Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 13, 1992 TAG: 9203130265
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RAY COX SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The teams played twice this year, with the Indians (19-6) winning 73-62 in December and Northside rebounding for a 78-76 victory on its floor in January. The Vikings (20-5) led 47-32 before Blacksburg came back to tie the score late in the game.
"It probably would be more significant if one team had won both games," Pope said. "But as it is, both teams have to have confidence that they can win the game."
Which one is correct will be determined 7:30 p.m. tonight on the neutral court at Christiansburg High. The winner advances to the state Final Four at the University of Virginia next Friday to play a 2:45 p.m. game against today's Matoaca-Culpeper County winner.
"I think both our teams have changed since the last time we played," Pope said. "[Kevin Schug] didn't even play for them when we saw them and now he's starting. Last time we played them, we started four guards with [forward] Jim Porter coming off the bench."
Now, Porter starts and is one of four Northside players averaging double-figure scoring. He also hit the winning shot to beat Laurel Park 58-56 for the Region III title last week and propel the Vikings into the quarterfinals.
Northside's victory over the team that was ranked No. 1 in the state at the end of the regular season was one of the bigger upsets in recent state basketball history. It further bolstered Northside's reputation as a money team and gave support to the notion that Pope has ascended to the level of the state's best coaches.
Blacksburg, meanwhile, was getting drilled 74-58 by Virginia High.
"I thought we played OK after playing Tuesday, Thursday, then Saturday at Virginia High," Indians coach Bob Trear said. "The games with Marion and Richlands during the week were very physical then we had another one with Virginia High.
"We would have had trouble with [the Bearcats'] quickness anyway. As it was, we faded in the second half and they had a pretty fresh bunch."
That followed a pattern the Indians' coaches have noticed all year long.
"Each time we've played three times in a week, we've noticed a difference in the third game."
Fresh, Blacksburg has been a formidable force. Point guard Darren Morton and forward Jon Maher have carried the team offensively all year. Role players Matt Smith, Chris Smith, Travis Bishop, and Schug have filled in the gaps as needed.
Northside has had a terrific inside-outside attack with guard Matt Hill (15.4 points per game) and center Walt Derey (14.7 ppg., 10.6 rebounds per game). Derey has averaged close to 14 rebounds per game over the last eight and held his own with Laurel Park's 6-foot-9 Odell Hodge, who is likely to receive strong consideration for state player of the year honors.
"[Derey] has been just unbelievable," Pope said.
One more thing to think about for Blacksburg: Three different players have hit game-winning shots for Northside this year.
Said Trear: "They're a multi-faceted team. We've seen that both times we've played them.
by CNB