 at Tallwood. Salem has won both previous matchups this season.
``The banner would be nice, but I'm more excited about advancing to regionals,'' Colebank said. by CNB