Marshall was the star of Evans-Greenbrier thriller

Eric Marshall's death on April 22 was followed by those who knew him sharing memories from his playing days as a standout hoops star at Greenbrier High School.

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One story mentioned more than others was the Wolfpack's triple-overtime loss at Evans in January 2002.

The game pitted Greenbrier coach Danny Black against his former player, Evans coach Kevin Kenny, who played for Black at Hephzibah High School.

Kenny stopped by The News-Times office last week to drop off a laminated copy of the game story, written by former News-Times sports editor Mike Howell, and the photo accompanying this column.

"Magnificent match; Knights defeat 'Pack in triple overtime basketball game," reads the headline.

The Wolfpack took the loss, but Marshall was the star, finishing with 38 points and 15 rebounds. He had attracted attention by leading Greenbrier to a Christmas tournament title a month before, soon after becoming eligible to play after moving to Grovetown from Hawaii. Evans students responded by showing up to the rivalry game in grass skirts, flowered shirts and leis.

Black was denied his 300th win and told Howell afterward that he could not remember ever coaching a game that went more than one overtime.

"I've had a lot of good experiences throughout coaching, and that game has to be one of them," Black said in the story.

Kenny said last week the game had to be the best ever played in the county.

There were 22 lead changes and 12 ties. Six Knights scored in double figures to offset Marshall and freshman Eric Taylor, who scored 21.

Marshall made 3-pointers at the buzzer in the second and third quarters. The performance was his second with 30 points or more, with both ending in overtime losses.

Yard sale, or gridiron sale?

Greenbrier High School has been affected in every sport with its increased travel in Region 2-AAAAA.

The football team will be on the road even more in 2009, with only four home games after playing six in Evans last season.

Fewer home games mean less gate, and Greenbrier Gridiron Club President Randy Griffin and fellow club members have scrambled to find a way to offset the loss.

The club will hold a yard sale Saturday in Greenbrier's football stadium. Gates open at 8 a.m.

Griffin said club members and players passed out flyers to more than 1,000 homes and have received almost a full tractor-trailer load of donations. Donations are still being accepted.

Those with donations can call Griffin at (706) 210-2000 and arrange for pickup.

Best in the field

The Evans boys won the Region 3-AAAA title Monday with a strong day at the track.

The field events for the meet were held April 25.

Lakeside's David Poole picked up 20 points by finishing first in both the shot put and discus. Poole threw 41 feet, 11 inches to win shot. His discus toss of 127 feet, 11 inches won by more than 13 feet.

Poole qualified for the Class AAAA state meet in both events. The Panthers finished runner-up.