The Pats repel Largo's Pack
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Race in PG's 2A/3A heats up.
January 21, 2011 - Last night Largo (MD) strode into Friendly's (MD) Fort Washington, MD gym riding an impressive three game winning streak, having beaten foes during that time by 40, 23 and 55 points.
But not the Patriots, who stunned Largo early, eventually winning 75-59 before a packed gym. Both teams are now 9-3.
A main reason for Friendly's success was senior, three sport star point guard, Sherrod Baltimore, who finished with 22 points, including five three pointers, four of which were tallied in the decisive first half where Friendly led by as much as 20; repeatedly he shot deep in the corner for jumpers. Not a one trick pony, Baltimore also drove, both finishing and dropping off. His play was exceptional.
Sherrod Baltimore put on a first half show last night.
"I guess I had it working" was how Baltimore described his play. Rob Gardner, Friendly's coach, was more effusive, saying of Sherrod "He's the best point guard in the metro area, hands down. He's skilled and tough as nails. I always say (senior forward) Davon Morton (who tallied 18 points and 12 rebounds), is the engine of our team, but Sherrod makes it move".
Largo made a late first half run, getting to within low double figures, primarily on the strength of a solid 1-2-2 press that trapped. Their coach, Lewis Howard indicated "Definitely" during half time when asked if observers could expect more of that. But the formation wouldn't really bear much fruit going forward, as Friendly seemed to solve it.
How you ask? "Coaches' study" responded a laughing Gardner, before noting "We got tougher and made a great adjustment", which included finding an outlet guy.
Largo got 21 points from junior point guard Derrick Colter. Despite not shooting well, the prolific scorer did hit all 14 of this free throws. Senior forward Donald Hunt provided 16 points for the Lions, while senior guard Michael Johnson contributed 17 points for Friendly.
The road for these PG 3A/2A/1A stalwarts continues to be challenging ahead, as the Pats, 6-2 in conference, face Forestville on the road tonight, while Largo, 7-2 in league, travels to Fairmont Heights (last night's games were snow makeups). Both teams tip at 7:15p.
The league is still led by Largo, but its standings have become more competitive - Surrattsville (MD) leads the way, while Largo is second and Friendly sits tied for third with Gwynn Park (MD).
Check twitter.com/ronbailey19 to find out more about Baltimore's recruiting situation.