The stage was set, before a sold out arena in 'The Swamp'. And for the third time in five nights, the Reservoir Gators played their best game of the season, with Wednesday surpassing Monday, and Friday topping Wednesday, producing a convincing 70-56 victory over Northeast.
The Gators held a wire-to-wire lead in the regional championship, just as they did in the sectional final on Wednesday. They've trailed for just 5 minutes in the 96 minutes of post-season play, with that coming very early in the sectional semifinal versus Centennial.
Tonight, sophomore Aria Amelia continued his seemingly unconscious aerial assault in the first sixteen minutes, draining five from beyond the arc in the first half, adding up to 17-30 (56.7%) shooting from downtown in the first five halves of the post-season.
As Amelia shot Northeast out of their zone, senior captain Josh Odunowo put the Gators on his back in the second half, as the Anne Arundel regional finalists switched to man-to-man coming out of intermission, trailing 39-26.
Odinowo put together one of the most dominating post-season halves I've witnessed in my 44 years of watching HoCo basketball. After scoring just 4 points in the first half, largely due to Amelia's effectiveness versus the zone, Odunowo scored 25 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots in the final 16 minutes of the regional final. A dominating performance for the ages. Odunowo finished with 29 points, 23 rebounds, and had 5 blocked shots.
Every time Northeast made a run, cutting their deficit to 5, twice, Odunowo made a play, whether it was a rebound on either end, blocking a shot, diving for a loose ball, tossing in a baby hook, or delivering one of his four thunderous dunks on the evening.
The Gators both dealt and took blows in the competitive HoCo league this season, but are battle-tested, with a healthy out-of conference schedule, featuring wins over AACo champ Old Mill, and a 20 point win at 4A North regional finalist Springbrook, without their best player, Odunowo. Still, with just 2 returnees that averaged more than 3 points a game a year ago, the Gators will be underdogs in the state semifinal versus Thomas Johnson, a state semifinalist in 2018, that returned three starters.
Six years to the night after winning their first and only regional title in school history, the Gators win their second, and punch a ticket for the dance in College Park.
2019 MPSSAA Basketball Tournament
Started by
TheGuru
, Feb 22 2019 09:40 AM
56 replies to this topic
#41
BSLWillieSeanCoughlan
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Posted 09 March 2019 - 12:11 AM
@aka_themamba
#42
Waggle Pass
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Posted 09 March 2019 - 07:30 PM
Southern Garrett beats New Era 49-44
#43
mdrunning
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Posted 09 March 2019 - 07:52 PM
Great tournament summaries, guys.
- BSLWillieSeanCoughlan and bleedingorangeandblack like this
#45
TheGuru
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Posted 11 March 2019 - 07:47 PM
I’ll be at the X-finity Center on Thursday fo both 3A state semifinals and the Dulaney game. I got Poly, Reservoir and Dulaney advancing.
#46
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Posted 11 March 2019 - 08:32 PM
I'd like to see Poly, Resi and Dulaney win, but if I had to pick, I'd pick Poly, TJ, and Roosevelt, though the latter is close to a toss up, in my opinion.
Dulaney certainly has the talent. I had them pre-season at #4, behind Poly, Patterson, and Roosevelt, respectively. The 24 point loss to New Town and 15 point loss to Dundalk were almost inexplicable. But the talent is there. Roosevelt will make them earn it. Roosevelt is led by 3 seniors. Dulaney is led by zero seniors.
TJ brings back 3 starters back from last year's Final 4 team, including two of their three best players of a year ago, seniors Powe and Rivas. Also, the 6'6 senior Commander. The Gators have had to rely on Okunowo too much, though the sophomore Arelia has become a certified threat from outside. But, they have no else that average more than 8. The Gators have the lowest +/- (+4.9) of the 16 teams left, rank 15th (of 16) in scoring (62.6), and have the most losses (8).
Poly should win convincingly. They 3-peat. Just too much for CMW, TJ or Resi.
I'll be there. I hope we get to see at least 3 good games.
Dulaney certainly has the talent. I had them pre-season at #4, behind Poly, Patterson, and Roosevelt, respectively. The 24 point loss to New Town and 15 point loss to Dundalk were almost inexplicable. But the talent is there. Roosevelt will make them earn it. Roosevelt is led by 3 seniors. Dulaney is led by zero seniors.
TJ brings back 3 starters back from last year's Final 4 team, including two of their three best players of a year ago, seniors Powe and Rivas. Also, the 6'6 senior Commander. The Gators have had to rely on Okunowo too much, though the sophomore Arelia has become a certified threat from outside. But, they have no else that average more than 8. The Gators have the lowest +/- (+4.9) of the 16 teams left, rank 15th (of 16) in scoring (62.6), and have the most losses (8).
Poly should win convincingly. They 3-peat. Just too much for CMW, TJ or Resi.
I'll be there. I hope we get to see at least 3 good games.
@aka_themamba
#47
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Posted 12 March 2019 - 05:50 PM
4A Semifinal
#3 Eleanor Roosevelt (22-3) v #10 Dulaney (21-3)
v top 25 - ER 6-3, D 1-2; v top 50 - ER 9-3, D 6-2; v top 75 - ER 13-3, D 11-3
Offense ER - 76.2 (4th of 196), D - 81.0 (1st); Defense ER - 55.2, D - 55.9; Point Differential ER - +21.0 (7th), D - 25.1 (3rd)
Eleanor Roosevelt has advanced to its 10th Final Four since 2000, 2nd most in the MPSSAA during that time, second only to Dunbar (13). The Raiders would become just the second team in MPSSAA history to win 3 4A state titles in 7 years, joining the 3-peat Springbrook Blue Devils teams of '08-10. Dulaney is making its third trip to the semifinals, its first in 42 years, dating back to its back-to-back regional championship teams of '76 and '77.
The Raiders have won 17 straight games, and are 21-0 v MPSSAA competition this season. The Raiders have won their three playoff games by 16 (Flowers), 34 (Wise), and 24 (High Point). In the regional final, the PG champs from Greenbelt ran out to a 26-8 first quarter lead over High Point, and never looked back. The Raiders beat Wise three times, PG 4A's number two, by a total of 72 points in the trio of games. The Raiders rank 4th in the MPSSAA in scoring, averaging 76.2 points per game, and despite a gauntlet of a schedule, rank 7th in the state in point differential, with a +21.0.
The Lions have won 10 straight, since a disappointing loss to Dundalk. The Lions have the highest scoring team in the MPSSAA this season, averaging 81.0 points per game, and rank 3rd in point differential, with a +25.2 mark. The Lions routed Howard by 31 in the sectional semi, then trounced Perry Hall by 36 in the sectional final, but had to come back from 10 down late in the third quarter v Springbrook in the regional final, finally tying the game with 3:44 to go, before junior Che Evans eventual game-winner with 2:24 to play. Sophomore Ryan Conway scored 30 points in the win.
The game will match a team led by four seniors, versus a team who is led by two juniors and two sophomores.
The players;
Eleanor Roosevelt
3 Cameron Brown 6'6 SR (William & Mary commit) > averages 19.0 ppg, 50 3PM. Brown became just the 5th Raider to join the 1,000 point club in school history.
4 Kyle Rose 6'4 SR > A great addition to Brown and Gross, after transfering from Rock Creek Christian. Averages 7.0 ppg, 80.2% FT.
5 Jaamir Butler 6'2 SR > Averages 11.8 ppg. Scored 27 points v Parkdale, 26 v Bowie.
25 Isaiah Gross 6'3 SR (Coppin commit) > averages 16.6 ppg, 33 3PM. Scored 28 points in the regional final win over High Point.
Dulaney
5 Ryan Conway 6'0 SO > An All-County selection as a freshman; Ranked #63 overall in his class in the country, #7 PG
10 Che Evans 6'5 JR > Ranked #20 in the country at his position in his class; holds 20 offers, including Georgetown, Boston College, Kansas State, Ol' Miss, and TCU
22 Cameron Byers 6'6 JR > A John Carroll transfer, that adds an inside presence.
23 Ike Cornish 6'6 SO > Scored 14 in regional final win over Springbrook. Has garnered national attention as a recruit.
The Coaches; ER - Brendan O'Connell 14th season (274-82 - .770), Matt Lochte 15th season (236-117 - .669) > O'Connell, who has won two state titles, won his 8th regional title with the Raiders. Lochte, his first with the Lions.
History; The Raiders routed then defending 4A champ Meade in the 2016 4A final, 72-39, after taking a 38-13 lead at halftime. Naji Marshall (Xavier) led the Raiders with 21 points. Now, Marshall leads the Musketeers in scoring (14.9), and is second in rebounds (6.7) and assists (3.3).
#3 Eleanor Roosevelt (22-3) v #10 Dulaney (21-3)
v top 25 - ER 6-3, D 1-2; v top 50 - ER 9-3, D 6-2; v top 75 - ER 13-3, D 11-3
Offense ER - 76.2 (4th of 196), D - 81.0 (1st); Defense ER - 55.2, D - 55.9; Point Differential ER - +21.0 (7th), D - 25.1 (3rd)
Eleanor Roosevelt has advanced to its 10th Final Four since 2000, 2nd most in the MPSSAA during that time, second only to Dunbar (13). The Raiders would become just the second team in MPSSAA history to win 3 4A state titles in 7 years, joining the 3-peat Springbrook Blue Devils teams of '08-10. Dulaney is making its third trip to the semifinals, its first in 42 years, dating back to its back-to-back regional championship teams of '76 and '77.
The Raiders have won 17 straight games, and are 21-0 v MPSSAA competition this season. The Raiders have won their three playoff games by 16 (Flowers), 34 (Wise), and 24 (High Point). In the regional final, the PG champs from Greenbelt ran out to a 26-8 first quarter lead over High Point, and never looked back. The Raiders beat Wise three times, PG 4A's number two, by a total of 72 points in the trio of games. The Raiders rank 4th in the MPSSAA in scoring, averaging 76.2 points per game, and despite a gauntlet of a schedule, rank 7th in the state in point differential, with a +21.0.
The Lions have won 10 straight, since a disappointing loss to Dundalk. The Lions have the highest scoring team in the MPSSAA this season, averaging 81.0 points per game, and rank 3rd in point differential, with a +25.2 mark. The Lions routed Howard by 31 in the sectional semi, then trounced Perry Hall by 36 in the sectional final, but had to come back from 10 down late in the third quarter v Springbrook in the regional final, finally tying the game with 3:44 to go, before junior Che Evans eventual game-winner with 2:24 to play. Sophomore Ryan Conway scored 30 points in the win.
The game will match a team led by four seniors, versus a team who is led by two juniors and two sophomores.
The players;
Eleanor Roosevelt
3 Cameron Brown 6'6 SR (William & Mary commit) > averages 19.0 ppg, 50 3PM. Brown became just the 5th Raider to join the 1,000 point club in school history.
4 Kyle Rose 6'4 SR > A great addition to Brown and Gross, after transfering from Rock Creek Christian. Averages 7.0 ppg, 80.2% FT.
5 Jaamir Butler 6'2 SR > Averages 11.8 ppg. Scored 27 points v Parkdale, 26 v Bowie.
25 Isaiah Gross 6'3 SR (Coppin commit) > averages 16.6 ppg, 33 3PM. Scored 28 points in the regional final win over High Point.
Dulaney
5 Ryan Conway 6'0 SO > An All-County selection as a freshman; Ranked #63 overall in his class in the country, #7 PG
10 Che Evans 6'5 JR > Ranked #20 in the country at his position in his class; holds 20 offers, including Georgetown, Boston College, Kansas State, Ol' Miss, and TCU
22 Cameron Byers 6'6 JR > A John Carroll transfer, that adds an inside presence.
23 Ike Cornish 6'6 SO > Scored 14 in regional final win over Springbrook. Has garnered national attention as a recruit.
The Coaches; ER - Brendan O'Connell 14th season (274-82 - .770), Matt Lochte 15th season (236-117 - .669) > O'Connell, who has won two state titles, won his 8th regional title with the Raiders. Lochte, his first with the Lions.
History; The Raiders routed then defending 4A champ Meade in the 2016 4A final, 72-39, after taking a 38-13 lead at halftime. Naji Marshall (Xavier) led the Raiders with 21 points. Now, Marshall leads the Musketeers in scoring (14.9), and is second in rebounds (6.7) and assists (3.3).
@aka_themamba
#48
BSLWillieSeanCoughlan
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Posted 12 March 2019 - 09:56 PM
4A Semifinal
#5 Richard Montgomery (24-1) v #14 Broadneck (21-5)
v top 25 - RM 3-1, B 3-2; v top 50 - RM 7-1, B 6-5; v top 75 RM B
Offense - RM 65.6, B 62.5; Defense - RM 55.5, B 52.2; Point differential - RM +10.0, B +10.3
Its been a minute since the Rockets burst in thin air. 1967, to be exact. That was the last time the Rocķville behomith, established in 1892, made a Final Four, was 1967, when it made it three straight years, including winning the title in '66.
The road to College Park for the 1-loss Rockets hasn't been easy, needing an overtime win over MoCo 4A West rival Gaithersburg in the sectional final, then had to come back from 5 down in the fourth quarter to Walter Johnson in the regional final to finally punch that elusive ticket to the dance.
The Rockets are led by 6'1 sophomore Ryan Cornish, 6'5 senior Diordje Orcev, and 6'9 senior Miles Galley, with 5'10 sophomore Kordell Lewis coming on. The Rockets lost talented 6'8 senior Olivier Nkahouma to Bishop Walsh this season.
Broadneck is making its third trip to College Park, after reaching the state semifinals in '86 and '95. Meade, who won in '15, is the only AACo team to win a 4A state title in 29 years. The Bruins blew out Meade in the regional final, 78-47, after holding a 22-8 lead after one, 40-23 at half, and 62-37 after three. Seniors Che Colbert and Jamir Young scored 22 and 20 points in the dominating performance, respectively.
The Bruins, who lost to Old Mill in the Anne Arundel county championship, split with the Patriots in the regular season, also have quality wins v North Point, and at Annapolis. 4 of the Bruins 5 losses were by 8 points or less.
The players;
Richard Montgomery
3 Ryan Cornish 6'1 SO > Scored game-winning shot at the buzzer in OT to beat Gaithersburg in sectional final, finishing with 20 points. Rockets leading scorer at 14.6 ppg.
11 Diordje Orcev 6'5 SR > Orcev had the steal and pass to Cornish on game-winner. Averages 11.4 ppg.
22 Kordell Lewis 5'10 SO > Sophomore averages 9.6 ppg.
33 Miles Galley 6'9 SR > The biggest of the 'Big 3' for the Rockets, the 6'9 senior averages 13.9 ppg.
Broadneck
5 Jamir Young 6'1 SR > Led Bruins with 21 points in sectional final win over North Point. Scored 20 in regional final win over Meade. Averages 11.1 ppg. Scored 29 v Thomas Stone.
20 Che Colbert 6'1 SR > Three-year varsity point guard. Scored 22 in regional final win over Meade. Leads the Bruins in scoring at 13.8 ppg.
21 Nick Gatton 6'5 SR > Along with Vican and Cantrell, the Bruins bigs.
42 Logan Vican 6'7 SR > vican was named to the All-AACo 2nd team as a sophomore in '18. Averages 13.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg.
43 Mike Contrell 6'3 SR > Solid vet. Averages 10.1 ppg.
The coaches; RM David Breslaw 8th season, 7th at RM (129-62 - .675), B John Williams 13th season (182-122 - .599) > Breslaw, in his 7th season at RM, after a year at Bethesda Chevy Chase, has led the Rockets to a school record 24 wins. Breslaw, a former Rockets player, led the Rockets to 22 wins in '15; Williams is on his second tour of duty with his alma mater, in his third year back after a 4 year lay-off, following 10 years in the Bruins lead chair from '03-12.
History; The '66 Rockets championship team had two juniors picked in the NBA Draft. Willie Allen, who became the first black player for the University of Miami, was selected by the Baltimore Bullets. Larry Gordon, went to Maryland Eastern Shore, then a regional power, before being selected by the Seattle Supersonics. The '66 team also featured senior Claude Prather.
#5 Richard Montgomery (24-1) v #14 Broadneck (21-5)
v top 25 - RM 3-1, B 3-2; v top 50 - RM 7-1, B 6-5; v top 75 RM B
Offense - RM 65.6, B 62.5; Defense - RM 55.5, B 52.2; Point differential - RM +10.0, B +10.3
Its been a minute since the Rockets burst in thin air. 1967, to be exact. That was the last time the Rocķville behomith, established in 1892, made a Final Four, was 1967, when it made it three straight years, including winning the title in '66.
The road to College Park for the 1-loss Rockets hasn't been easy, needing an overtime win over MoCo 4A West rival Gaithersburg in the sectional final, then had to come back from 5 down in the fourth quarter to Walter Johnson in the regional final to finally punch that elusive ticket to the dance.
The Rockets are led by 6'1 sophomore Ryan Cornish, 6'5 senior Diordje Orcev, and 6'9 senior Miles Galley, with 5'10 sophomore Kordell Lewis coming on. The Rockets lost talented 6'8 senior Olivier Nkahouma to Bishop Walsh this season.
Broadneck is making its third trip to College Park, after reaching the state semifinals in '86 and '95. Meade, who won in '15, is the only AACo team to win a 4A state title in 29 years. The Bruins blew out Meade in the regional final, 78-47, after holding a 22-8 lead after one, 40-23 at half, and 62-37 after three. Seniors Che Colbert and Jamir Young scored 22 and 20 points in the dominating performance, respectively.
The Bruins, who lost to Old Mill in the Anne Arundel county championship, split with the Patriots in the regular season, also have quality wins v North Point, and at Annapolis. 4 of the Bruins 5 losses were by 8 points or less.
The players;
Richard Montgomery
3 Ryan Cornish 6'1 SO > Scored game-winning shot at the buzzer in OT to beat Gaithersburg in sectional final, finishing with 20 points. Rockets leading scorer at 14.6 ppg.
11 Diordje Orcev 6'5 SR > Orcev had the steal and pass to Cornish on game-winner. Averages 11.4 ppg.
22 Kordell Lewis 5'10 SO > Sophomore averages 9.6 ppg.
33 Miles Galley 6'9 SR > The biggest of the 'Big 3' for the Rockets, the 6'9 senior averages 13.9 ppg.
Broadneck
5 Jamir Young 6'1 SR > Led Bruins with 21 points in sectional final win over North Point. Scored 20 in regional final win over Meade. Averages 11.1 ppg. Scored 29 v Thomas Stone.
20 Che Colbert 6'1 SR > Three-year varsity point guard. Scored 22 in regional final win over Meade. Leads the Bruins in scoring at 13.8 ppg.
21 Nick Gatton 6'5 SR > Along with Vican and Cantrell, the Bruins bigs.
42 Logan Vican 6'7 SR > vican was named to the All-AACo 2nd team as a sophomore in '18. Averages 13.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg.
43 Mike Contrell 6'3 SR > Solid vet. Averages 10.1 ppg.
The coaches; RM David Breslaw 8th season, 7th at RM (129-62 - .675), B John Williams 13th season (182-122 - .599) > Breslaw, in his 7th season at RM, after a year at Bethesda Chevy Chase, has led the Rockets to a school record 24 wins. Breslaw, a former Rockets player, led the Rockets to 22 wins in '15; Williams is on his second tour of duty with his alma mater, in his third year back after a 4 year lay-off, following 10 years in the Bruins lead chair from '03-12.
History; The '66 Rockets championship team had two juniors picked in the NBA Draft. Willie Allen, who became the first black player for the University of Miami, was selected by the Baltimore Bullets. Larry Gordon, went to Maryland Eastern Shore, then a regional power, before being selected by the Seattle Supersonics. The '66 team also featured senior Claude Prather.
@aka_themamba
#49
BSLWillieSeanCoughlan
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Posted 13 March 2019 - 08:26 PM
3A Semifinal
#2 Poly (20-5) v #43 CM Wright (20-5)
v top 25 P 9-5, CMW 0-1; v top 50 P 11-5, CMW 0-3; v top 75 P 11-5, CMW 4-3
Offense - Poly 62.0, CMW 63.1; Defense P 48.8 (8th t), CMW 50.4 (15th); Point differential P +13.2, CMW +12.7
The Engineers would be the first 3A team in MPSSAA history to 3-peat, should they close out the season with two more victories in College Park this weekend. Last year's win by the Engineers was just the second time a team won back-to-back 3A state titles since 1989 (Milford Mill '10'-11).
Since New Year's of 2017, the Engineers are 49-3 v MPSSAA competition, with all 3 losses coming to city rivals, all by 4 points or less - '17 City Title Game v Patterson, 42-40; '18-19 v Lake 38-34, this season, at Patterson, 67-64.
The Engineers are led by 6'7 junior Justin Lewis, along with junior guards Ra Ra Ali and Brandon Murray, and flanked by 6'5 junior Ian Wallace and 6'8 senior Armani Walker. The Engineers have wins over regionally ranked St Johns DC and St Frances, along with wins over Edmondson, Lake Clifton, and St Maria Goretti.
The Mustangs stand at 20-5, though it's been without a top 50 win. The Stangs biggest wins are a 16 point win over Centennial, and wins over Woodlawn, Dundalk, and Harford Tech, twice.
The Mustangs won the 3A title in 2016, outlasting Decatur in overtime, 61-59. The Mustangs also made the Final Four the year before, in '15, before losing to eventual 3A champion Centennial, 75-61, in the semifinal.
The players;
Poly
10 Justin Lewis 6'7 JR > Ranked #130 in the 2020 class, #22 PF. Lewis is being recruited hard by the Terrapins, with Marquette and Central Florida in pursuit, among many others.
11 Ra Ra Ali 5'9 JR > This will be the third Final Four for the junior. Ali hit game-tying three v St Johns DC to send to OT, before game-winning bucket at buzzer in OT.
23 Brandon Murray 6'5 JR > The talented transfer from New York has been a huge pick-up for the Engineers, scoring 29 points in the regional final win over St Charles.
24 Ian Wallace 6'5 JR > Hit game-winning shot to beat St Frances
CM Wright
2 Quincy Haughton 5'9 SR > Averages 12.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.9 apg, and 1.8 spg.
10 Jalen Jackson SR > Jackson is the Mustangs leading scorer, averaging 13.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, and 3.4 apg, hitting 39 3's.
12 Brye Hopkins SR > Averages 12.0 ppg and 5.4.
The coaches; P Sam Brand 9th season (162-64 - .717); CMW John Stephanos 8th season (136-59 - .697) > Brand has led the Engineers to four Final 4's - in 2013, and the last 3 years, with a 4-1 record. Stephanos has led the Mustangs to three Final 4's in the last 5 years.
History; The Baltimore City League has won 40 state titles in the 26 years since joining the MPSSAA, just better than one and-a-half per year. A Baltimore city or county team has won 3A in 8 of the last 10 years.
#2 Poly (20-5) v #43 CM Wright (20-5)
v top 25 P 9-5, CMW 0-1; v top 50 P 11-5, CMW 0-3; v top 75 P 11-5, CMW 4-3
Offense - Poly 62.0, CMW 63.1; Defense P 48.8 (8th t), CMW 50.4 (15th); Point differential P +13.2, CMW +12.7
The Engineers would be the first 3A team in MPSSAA history to 3-peat, should they close out the season with two more victories in College Park this weekend. Last year's win by the Engineers was just the second time a team won back-to-back 3A state titles since 1989 (Milford Mill '10'-11).
Since New Year's of 2017, the Engineers are 49-3 v MPSSAA competition, with all 3 losses coming to city rivals, all by 4 points or less - '17 City Title Game v Patterson, 42-40; '18-19 v Lake 38-34, this season, at Patterson, 67-64.
The Engineers are led by 6'7 junior Justin Lewis, along with junior guards Ra Ra Ali and Brandon Murray, and flanked by 6'5 junior Ian Wallace and 6'8 senior Armani Walker. The Engineers have wins over regionally ranked St Johns DC and St Frances, along with wins over Edmondson, Lake Clifton, and St Maria Goretti.
The Mustangs stand at 20-5, though it's been without a top 50 win. The Stangs biggest wins are a 16 point win over Centennial, and wins over Woodlawn, Dundalk, and Harford Tech, twice.
The Mustangs won the 3A title in 2016, outlasting Decatur in overtime, 61-59. The Mustangs also made the Final Four the year before, in '15, before losing to eventual 3A champion Centennial, 75-61, in the semifinal.
The players;
Poly
10 Justin Lewis 6'7 JR > Ranked #130 in the 2020 class, #22 PF. Lewis is being recruited hard by the Terrapins, with Marquette and Central Florida in pursuit, among many others.
11 Ra Ra Ali 5'9 JR > This will be the third Final Four for the junior. Ali hit game-tying three v St Johns DC to send to OT, before game-winning bucket at buzzer in OT.
23 Brandon Murray 6'5 JR > The talented transfer from New York has been a huge pick-up for the Engineers, scoring 29 points in the regional final win over St Charles.
24 Ian Wallace 6'5 JR > Hit game-winning shot to beat St Frances
CM Wright
2 Quincy Haughton 5'9 SR > Averages 12.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.9 apg, and 1.8 spg.
10 Jalen Jackson SR > Jackson is the Mustangs leading scorer, averaging 13.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, and 3.4 apg, hitting 39 3's.
12 Brye Hopkins SR > Averages 12.0 ppg and 5.4.
The coaches; P Sam Brand 9th season (162-64 - .717); CMW John Stephanos 8th season (136-59 - .697) > Brand has led the Engineers to four Final 4's - in 2013, and the last 3 years, with a 4-1 record. Stephanos has led the Mustangs to three Final 4's in the last 5 years.
History; The Baltimore City League has won 40 state titles in the 26 years since joining the MPSSAA, just better than one and-a-half per year. A Baltimore city or county team has won 3A in 8 of the last 10 years.
@aka_themamba
#50
BSLWillieSeanCoughlan
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Posted 13 March 2019 - 08:27 PM
3A Semifinal
#19 Thomas Johnson (20-6) v #32 Reservoir (17-8)
v top 25 TJ 0-4, RES 1-3; v top 50 TJ 5-5, RES 4-5; v top 75 TJ 9-6, RES 9-8
Offense - TJ 67.1 (20th), RES 62.6; Defense - TJ 56.8, RES 57.7; Point Differential - TJ +10.3, RES +4.9
The Patriots, who lost to #7 Oakdale three times this season, including a 66-65 loss in the CMC title game, is making its second Final 4 appearance in two seasons. The Patriots have posted back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time since HOF'er Tom Dickman's glory days ('74-02).
The Patriots lost to Milford Mill, 43-36, in the state semifinal game last season. It was the Pats first trip to College Park since Dickman's final year in '02.
The Patriots return three starters from last years regional champions - 6'4 JR Powe, point guard Richard Rivas, and 6'7 center Bennett Commander, now all seniors. Three of the Pats six losses were to top 10 teams - Oakdale twice, and #5 Richard Montgomery, all by 7 points or less.
Reservoir is making its second Final 4 appearance in school history, after making its first in 2013, before falling to Potomac, 63-58, in the semifinal. The Gators made the regional final the following year in '14, but met their match in undefeated, nationally ranked City College.
The Gators finished 11-5 in a competitive HoCo league, but did post a win over AACo champ Old Mill, as well as a 20 point win at 4A regional finalist Springbrook, without their best player Josh Okunowo. The Gators have won all three of their playoff games (v Centennial, Mt Hebron, and Northeast) by double-figures.
The players;
Thomas Johnson
0 Richard Rivas 5'9 SR > Senior point guard led the Pats in scoring in last year's state semifinal loss to Milford Mill, with 15 points. Scored 22 points, with 8 rebounds and 5 assists in Patriots 55-51 regional final over Magruder. All-CMC 1st team in '18.
1 Shannon Glennes 5'11 SR > Scored 12 points, dished out 7 assists, and grabbed 6 rebounds in CMC title game.
10 JR Powe 6'5 SR > The Patriots leading rebounder, and second leading scorer, Powe scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the Pats 1-point loss to Oakdale in the CMC title game. All-CMC 2n team in '18.
21 Bennett Commander 6'6 SR > Scored 13 points in Pats CMC title game loss to Oakdale. Scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in sectional final win over Linganore.
Reservoir
2 Jaylen Manning 5'9 JR > Provides offensive punch, often times in the crunch.
4 Josh Okunowo 6'4 SR > Set Gators rebounds per game and blocked shots per game this season. Scored 29 points, grabbed 23 rebounds, and blocked 5 shots in the regional final, including 17 points in the fourth quarter.
14 Aria Amelia 6'0 SO > Amelia has hit 17 of 31 three-point attempts in the post-season. Set Gators record for 3PM, set by Manning's brother Judge, 2 years ago.
15 Ryan Saunderson 6'2 JR > Nice size, nice upside, but has been hampered by injuries this season.
The coaches; TJ John Manley 11th season (118-138 - .), R Mike Coughlan 8th season, 7th with Resi' (125-68 - .) > Manley has led the Patriots to back-to-back Final 4 appearances four years after finishing 1-22. Coughlan, in his seventh year at Resi, after leading Marriotts Ridge to its best season in school history in his one year there, ranks 5th all-time in HoCo history in win %, at .648.
History; The Dickman Dynasty lasted 29 years at Thomas Johnson, where the coach won 592 games and 18 league championships. Over his last 25 years, that ended in '02, Dickman led the Patriots to 7 state titles (most by any coach in MPSSAA boys basketball history), 14 Final 4's, and 11 state title games. At the time of his retirement, Dickman had more wins than any coach in Maryland public boys basketball history, since passed by former Annapolis Hall of Fame coach, John Brady, and Wicomico's Butch Waller.
#19 Thomas Johnson (20-6) v #32 Reservoir (17-8)
v top 25 TJ 0-4, RES 1-3; v top 50 TJ 5-5, RES 4-5; v top 75 TJ 9-6, RES 9-8
Offense - TJ 67.1 (20th), RES 62.6; Defense - TJ 56.8, RES 57.7; Point Differential - TJ +10.3, RES +4.9
The Patriots, who lost to #7 Oakdale three times this season, including a 66-65 loss in the CMC title game, is making its second Final 4 appearance in two seasons. The Patriots have posted back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time since HOF'er Tom Dickman's glory days ('74-02).
The Patriots lost to Milford Mill, 43-36, in the state semifinal game last season. It was the Pats first trip to College Park since Dickman's final year in '02.
The Patriots return three starters from last years regional champions - 6'4 JR Powe, point guard Richard Rivas, and 6'7 center Bennett Commander, now all seniors. Three of the Pats six losses were to top 10 teams - Oakdale twice, and #5 Richard Montgomery, all by 7 points or less.
Reservoir is making its second Final 4 appearance in school history, after making its first in 2013, before falling to Potomac, 63-58, in the semifinal. The Gators made the regional final the following year in '14, but met their match in undefeated, nationally ranked City College.
The Gators finished 11-5 in a competitive HoCo league, but did post a win over AACo champ Old Mill, as well as a 20 point win at 4A regional finalist Springbrook, without their best player Josh Okunowo. The Gators have won all three of their playoff games (v Centennial, Mt Hebron, and Northeast) by double-figures.
The players;
Thomas Johnson
0 Richard Rivas 5'9 SR > Senior point guard led the Pats in scoring in last year's state semifinal loss to Milford Mill, with 15 points. Scored 22 points, with 8 rebounds and 5 assists in Patriots 55-51 regional final over Magruder. All-CMC 1st team in '18.
1 Shannon Glennes 5'11 SR > Scored 12 points, dished out 7 assists, and grabbed 6 rebounds in CMC title game.
10 JR Powe 6'5 SR > The Patriots leading rebounder, and second leading scorer, Powe scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the Pats 1-point loss to Oakdale in the CMC title game. All-CMC 2n team in '18.
21 Bennett Commander 6'6 SR > Scored 13 points in Pats CMC title game loss to Oakdale. Scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in sectional final win over Linganore.
Reservoir
2 Jaylen Manning 5'9 JR > Provides offensive punch, often times in the crunch.
4 Josh Okunowo 6'4 SR > Set Gators rebounds per game and blocked shots per game this season. Scored 29 points, grabbed 23 rebounds, and blocked 5 shots in the regional final, including 17 points in the fourth quarter.
14 Aria Amelia 6'0 SO > Amelia has hit 17 of 31 three-point attempts in the post-season. Set Gators record for 3PM, set by Manning's brother Judge, 2 years ago.
15 Ryan Saunderson 6'2 JR > Nice size, nice upside, but has been hampered by injuries this season.
The coaches; TJ John Manley 11th season (118-138 - .), R Mike Coughlan 8th season, 7th with Resi' (125-68 - .) > Manley has led the Patriots to back-to-back Final 4 appearances four years after finishing 1-22. Coughlan, in his seventh year at Resi, after leading Marriotts Ridge to its best season in school history in his one year there, ranks 5th all-time in HoCo history in win %, at .648.
History; The Dickman Dynasty lasted 29 years at Thomas Johnson, where the coach won 592 games and 18 league championships. Over his last 25 years, that ended in '02, Dickman led the Patriots to 7 state titles (most by any coach in MPSSAA boys basketball history), 14 Final 4's, and 11 state title games. At the time of his retirement, Dickman had more wins than any coach in Maryland public boys basketball history, since passed by former Annapolis Hall of Fame coach, John Brady, and Wicomico's Butch Waller.
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#51
TheGuru
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Posted 14 March 2019 - 02:57 PM
At halftime, Poly over CM Wright 34-20. Justin Lewis leads Poly with 11 points.
#52
TheGuru
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Posted 15 March 2019 - 07:22 AM
Poly blew out CM Wright and Reservoir pulled out the win against Thomas Johnson. The biggest disappointment of the day was Dulaney falling to Eleanor Roosevelt at the buzzer. The Lions fought back from a huge deficit to take a 5 point lead late in the game. Roosevelt fought back to take a 2 pt lead and win the game.
Two plays stood out to me in a game full of twists and turns. In the last seconds of the first half, SO F Isaiah Cornish dribbled our the clock and delivered the pass to SO G Ryan Conway a half a second too late for his 30 ft jumper above the key to count. Cornish would over dribble at the end of the game and be forced to pass the ball to Cam Byers who backed up behind the three point line and hit the front of the rim at the buzzer. Conway or Che Evans we’re better options to take the last shot and Byers would have been better off taking the original 15 foot jumper from the right elbow to tie the game and send it to OT.
Hopefully, Lake Clifton and Patterson take care of business today and they along with Poly bring home the 1A, 2A & 3A titles to the City. Last note, I think there was a Mamba sighting at Xfinity yesterday. Saw a guy out on the concourse after Reservoir won with Gators gear on and a huge smile on his face. The guy was on such a high I didn’t want to bother him or his female companion as they made their way back into the seating bowl.
Two plays stood out to me in a game full of twists and turns. In the last seconds of the first half, SO F Isaiah Cornish dribbled our the clock and delivered the pass to SO G Ryan Conway a half a second too late for his 30 ft jumper above the key to count. Cornish would over dribble at the end of the game and be forced to pass the ball to Cam Byers who backed up behind the three point line and hit the front of the rim at the buzzer. Conway or Che Evans we’re better options to take the last shot and Byers would have been better off taking the original 15 foot jumper from the right elbow to tie the game and send it to OT.
Hopefully, Lake Clifton and Patterson take care of business today and they along with Poly bring home the 1A, 2A & 3A titles to the City. Last note, I think there was a Mamba sighting at Xfinity yesterday. Saw a guy out on the concourse after Reservoir won with Gators gear on and a huge smile on his face. The guy was on such a high I didn’t want to bother him or his female companion as they made their way back into the seating bowl.
#53
BSLWillieSeanCoughlan
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Posted 15 March 2019 - 01:32 PM
I told you I'd be happy if Resi' won, LOL! Tomorrow will be a different story.Poly blew out CM Wright and Reservoir pulled out the win against Thomas Johnson. The biggest disappointment of the day was Dulaney falling to Eleanor Roosevelt at the buzzer. The Lions fought back from a huge deficit to take a 5 point lead late in the game. Roosevelt fought back to take a 2 pt lead and win the game.
Two plays stood out to me in a game full of twists and turns. In the last seconds of the first half, SO F Isaiah Cornish dribbled our the clock and delivered the pass to SO G Ryan Conway a half a second too late for his 30 ft jumper above the key to count. Cornish would over dribble at the end of the game and be forced to pass the ball to Cam Byers who backed up behind the three point line and hit the front of the rim at the buzzer. Conway or Che Evans we’re better options to take the last shot and Byers would have been better off taking the original 15 foot jumper from the right elbow to tie the game and send it to OT.
Hopefully, Lake Clifton and Patterson take care of business today and they along with Poly bring home the 1A, 2A & 3A titles to the City. Last note, I think there was a Mamba sighting at Xfinity yesterday. Saw a guy out on the concourse after Reservoir won with Gators gear on and a huge smile on his face. The guy was on such a high I didn’t want to bother him or his female companion as they made their way back into the seating bowl.
You should have said, "what's up". I usually see 85Knight down there, among other big games, but didn't. There was a lot of talent in the ER-Dulaney game.
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@aka_themamba
#54
85Knight
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Posted 15 March 2019 - 02:02 PM
I told you I'd be happy if Resi' won, LOL! Tomorrow will be a different story.
You should have said, "what's up". I usually see 85Knight down there, among other big games, but didn't. There was a lot of talent in the ER-Dulaney game.
We were looking for you to chat it up.
#55
BSLWillieSeanCoughlan
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Posted 15 March 2019 - 03:04 PM
I wish I would have saw you. That's all I did yesterday, for 6.5 hours, chat it up.
We were looking for you to chat it up.
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#56
BSLWillieSeanCoughlan
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Posted 16 March 2019 - 07:19 PM
Hats off to the City League, as predicted in the pre-season, they took back 3 state titles to Charm City (for the 4th time). And it wasn't close, winning by 18 (led by 24 after 3), 28, and 23. Just far superior talent. Congrats to Tree and Lake, Poly and Patterson. Came back to watch some college. I have Roosevelt in 4A, comfortably.
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#57
BSLWillieSeanCoughlan
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Posted 16 March 2019 - 08:35 PM
E' Roos' 77 Broadneck 48
The Bruins led 15-7, before being outscored by the Raiders 70-33 over the last 27 minutes.
The Bruins led 15-7, before being outscored by the Raiders 70-33 over the last 27 minutes.
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