THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 25, 1995 TAG: 9506230214
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 24 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
THE NANSEMOND RIVER High School summer basketball league began its season Wednesday with 10 teams shooting for the title.
``We have a real strong field of teams,'' said Nansemond River assistant coach R. Calvin Mason, who heads the league. ``Lakeland, Nansemond River and Indian River are probably the strongest teams.''
The Warriors return four players from a team that won the Group AA state championship last season.
Antoine Willey and Montoria Valentine, both first-team All-State selections, will play for Nansemond River. Willey also was named the Group AA player of the year.
The Braves, who made it to the Group AAA State semifinals, will return 12 players, including 6-7 Jason Capel, 6-7 Edward Seward and 6-6 James McDaniels.
Lakeland returns 6-foot guard Brian Baker and 6-3 forward Daimon Trillery.
The other teams are: Smithfield, Windsor, Western Branch, Norcom, Ferguson, Wilson and Churchland.
Mason stressed that the league is far more than competition and the tournament title.
``The league gives players an organized setting that they can play together in,'' he said. ``This allows (coaches) to keep an eye on their progress.''
Five games will be played each day, with Wednesday sessions beginning at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday sessions starting at 10 a.m. Games on June 21 and 28 are at John Yeates Middle School, while games in July and August will be played at Nansemond River.
The league tournament, also at Nansemond River, will be held Aug. 8-10. MEMO: Admission is $1 for adults and 50 cents for students. Children 6 and
under will be admitted free.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by MICHAEL KESTNER
Officials Dwight Walker, left, and Melvin Beamon rest in between
games on the opening day of the Nansemond River High School summer
basketball league.
Antoine Willie, right, defends against an intent Norcom player.
Calvin Mason keeps an eye on the game and the Gatorade.
by CNB