Bladensburg’s Williams Seals Win

Ron Bailey, Publisher

January 17, 2007 – Bladensburg High School (Bladensburg, MD) traveled to fellow Prince George’s County, MD school Suitland High (Suitland, MD) for what many surmised would be an exciting game. The contest’s fourth quarter action alone met those expectations.

To start the last period, Suitland found themselves down nine, 53-42. Over the next five minutes they were able to close that gap to 57-55. Further setting back Bladensburg was center/forward Wally Judge’s (7 points) subsequently fouling out.

The highly regarded sophomore was philosophical afterward regarding his disqualification. “I had foul trouble today” he said. “I can’t change the refs calls, even if I don’t feel I fouled. I have to have that mentality”.

Wally Judge (center in burgundy) is seen here battling in the paint.

His coach, Jim Butler, felt while losing Judge would hurt his team and they played good defense with Wally patrolling the lane, blocking shots, “we can play good defense without him” as well.

Senior Raymar Watson (20 points), an interior force all game, continued his strong play. “He’s tough” said Butler of his senior forward. “He really helps Wally on the boards”.

Suitland seemed to be energized by Judge’s departure, as their full court pressure – including a 2-1-2 trapping press first employed during the first quarter - seemed to ratchet up a notch.

Sophomore point guard Jerald Williams (17 points) had been solid all game long, but at this point his impact increased, as he became the primary ball handler versus Suitland’s increased pressure. Down the stretch, Williams also scored off a curl play, and found Watson for a lay up.

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The squads went back and forth with Suitland tying the score at 62, via a tip in, with 49.8 seconds left. Williams completed two foul shots followed by the teams committing back to back turnovers.

Senior Suitland guard Sa’Quan Davis (13 points) then hit a three pointer from deep in the left corner, giving his team its first lead of the game (65-64), with 20.1 seconds to play, setting the stage for William’s heroics.

Sa'Quan Davis, here inbounding the ball, hit a clutch three-pointer late in the game.

After finding a teammate who missed an open shot, the diminutive Williams secured an offensive rebound in the paint, before being fouled. Jerald calmly sank his charity stripe shots, at the 7.9 second mark, giving his team a 66-65 victory.

“I just took my time and followed through”, which led to sinking the foul shots, said Williams.

“First of all, I don’t know a better point guard” opined his coach, Butler, of his floor leader. “He played 32 minutes”, something that was first done during summer league action this year.

“It was a tough win” continued Butler, who indicated the victory was “the most exciting of the year”.

Suitland was led in scoring by guard/swingman Joseph Jones (14 points) and Davis. Backcourt man Darnell Anthony (12 points) also contributed greatly. The team is now 7-4, 6-3 in PG 4A play.

The victory has positioned Bladensburg a solid game ahead of Suitland, as they are now 9-3 overall, and 7-2 in league play.