Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 19, 1993 TAG: 9311190230
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-9 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MAX MEADOWS LENGTH: Medium
Overpowering defense was the Buffaloes' primary weapon in a 84-43 microwaving of Rural Retreat in the semifinals of the Group A Region C girls' basketball tournament Thursday night at Fort Chiswell High.
The Squaws had 28 turnovers in the first three quarters, and by that time they were well on their way to being blown out big time.
"All week we worked on press breaks, but when we got in the situation, we were intimidated," Rural Retreat coach Pat Brewer said.
Floyd County will play the winner of the Glenvar-Shawsville nightcap at 7:30 p.m. Saturday for the regional title. Both finalist will qualify for the state tournament.
"We knew we had to play hard to go to the state," said Floyd County forward Lynette Nolley, who scored 19 points. "We really wanted to win."
Rural Retreat was no match for the Floyd County pressure in the first half, so matters got out of control for the Squaws in a hurry.
By the break, Rural Retreat (20-2) had 21 turnovers and seven Floyd County players had scored.
Nolley had 13 points by halftime and opening-round heroine Carrie Chaffin had 10. Foul troubles for Nolley and Leigh-Ann Pursifull, who had three each and were called to the bench, didn't seem to bother the Buffs a whit. The replacements were equally effective.
Floyd County (25-1), which won its 22nd straight game, took control in the last 4 minutes, 37 seconds of the first quarter. The Buffs forced eight turnovers and allowed Rural Retreat only two shots. That produced a 13-2 run.
It got worse. Floyd County led by 27 points in the second quarter. The lead would grow to 51 points in the second half.
by CNB