Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 13, 1991 TAG: 9102130352
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Patriots' defenders put the clamps on Pulaski County guard Kevin Alexander and romped to an 81-58 victory that clinched a tie for the Roanoke Valley District basketball title.
Alexander, who had scored 77 points in the past three games and made 34 of 41 free throws in the past two, was held to nine points by Toby Webb and Troy Johnson.
"Coach [Woody] Deans told us he could shoot, so between the two of us we kept up the pressure on him," said Webb, who also had a game-high five assists. "We're starting to play tough defense. We had to improve because coach said we were lacking on defense."
The Patriots (15-4 overall, 6-0 district) certainly didn't show many flaws on defense against the Cougars (8-11, 1-5). Alexander took only eight shots from the field and went to the free-throw line once for two shots.
"Kevin has been playing very well lately, but Toby and Troy did a good job of denying him the ball," Deans said. "We didn't want to put a strain on one person [guarding Alexander], so we used two people. We always wanted someone fresh on him."
After an early sparring session, PH broke on top for good at 12-10 when Timmy Basham sank a short jumper. The Patriots led 35-19 in the second quarter. Pulaski County crept back to 45-39 with 5:19 left in the third as Alexander finally escaped the Patriots' defense to make one of his two 3-point goals.
Then PH took control. Johnson sank one free throw and, after Perry Beverly missed two free throws for Pulaski County, the Patriots continued on a 25-6 spurt that made it 70-45 midway through the fourth quarter. Much of it came with the help of PH's press.
"Yeah, they did play good defense," Pulaski County coach Pat Burns said. "They forced a lot of turnovers and we had a lot of turnovers unforced. I'd say their defense concentrated on everybody. They were hawking anyone who had the ball."
Deans said the Patriots have put an emphasis on defense. "Defense is a matter of pride and hustle. Our work paid off."
Patrick Henry connected on 31 of 65 shots (47.7 percent). It would have been better except for an icy third quarter (7-of-20, 35 percent). More important, PH outrebounded Pulaski County 41-29 with Basham and Johnson, who both come off the bench, each getting seven.
The Cougars was 21-of-50 (42 percent) shooting from the floor. Beverly had a game-high nine rebounds.
When the teams met at Pulaski County in early January, neither Johnson nor Alexander were with them. Burns noticed a difference.
"Troy's a good player, but they didn't need him to be a good team. They had a good team without him. Since we had Kevin this time, though, I'd say their defense is better."
PULASKI COUNTY (58)
Burchett 1 0-0 3, Beverly 8 2-6 18, Foster 1 1-2 3, Alexander 3 1-2 9, Burns 3 0-0 6, Lewis 2 2-2 7, Jackson 1 0-0 2, Akers 2 1-3 5, Payne 0 5-6 5. Totals 21 12-21 58. PATRICK HENRY (81)
M. Anderson 4 2-3 10, Manns 2 2-4 6, Callis 4 1-1 9, Webb 1 2-2 4, T. Anderson 8 3-4 19, Basham 5 3-3 13, Johnson 5 2-5 14, Noel 0 1-2 1, Wilson 1 0-0 2, Gaither 1 0-0 3. Totals 31 16-24 81. Pulaski County 11151715-58 Patrick Henry 18191925-81 Three-point goals: Alexander 2, Burchett, Lewis, Johnson 2, Gaither. Team fouls: Pulaski County 18, Patrick Henry 16. JV: 59-32, Patrick Henry.
by CNB