T.C. Claims DC Metro Invitational Crown

Ron Bailey, Publisher

March 25, 2007 – The inaugural D.C. Metro Public-Private Invitational Tournament concluded with a bang last night, as T.C. Williams (Alexandria, VA) traveled across the Potomac River and defeated host Progressive Christian Academy (Temple Hills, MD) 90-85. The game was a fitting end to an event that deserves to become a Washington area institution.

T.C. Williams came into the game with a reputation for being high-octane, and playing 10 or 12 players every contest: In short, the Titans get up and down the floor, while pressuring defensively. One difference existed for this game – they only had seven players available to compete, thereby possibly affecting they way they play.

Their coach, Steve Davis, managed the situation well. “I asked them if they wanted to run, and all of them said yes” he shared. “In the third quarter they got a little wore down, but they fought through it”.

T.C. Williams' tourney winning team.

That T.C. Williams would tire by the third stanza is no surprise, as the teams combined for 88 first half points – PCA is also known to get after it on both ends of the floor. Leading the charge was Titan senior guard Kamal Terrell (42 points), and PCA’s junior floor leader, Jasper Williams (30 points), who scored 26 and 13 in the first half respectively. For a first quarter stretch, the two basically answered each other’s buckets.

After briefly gaining a 51-49 lead with 4:25 to play in the third quarter (about the time T.C. Williams looked winded), PCA would fall behind 61-55 by the start of the fourth. The Titan’s senior swingman Glenn Andrews (26 points) was crucial to that mini-run, attacking the cup via fast break scores.

PCA’s Williams was intent not to let his team be undone, scoring via a three pointer and two stop and pop jumpers, help give the Conquerors a 64-61 lead, with 6:20 to go.

A subsequent Terrell three pointer tied the game, after which T.C. Williams’ senior point guard Walter Smith’s (7 points) steal and layup gave his team a lead they would never relinquish.

The Conqueror’s coach, Vann Whitfield, enjoyed 13 first half points from junior forward Ernest Watson (19 points), and lamented his team’s inability to feed him in the second half, thereby creating a predominance of perimeter shot attempts for his squad. “We got away from Ernest in the second half” he said. “We were down at halftime, and said we want to get the ball back inside”.

Nonetheless, Whitfield was thrilled with the overall event, opining “It has exceeded every single expectation”, before again lauding the Titans and their willingness to not only compete, but ability to play well.

T.C. Williams’ Davis was grateful for the opportunity. “It was good for T.C. Williams” he said. “It was good for Virginia (basketball). It was well worth it. I’m glad we participated”.

Next year, it’s hoped more teams will take the challenge, and that those who do commit, actually participate (Pallotti was inexplicably a no-show). As a result of doing so and winning, the Titans have serious bragging rights to who is one of the best teams in the area for this year.

All D.C. Metro Invitational Teams

First Team:

Kamal Terrell – T. C. Williams
Glenn Andrews – T. C. Williams
Mike Davis – T. C. Williams
Jasper Williams – PCA
Ernest Watson – PCA
Darryl Traynham – Wise

Second Team:

Chris Douglass – Jehrico
Marcus Wedge – Northwestern
Derrick Ward – Crossland
Vince Murphy – PCA
John Clone – M.M. Washington