Festival Preview: The Pumas of Wise are Hyped for Festival Action

Ron Bailey, Publisher

December 2, 2008 – “We are very excited” said O.J. Johnson, Dr. Henry A. Wise High School’s (MD) coach and Athletic Director, when asked recently of his team’s reaction to playing in this year’s DTLR National High School Hoops Festival Presented by Nike. “Same as last year, but we are more excited about the opportunity to play (Achbishop) Carroll”.

Further increasing the Puma’s exuberance is the Festival is once again played on their home court: Though Wise is not hosting the event per se, the school’s gym is being utilized. Resultantly, Johnson’s team feels the need to take care of home has been extended to this contest, as the third year coach noted “That’s one of our main goals this year, to play at home and win”!

David Golladay (foreground) during last year's Festival.

Wise, a team with eight seniors and six juniors is built to do that just, and in the process exceed last year’s 18-6 record. Leading the Pumas is a trio of fourth year guys, with David Golladay, a rugged 6’3” swingman headed to Mount St. Mary’s next year leading the charge. Golladay loves to strap up defensively, attack the rim, and play with force.

Aiding him in guiding Wise are 6’3” guard Phillip Wood – a capable scorer – and 6’4” post man Delonta ‘Big 50’ Boyd, who owns balletic footwork in the paint and has reported this season in great shape.

Johnson plans, as he typically does, on utilizing “a fast pace” since the Pumas “are a pretty small team. We plan on getting out as much as possible”. Wise will exploit their quickness advantage on both sides of the floor.

“We expect to be in the top three of Prince George’s County Maryland’s 4A league” admitted Johnson of his team’s internal expectations. “And compete for the county championship if possible”.

He and his group of Pumas believe a Festival victory over Carroll to be an excellent starting point in achieving those goals.