ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, November 6, 1996 TAG: 9611060081
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: GIRLS' BASKETBALL
SOURCE: FROM STAFF REPORTS
Blacksburg could not handle William Byrd's relentless pressure defense and fell 67-33 on Tuesday night in the first round of the Blue Ridge District tournament in Vinton.
The Terriers (18-3) used a full-court press to create numerous steals and turnovers in building a 36-16 halftime lead. Byrd pressured the Indians into 24 turnovers for the game.
Andrea Gay had a fine all-around game for the Terriers, contributing 15 points, four assists and four steals. Lara Nester had three 3-point goals and finished with 15 points, and Brandy Allen added 12 points.
The Indians' top scorer was Karly Geller, with 10 points.
Byrd advances to a semifinal Thursday night against Northside, which beat Christiansburg 55-34, at Lord Botetourt High School.
In other Blue Ridge District tournament games:
Salem 54, Alleghany 47: Mandy Williams scored 16 points to lead the Spartans (12-9) to a victory over the Mountaineers (12-9) in Low Moor.
Williams scored 14 of her 16 points in the first half to spark Salem to a 30-16 halftime lead. Poor shooting in the first half hurt the Mountaineers, but they came back in the second half. They led the Spartans with as little as two minutes remaining in the game, but Salem took control from there.
The Mountaineers were led by Natasha Chapman and Katie Craft with 19 and 15 points, respectively.
Lord Botetourt 64, Rockbridge County 24: Sarah Hicks scored 21 pounds and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Cavaliers (21-1) rolled to a victory over the Wildcats (1-20) in Daleville.
Sara Moore scored 17 for top-seeded Botetourt. The Cavaliers, who clinched a spot in the Region III tournament by winning the Blue Ridge regular-season title, face Salem at home Thursday in a 6 p.m. semifinal.
The Cavaliers raced to a nine-point lead in the first quarter, then outscored Rockbridge County 32-8 in the second and third quarters.
Pioneer
James River 44, Highland 26: Nakia Burrell had 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Knights advanced to the semifinal round with a first-round victory in Buchanan.
James River (9-12) took a 12-2 lead and cruised to a 33-16 lead through three quarters.
The Knights play Covington at Bath County High School on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Highland ends its season with a 2-15 record.
Bath County 47, Craig County 24: Suzanna Shanks scored a game-high 11 points as the Chargers (11-11) won their first-round matchup over the Rockets (2-19) in Hot Springs.
Kerri Hepler added 10 points for Bath County. Katie Hardbarger, the No.2 scorer in the Pioneer District, was held to eight points - 10 off her average.
The Rockets were paced by Jody Harden, who scored 10 points.
The Chargers will play Parry McCluer at 6 p.m. Thursday.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Medium: 64 linesby CNB