THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 8, 1996 TAG: 9603080735
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KEITH POMPEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Northampton basketball coach Dennis Seman never thought his team would get this far.
This was supposed to be a transition year. The Yellow Jackets went 13-10 last season, and Bryan Satchell was the only returning starter.
But when Northampton (19-5) travels to Orange County tonight at 7 for a Group A state quarterfinal against Madison County (22-3), the Yellow Jackets will be making school history, becoming Northampton's first team within a victory of the Final Four.
``I didn't think we would make it to the quarterfinals this fast,'' said Seman, a second-year head coach. ``I thought we were going to win the district and maybe one regional game. But if someone would have told me we would reach the quarterfinals, I would of said, `Yeah right.' ''
Seman got a reality check after Northampton defeated Windsor 77-59 in the Region A semifinals. Despite losing to Northumberland in the finals, the Yellow Jackets, who won 19 of their last 21 games, qualified as a regional runner-up.
``I think the only reason we made it here, and other Northampton teams didn't, is because we work more as a unit than they did,'' Yellow Jackets junior center Tucker Terry said. ``And I feel like we have a team that could go all the way if we keep working together.''
The first step is tonight. And Seman expects a lot from Terry and seniors Bryan and Jamell Satchell, no relation.
Averaging eight points and eight assists, Jamell Satchell is the team leader at point guard. The 6-foot-9 Terry averages 14 points and 12 rebounds. And Bryan Satchell is considered by some the best-kept secret in the state of Virginia. The 6-3 forward has a 44-inch vertical leap and averages 24 points and 14 rebounds.
``To get to the next level you need productivity from three positions,'' Seman said. ``If they can play like they did all year, we will be all right.''
Jamell agreed.
``The three of us are going to have to stick together,'' he said. ``I have to drop the ball inside to Tucker and Bryan. My job is to keep everybody happy.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
VICKI CRONIS/File
Bryan Satchell, right with teammates Eric Trower, left, and James
Brown, has led a Northampton team that's had fun and exceeded
expectations.
by CNB