Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 20, 1995 TAG: 9510200070
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES C. BLACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Runyon responded by scoring 12 of her game-high 14 points in the fourth quarter as Byrd held off upset-minded Northside 52-42 in Blue Ridge District play at Northside High School.
The win gave Byrd (15-1 overall, 5-1 district), the top-rated team in Timesland, a season sweep of Northside and its fifth consecutive win over the Vikings (8-9, 2-4).
``[Runyon is] our point guard, and she's just taking the opportunity to penetrate and hit some key jump shots and free throws,'' Byrd coach Richard Thrasher said.
Byrd led by nine points going into the fourth quarter but saw its lead reduced to 34-33 on a jumper by Vikings guard Amy Heath with 4:27 left.
The Vikings were within a point at 36-35 with 3:35 left before Runyon took over.
The guard hit a jumper and then converted a three-point play for a 41-35 lead with 2:49 left. She hit another field goal and a free throw before Thrasher took her out with 38 seconds left and a 10-point lead.
Runyon was six of eight from the free-throw line in the fourth period. Her production in the final period was complemented by Smith's performance in the third quarter.
Smith scored all 11 of the team's third-quarter points and had three rebounds and two assists. Smith finished with 12 points and six rebounds, despite sitting out the second period with two fouls.
Smith hopes the third period is a preview of what's to come for the remainder of the season.
``I haven't been playing very good lately, but I just wanted to prove to everyone I haven't stepped down from last year,'' said Smith, the 1994 Blue Ridge District co-player of the year.
In addition to having Smith and Runyon step up in the second half, a big key for Byrd was shutting down Northside's Crystal Barrett.
The sophomore center was held to just three points and seven rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Barrett, who is averaging double figures in scoring and rebounding for the Vikings, was scoreless in the first meeting at Byrd.
``She struggles against this team,'' Northside coach Marilyn Bussey said. ``I think they concentrate on keeping her hands off the ball.''
With three players 5-foot-9 or taller for Byrd, the Terriers were confident they could contain Northside's 6-0 center.
``We match up good against [Barrett]," Thrasher said. ``[Brennan] Sigel got some rebounds and did a good job fronting her.''
Though the Vikings fought back late in the contest, Bussey feels one of the game's pivotal plays occurred at the end of the first half.
With her team ahead by six points, Byrd guard Kim Kendrick fired off a desperation shot and hit a 3-point basket for a 21-13 lead.
``The shot Kendrick hit at the end of the first half put us down on a negative note,'' Bussey said.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
by CNB