THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, April 15, 1996 TAG: 9604150141
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
On the surface Damon Thornton had the least to prove in Sunday's first Hampton Roads High School Senior Basketball Classic.
A scholarship to a major university simply awaits his decision, while most everyone else on the floor at Virginia Wesleyan College was hoping to impress someone enough to get a recruiting nibble.
But that's not how Thornton approached it. Thornton, a 6-7, 220-pound forward from Atlantic Shores Christian School, has felt largely anonymous in his hometown. He didn't receive any major postseason honors and got few chances to play against the area's more recognized stars.
``Probably nobody knew who I was,'' Thornton said. ``I wanted to come out and prove I could play.''
Thornton's proof was in the numbers: 36 points, 21 rebounds, five blocks, four dunks and two 3-pointers. He was an easy pick as the MVP after leading the Black to a 94-93 overtime win over the Gold.
Thornton also took the slam-dunk trophy. On his winning dunk he leaped over a ballrack placed about eight feet from the basket.
``I've never done it before,'' he said, ``and when I did I kind of figured I'd won it.''
Thornton hopes to make a college decision by Thursday and said he is still considering Syracuse, Wake Forest, North Caroilina State, Maryland, Iowa and Liberty.
Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun called last week with a scholarship, but Thornton politely declined.
N.C. State was considered the front-runner before Les Robinson stepped down as head coach.
Syracuse's chances grew with each victory in the NCAA tournament and coach Jim Boeheim is to visit Thornton's home tonight.
Wake Forest is making a late run and Demon Deacons coach Dave Odom was at Sunday's game.
Granby's Tiran Matthews added 18 points for the winning Black team. Bayside's Kevin Yearwood led the Gold with 20. Atlantic Shores' Joey Higginbotham hit a jumper with one second left to force overtime.
Wilson's Perez Bottoms won the 3-point shooting contest. ILLUSTRATION: L. TODD SPENCER
Damon Thornton, left, goes up against Will Brooks. Thornton of
Atlantic Shores racked up 36 points and 21 rebounds in Sunday's
all-star game. A major college career awaits him; it's only a
question of where.
by CNB