THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 28, 1997 TAG: 9701280440
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Athletes of the Week
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 43 lines
Norfolk Christian's Andy McNabb began the season one seat from the end of the Ambassadors' bench. But when starting forward Ben Doyle went down with a hyperextended elbow, McNabb suddenly found himself in the lineup.
In a classic case of a kid just needing a chance, McNabb scorched Peninsula Catholic for 24 points in his first start and added 17 against Norfolk Collegiate the next time out.
He was 8 for 11 from 3-point range in the two games, including 5 for 5 against the Oaks.
From ``Sub to Super in One Week'' is how Norfolk Christian basketball coach Dave Walker described McNabb's exploits in nominating him for athlete of the week.
Statistics back his claim. McNabb had scored only 30 points all season before erupting against Peninsula Catholic.
McNabb's previous single-game high at Norfolk Christian was 11 and he can't remember ever scoring 24 at any level.
``I hope I'm not a fluke,'' he said.
McNabb didn't learn until two minutes before the Peninsula Catholic game that he was starting.
``I didn't have time to get nervous,'' he said.
He scored 15 points in the first half.
``When we came back in the locker room everybody was saying `You're on fire,' '' he said. ``That was a first for me.''
McNabb's enthusiasm was tempered, however, when the Ambassadors blew a lead and lost.
``I loved Andy's attitude after the game,'' Walker said. ``He was really hurting that we lost when other players would have been feeling good about themselves for scoring 24 points.''
McNabb is prepared to return to the bench when Doyle returns. But this time he expects to sit closer to Walker.
``Coach won't be afraid to sub now,'' he said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo