Stone Makes it a Trifecta

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Charles County program makes it to the Maryland Final Four three consecutive years.

March 7, 2010 - Saturday night Thomas Stone (Waldorf, MD) did something many didn't think possible, by defeating Potomac (District Heights, MD) 87-68, the school is returning to Maryland's Final Four tourney for the third
consecutive year. After losing in the championship game in 2009 and semis last season, partisans of the Southern Maryland institution hope this third trip will produce a state championship, it's first since 1972.

Kendall Smith attacks the rim, while Antonio Jennifer defends.

Potomac, a stalwart in 3A classification ball was no match for Stone, who has previously competed in 4A competition. Differing strata had nothing to do with the game (the 3A South Final) as Stone, coached by Dale Lamberth led by just two after first quarter play, and 37-31 at the half. It wasn't until 2:53 in the third period that Lamberth's crew broke the game open, as then the score stood 53-36 after back to back dunks by the game's high point man, senior forward Kendall Smith.

Prior to that, Potomac had decided to feed senior forwrad Antonio Jennifer, who finished with 17 points; in the first half Jennifer, while not a spectator didn't seem to touch the ball enough. His coach, Terrance Oxendine noted it, saying at halftime "He's not being aggressive offensively. When he gets aggressive offensively, the tide will turn".

Momentum did flow to Potomac, but Stone continued to make plays, stunting their opponents possible charge. Senior
guard Dom Green dropped 16 points for Potomac, while fourth year point guard Da'Ron Mush Wiseman finished with 11, seven dropped in the first half.

An interesting side note; despite being saddled with seven team fouls in the third quarter, thereby allowing Potomac to shoot after every infraction, Stone still distanced themselves.

Stone enjoyed solid contributions from it's quartet of seniors: Smith finished with 25 points and eight dimes, while fellow forward Stephan Battle contributed 13 points, 11 boards and two assists. Guard Leandre Echols contributed 20 points and a quintet of assists, while foward banger Dytanya Johnson pulled down eight rebounds and scored 12 points himself.

Up next is the University of Maryland's Comcast Center, where Stone returns for a Wednesday, 3pm engagement. Can they finally get that chip, will Stone win two more games, making their third trip to College Park a charm? That's to be determined, but for one night in Southern Maryland, they were champions.

Controversy:

The game was played at Stone, an obvious competitive advantage. Potomac supporters additionally claimed tickets were not made available in a timely fashion. Whatever the position, no one can claim the gym wasn't rocking.

Exclusive Interview with Green immediately after the win:

Recruiting Notes:

Stone's Green has been offered by Delaware State, while Cleveland State and Akron are monitoring him. Smith has an offerer from Widener and other D2 schools. Both are severely under-recruited.

David Brockenberry and Stephan Green go at it.

Potomac's David Brockenberry is headed to Bowie State, where he will play both football and basketball. Wiseman is still sorting out options, as many are predicated on his test score. CIAA schools are interested, as are MEAC colleges and others. He's also under-recruited, as Wiseman is one of the best senior point guards in the DC area.

Antonio Jennifer is headed to junior college.