ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Saturday, November 9, 1996             TAG: 9611110103
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: B-6  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT

COVINGTON EARNS PIONEER FINAL BERTH

Covington eased past James River 44-35 on Thursday night in a Pioneer District girls' basketball tournament semifinal behind 19 points from Melissa Page and 14 from Joann Helton.

Amy Sprinkle scored 12 points and Nakia Burrell had 11 for James River (10-12).

With the victory, the Cougars (14-6) gained a spot opposite regular-season champion Parry McCluer in tonight's final at 7:30 and qualified for the Region C tournament.

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