top of page
Search

2016 Maryland Boy's Basketball State Championships Recap


1A Championship - Pocomoke vs Lake Clifton -

Pocomoke celebrates after winning the 2016 Maryland 1A Championship over Lake Clifton

Lake Clifton jumped out to a big 21-10 first quarter lead behind the efforts of guards Kai Thompson (22 points, 9 rebounds) and Rasheed Brown (14 points,8 rebounds, 5 steals). However the scrappy Pocomoke would use their trademark pressure defense to disrupt Lake Clifton's offensive flow, and would go on to outscore the Lakers 34-29 over the second and third quarters. In the fourth quarter, Pocomoke led by senior guard Tyler Nixon (23 points 18-22 FT) attacked Lake Clifton mercilessly. The result was twice the amount of free throw attempts (42 to 21), and the Warriors took full advantage, knocking down 34-42 (81%). The excellent free throw shooting and the terrorizing pressure defense saw Pocomoke outscore Lake Clifton 20-6 in the fourth quarter, finishing a come from behind victory to win the 2016 1A Championship.

Pocomoke outrebounded Lake Clifton 41-38,and won the turnover battle as well 20-17.

Lake Clifton guard Kai Thompsonput up a valiant effort in a losing cause, finishing with 22 points (7-13 FG), 9 rebounds and 4 assist

Pocomoke senior guard Tyler Nixon posted 23 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assist in the win

2A Championship - Middletown vs New Town -

New Town after winning their second consecutive Maryland 2A Championship

In a battle between two deadly backcourts, Middletown led by Clay Smith would take charge early. First he forced New Town's senior guard Matthew Johnson out of the game with early foul trouble. Second he couldn't be stopped offensively, scoring and assisting on every one of Middletown's first quarter points as they led 11-9. In the second quarter, Devin Smith took over, keeping New Town in the game going into halftime as they trailed Middletown 30-26. In the third, Johnson's presence was big for New Town especially on defense. They would hold Middletown to 13 points in the third to take a 46-43 lead after three. In the fourth it was an intense battle throughout until the last seconds. Middletown's Clay Smith let the clock run down and began to attack the basket, as he left his feet, New Town's 6'7 center Christopher Fitzgerald rotated to attempt to block Smith's shot. Smith at the last second attempted a pass that was intercepted by Matthew Johnson who was immediately fouled. With four seconds left in the game and New Town up 54-52, Johnson would knock down both clutch free throws to give the Titans a 56-52 lead. Middletown attempted a quick inbounds pass but an alert Devin Smith stole the pass and ran out the clock to make it two straight 2A Championships for New Town.

Devin Smith led New Town with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assist and 2 steals while Matthew Johnson added 12 points. Clay Smith finished with a game high 21 points and 5 assist and Matt Considine contributed 11 points respectively.

Middletown's floor general Clay Smith posted a game high 21 points in a losing effort

New Town's Rashard Faust and Head Coach Mike Daniel celebrate together after winning a second consecutive state championship

3A Championship - Stephen Decatur vs C.M. Wright -

C.M Wright all smiles after winning the 2016 Maryland 3A Championship in dramatic fashion

Back an forth battle that brought a 46-46 tie at the end of regulation. In overtime, tied at 49, Stephen Decatur Torrey Brittingham dribbled while running the clock down. At the 10 second mark, Brittingham started making his move when C.M. Wright senior guard Chris Lorenzo stole the ball and raced down court to convert the game winning lay-up securing the Mustangs first State 3A Championship. Senior guard Corey Bays posted a game high 16 points while Kyle Harkins (13 points, 6 rebounds) and Brett Brown (11 points,14 rebounds) had impressive performances for the Mustangs. Junior guard Jaquan Johnson led Stephen Decatur with 14 points and 9 rebounds while senior guard Torrey Brittingham added 11 points and 6 assist respectively.

Stephen Decatur senior guard Torrey Brittingham filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 6 assist, 5 rebounds and 3 steals

4A Championship - Meade vs Eleanor Roosevelt -

Eleanor Roosevelt senior guard Naji Marshall was unstoppable finishing with 21 points on 9-17 shooting

It was a highly anticipated conclusion to the Maryland State Championships as Meade and Eleanor Roosevelt battled for the 4A crown. Roosevelt came out like Mike Tyson in his prime, jumping on Meade early and often as they took a 24-6 lead after one. The second period saw Meade make a brief run behind Tristan Easton, however the Raiders quickly turned things in their favor outscoring the Mustangs 12-7 in the quarter behind the inside play of Trent Bishop (11 first half points) and Naji Marshall (9 first half points) to take a 38-13 lead at the half. Meade would start the second half on a 9-4 run although it was short lived, as Eleanor Roosevelt cruised to a 72-39 win over Meade to capture the Maryland 4A State Championship. Marshall finished with a game high 21 points and 5 rebounds, Jaden Faulkner added 16 points and 8 rebounds and Trent Bishop contributed 13 points and 6 assist for Eleanor Roosevelt. Meade was led by Kodie Jackson's 9 points and Keith Duffin 8 points and 7 rebounds.

Roosevelt dominated Meade in the paint, outscoring them 60-14 while also scoring 18 points off Meade's turnovers.

This was Eleanor Roosevelts second 4A State Championship in four years.

Eleanor Roosevelt Head Coach Brendan O'Connell talks with sophomore guard Jaden Faulkner

58 views0 comments
bottom of page