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Maeshon Witherspoon (left), Josh Selby’s mom, is relieved after Selby announces he’s attending the University of Kansas Saturday evening at the Jordan Brand Classic. (photo by Nick Krug, Lawrence Journal World)

By Derek Toney

Under the bright lights of New York City, Josh Selby said he’s going to the land where Dorothy and Toto once roamed. The Lake Clifton senior point guard announced he’s going to attend the University of Kansas during the Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden Saturday.

“I think that’s the best place for me to mature and get to the next level,” Selby said after making the nationally televised decision. “[Coach Bill Self] kind of reminds me of myself. He’s very outgoing, a good coach and he’s going to get the job done.”

Selby selected the Jayhawks over Arizona, Connecticut, Kentucky and Tennessee. Speculation over the last several months had Kansas in the driver seat for the 6-foot-3 point guard.

With Kentucky freshman point guard John Wall announcing last week he’s entering the NBA Draft, Selby’s name automatically was linked to the Wildcats. Brandon Knight, considered the nation’s top prep point guard, committed to Kentucky on the first day of the national signing period Wednesday, all but assuring Selby would indeed be headed to Lawrence, Kansas.

Selby averaged 32 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals for the Lakers, earning All-Metro player of the year honors by the Sun. He scored 40 or more points in six contests during the winter season.

Selby, who spent two seasons at DeMatha Catholic and his freshman year at John Carroll, is part of the best B-more senior class in recent memory. Brewster Academy’s Will Barton, who formerly attended City College and Lake Clifton and is considered the nation’s No. 1 shooting guard, is headed to Memphis along with brother Antonio. Roscoe Smith (Virginia’s Oak Hill, formerly Walbrook) is headed to UConn and Brewster Academy’s C.J. Fair (formerly City College) will play for Syracuse.

Before his junior campaign, Selby verbally committed to Tennessee, but reopened his recruitment last summer. The Vols made a last push with Bruce Pearl coming to Baltimore to see Selby lead Lake Clifton against City College in the Class 2A state North Region semifinals at Coppin State.

In the end, it was Kansas winning over Selby. With the graduation of Sherron Collins, Selby should immediately see time in the Jayhawk backcourt.

In the postseason, it’s about the guards. As Baltimore brought back three championships from Comcast Center last weekend, quantity trumped quality.

City College, Dunbar and Milford Mill found ultimate success with their backcourts rising to the challenge. There was no spectacular one-man show like the regular season.

One of the best individual performances at Comcast Center belonged to Dunbar’s Derrell Edwards, who tied a state Final Four record with seven 3-pointers among his 33 points in the Poets’ semifinal victory over Allegany.

Edwards didn’t have to carry the load in the finals. Junior Iakeem Alston had a coming out party with 14 points against Owings Mills and swingman Roderick Camphor also had 14. Corey Spence, who nearly lost his life in a car accident before the start of preseason practice, was again the steady veteran coming off the bench.

Last season, Milford Mill’s backcourt of Xavier Drake and Joshua Glascoe nearly ended Lake Clifton’s perfect season in last year’s Class 3A North Region finals. The Millers got over hump this winter.

Anthony Goode, Troy Branch and Isaiah McCray made up the top backcourt in Baltimore County, and took apart Thomas Stone in the 3A finals. Goode (13 points and two assists) ran circles around Thomas Stone’s defensive pressure, Branch punched the Cougars in the mouth with his outside shooting and McCray was all over the place defensively.

City College has a budding superstar in swing Nick Faust, but the combined efforts of Edwin Amos, Mike Cheatham, Alfonzo Hawkins, Eric Greer, Ronald Epps and Kederick Anderson was the reason the Knights became the second city program to win back-to-back state championships.

“We have a point guard position by committee,” said City coach Mike Daniel. “When the season first started I was nervous, but we got better. We got better because the city league has great guards.”

The city league season was dominated by the exploits of Lake Clifton’s Josh Selby and Patterson freshman Akil Carr. While their efforts were memorable, it wasn’t enough to get their teams to championship level.

Edmondson, which won the city league championship before falling short in the 2A North Region final, was successful because of a team-first philosophy combined with a tough and gritty attitude. Calvert Hall didn’t have the firepower in the backcourt like Mount St. Joseph and St. Frances Academy, but found a way to beat both to win its first Catholic League tournament crown in three decades.

There’s no doubt substance reigned over style this winter in Baltimore hoops.

It was another exciting state boys’ Final Four at the University of Maryland last weekend as three Baltimore-area squads (City College, Dunbar and Milford Mill) walked away with a championship. Here’s my review of the outstanding performances at Comcast Center.

CLASS 1A

Semifinals: Dunbar 67, Allegany 56; Owings Mills 44, Snow Hill 42

Championship: Dunbar 64, Owings Mills 53

Most Outstanding Player: Derrell Edwards, Dunbar

The senior guard tied a state Final Four record with seven 3-pointers in the semifinals against Allegany. He struggled with his shot in the finals versus Owings Mills (4-for-15), but provided solid defense (six rebounds and four steals total) in the fourth quarter as the Poets claimed first championship since 2006.

All-tournament team

Roderick Camphor, Dunbar: Senior wing picked up stack in the second half of Poets’ 64-53 finals triumph over Owings Mills with 14 points and six rebounds. Camphor had game-high 12 rebounds in semifinal win.

Brandon Fields, Owings Mills: Led Eagles with 16 points in finals’ loss to Dunbar after team-high 10 (added four steals) in 44-42 semifinal victory over Snow Hill.

Keith Jackson, Snow Hill: Senior guard nearly carried Eagles to finals, scoring 34 of team’s 42 points in semifinal loss to Owings Mills.

Casey Roberts, Allegany: High-scoring senior guard kept Campers in contention against Dunbar in semifinal, finishing with 28 points, nine rebounds and five steals.

Corey Spence, Dunbar: Senior point guard was again steady for Poets with 12 points, eight assists and three steals in finals.

CLASS 2A

Semifinals: Gwynn Park 69, North Carroll 36; City College 64, Easton 38

Finals: City College 56, Gwynn Park 45

Most Outstanding Player: Nick Faust, City College

The junior guard may be the best shooter in the state. He scored 40 points on 14 of 24 shooting including five three-pointers. Faust, a transfer from John Carroll, had 19 points in title game victory.

All-tournament team

Brandon Ford, Gwynn Park: Despite a tough final performance (3-of-13 shooting), Ford, a junior guard, totaled 29 points in two games with five assists.

Mike Hemsley, Gwynn Park: Hemsley paced the Yellow Jackets in the final with 22 points on 7-of-10 (13-of-21 in two games) shooting after a team-high 16 in the semifinal win over North Carroll.

Danny Hoffman, North Carroll: The Panthers’ first state Final Four in nearly 30 years was forgettable, but Hoffman provided some highlights with 10 points and five rebounds against Gwynn Park.

Jordan Lathem, City College: The Xavier University-bound center was steady in the paint for the Knights’ successful title defense with 22 points and 17 rebounds in two games.

Jah’Sheme Ringgold, Easton: Ringgold posted 14 points and four assists in Easton’s semifinal loss to Gwynn Park.

CLASS 3A

Semifinals: Thomas Stone 76, Blake 53; Milford Mill 69, Stephen Decatur 41

Finals: Milford Mill 60, Thomas Stone 46

Most Outstanding Player: Jimmy Hamilton, Milford Mill

The Morgan State University-bound Hamilton came up big when it counted for the Millers, scoring 26 points (13-of-23 shooting) and grabbed 20 rebounds as the Baltimore County program captured its first title since 1995. The senior forward, whose dunk opening the scoring for Milford Mill in the title game, had a double-double (16 points and 12 rebounds) in semifinals.

All-tournament team

Stephen Battle, Thomas Stone: Battle totaled 38 points and 18 rebounds for the state runner-ups, including a game-high 25 points in the Cougars’ semifinal triumph.

Anthony Goode, Milford Mill: The senior guard was the tempo-setter in the Millers’ title game win with 13 points, two steals and two assists. He recently verbally committed to Bowie State University.

Brandon Hendley, Blake: Hendley, a senior, posted 23 points and seven rebounds for Blake in its semifinal loss to Thomas Stone.

Cedric Johnson, Stephen Decatur: The senior guard posted 14 points with five rebounds in Decatur’s loss to Thomas Stone

Kendal Smith, Thomas Stone: Though the Cougars tasted another bitter Final Four defeat, Smith was a bright spot with 22 points and a tournament-best 23 rebounds. He brought down 14 rebounds in the semifinal round.

CLASS 4A

Semifinals: Springbrook 52, Eleanor Roosevelt 48; Old Mill 73, Urbana 64

Finals: Springbrook 74, Old Mill 67

Most Outstanding Player: Deshaunt Walker, Springbrook

The only returning starter from last season’s state title team, Walker spearheaded an unprecedented charge to a three-peat for Springbrook. He had 15 points (9-of-10 foul shooting) and three assists in the title game after a game-high 18 points in the semifinals.

All-tournament team

Demetric Austin, Springbrook: The Blue Devils’ three-peat wouldn’t had been possible without the senior forward/center getting it done with an impressive double-double (15 points and 13 rebounds) in the title game. He finished with 21 rebounds in two games.

Mike Holley, Old Mill: The quick senior point guard opened several recruiting analysts’ eyes with 42 points, five assists and five steals, including 25 points and four assists in the semifinals.

Enerio Jones, Springbrook: His shooting wasn’t overly impressive (8-of-29 in two games), but he was of epitome Springbrook’s griddyness, playing 63 of 64 minutes. He played all 32 minutes in the finals, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Chaun Miller, Eleanor Roosevelt: The junior forward led the Raiders with 15 points in the semifinal loss to Springbrook, including three 3-pointers.

Kevin Sowers, Urbana: Sowers was the reason the Frederick County school made its first state Final Four, and posted a game-high 26 points and four assists in the semifinals.

DUNBAR INTERVIEW
Dunbar’s Iakeem Alston, Roderick Camphor, Coach Diego Jones, Corey Spence and Derrell Edwards talk about Poets’ win over Owings Mills for Class 1A state championship

CITY INTERVIEW
City coach Mike Daniel, Nick Faust and Jordan Lathem talk about City’s victory over Gwynn Park for state title

Jimmy Hamilton knew he had to get off to a quick start for Milford Mill High’s boys’ basketball team in Thursday’s Class 3A state semifinal. He did just that, and the Millers are on the verge of a championship.

The Millers routed Stephen Decatur, 69-41, at the University of Maryland’s Comcast Center. Milford Mill will play Thomas Stone for the state championship Saturday at 3 p.m. at Comcast.

Hamilton, a senior forward led all scorers with 16 points to go with a game-high 12 rebounds for Milford Mill (24-3 overall). Cedrick Johnson led Stephen Decatur (21-5) with 14 points and five rebounds.

The Millers led wire-to-wire to earn its first title game berth since 1994 when they claimed the Class 1A crown. Hamilton scored eight in the opening quarter as Milford Mill gained a 12-4 lead.

“I just tried to do my job, rebounding and finding the open man,” said Hamilton, who transferred to the Baltimore County from St. Frances Academy at the beginning of last season, “and take advantage of scoring opportunities.”

Stephen Decatur made a run in the second quarter, pulling to within 16-12, but Isiah McCray single-handedly quashed the hopes of the Eastern Shore school. The junior guard, who missed most of the second half of Saturday’s North Region title game against Parkville after hurting his back in a collision, scored seven points off the bench.

The Millers led 28-15 at intermission and were on cruise control. Milford Mill coach Albert Holley saw his squad limited Johnson, who was averaging 20 points a game, limited to just 12.

“We played well in spurts,” said Holley. “We kind of understood what they wanted to do, our job was to take it away from them. We did a better job of that in the second half.”

Next for Milford Mill is Thomas Stone, which routed Blake from Montgomery County, 76-53, in the other semifinal. After nearly upending Lake Clifton in last year’s region championship, the Millers are 32 minutes away from completely erasing that memory.

“They’re a powerhouse,” said McCray of Thomas Stone, “but we’re ready to take on the challenge.”

State Class 3A semifinal
At Comcast Center
Milford Mill 69, Stephen Decatur 41

Milford Mill: Hamilton 8-15 0-2 16, Hanner 3-7 2-7 8, Goode 4-8 1-1 9, Branch 4-5 1-2 9, Johnson 1-2 1-2 3, Jackson 1-2 0-0 2, Cormier 1-3 0-0 2, McCray 4-10 1-2 9, Fulp 1-2 0-1 2, Jones 1-1 1-2 3, Reid 1-1 0-0 2, Miller 2-2 0-0 4, Richardson 0-1 0-0. Totals 31-59 4-16 69.

Stephen Decatur: Johnson 4-12 4-7 14, Engle 1-9 1-2 4, Andrews 2-7 0-1 4, Foreman 2-8 0-1 3, Lubeski 1-2 1-1 3, Wilson 0-0 2-3 2, Swistak 1-1 0-0 2, Purnell 2-5 0-0 5, Powell 2-6 0-0 4, Henry 0-1 0-0. Totals 14-49 9-16 41.

Milford Mill 12 16 21 20-69
Stephen Decatur 4 11 14 12-41

MILFORD MILL INTERVIEW

If not a lucky bounce on a three-pointer by Springbrook that forced overtime with Walbrook in the boys Class 4A semifinals, the city likely would’ve made it six. Five squads are again headed to the final weekend of the state public season.

Can B-more do it again?

BOYS STATE FINAL FOUR
When: Friday (2A & 1A semifinals); Saturday (finals)
Where: Comcast Center, University of Maryland

Class 1A semifinal: Dunbar (17-5) vs. Allegany (23-0)

Time: 3 p.m.
Road to Comcast Center: Dunbar defeated Northwestern (57-40), IBE (90-43) and Surrattsville (48-43) to win South Region; Allegany defeated Fort Hill (80-44), Southern-Garrett (50-34) and Williamsport (72-58).

Why will Dunbar win: After winning 11 titles in their first 14 seasons in the MPSSAA, the Poets have failed the last four trips to College Park. They’re simply due. The veteran backcourt of seniors Corey Spence, Nathan Ayers and Derrell Edwards is arguably the best in the city.

Why wont Dunbar win: First, the Poets can’t sleep on Allegany which is undefeated but haven’t faced a caliber of a team like Dunbar. Casey Roberts averages 25.5 points for Allegany. Look for Ayers, a solid defender to get the call. The bigger problem will be Saturday in the finals against either Owings Mills or Snow Hill. Owings Mills will be looking for revenge from two seasons ago when the Poets outlasted the Eagles in three overtimes for the North Region title.

Snow Hill is likely to be Dunbars final obstacle. The Eagles beat Dunbar two years ago in the state 1A semifinals, enroute to the crown and a 28-0 campaign. The Eagles have three holdovers from that squad including senior guard Keith Jackson (21 ppg., nine rpg.) and Ryan Waters (20 ppg., eight rpg.). They match up athletically, but Dunbar is a little longer with 6-foot-6 Darian Scott in the paint, and 6-4 Roderick Camphor on the wing.

Class 2A semifinal: City College (21-2) vs. Easton (19-5)

Time: 9 p.m.

Road to Comcast Center: City defeated Randallstown (93-54), Lake Clifton (60-47) and Edmondson (59-58) to win North Region; Easton defeated Queen Annes (89-58), North Caroline (64-55) and Edgewood (72-56) to win East Region.

Why will City win: The Knights survived the North Region beating Baltimore County finalist Randallstown which was playing for a fourth straight state title two seasons ago, last years 3A champ Lake Clifton and city champ Edmondson. Theyre definitely battle-tested plus theyre the defending 2A champs. The experience of Jordan Latham (17 ppg., eight rpg.) and Charles Tapper (10 ppg., 11 rpg.) in the paint compliments a young, but talented backcourt with junior Nick Faust (19.5 ppg) and Mike Cheatham. Cheatham was outstanding defensively against Lake Cliftons McDonald All-American Josh Selby in the region semifinals at Coppin State College.

Why wont City win: The Knights are considered the favorites after winning a tough region tournament, so complacency may seep in. Easton might not match up well inside against Latham and Tapper, but Eastern Shore squads are pretty tough and athletic.

Most think itll be City vs. Gwynn Park in the finals. The Yellow Jackets from Prince Georges beat rival Douglass-PG (City beat in last years state finals) three times this season, and can score led by 6-3 junior guard Brandon Ford (19.8 ppg). Gwynn Park coach Mike Glick formerly coached at Archbishop Spalding, so he has a good idea what City coach Mike Daniel will be bringing to the table. Daniel was the longtime Towson Catholic coach before making his way to The Alameda five seasons ago.

GIRLS STATE FINAL FOUR
When: Thursday (Class 4A & 3A semifinals); Friday (Class 2A & 1A semifinals), and Saturday (finals)
Where: Retriever Athletic Center, University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Class 3A semifinal: Western (18-6) vs. Centennial (17-5)
Time: 9 p.m. Thursday
Road to UMBC: Western defeated Towson (81-12), North Harford (55-30), Catonsville (57-35) and Poly (57-50) to win North Region; Centennial defeated Atholton (37-36), River Hill (48-41) and Mount Hebron (49-34) to win East Region.

Why Western will win: The Doves are simply due. This will be the fifth straight state Final Four for Western, which hasnt won a state title since 1995. The Doves are balanced as freshman guard Jannah Tucker is their leading scorer (11.3). Theyre seven-deep with size and veteran guards.

Why Western wont win: The Doves beat Largo, another 3A semifinalist, to start the season but have came up short against quality opponents all season. They needed a late push in the fourth quarter to finally upend Poly in the region finals. Centennial is a balanced squad and beat three recent former state champs to win the region title. The Eagles will try to make this a half-court affair.

If the Doves get through, theyll either match up against a much-improved Largo team or undefeated Seneca Valley in Saturday finals. The Eagles from Montgomery County are led by Virginia-bound guard Kelsey Wolfe (20 ppg., six rpg.). Largo beat Western in the 2008 3A title game.

Class 2A semifinal: Digital Harbor (19-5) vs. Fallston (18-5)

Time: 5 p.m. Friday

Road to UMBC

Why Digital Harbor will win: The Rams may have the best player in the area in Pitt-bound Asia Logan to go along with seniors Nichelle Groom and Janay Brinkley, a transfer from Archbishop Spalding. Digital Harbor knocked off defending champ City College in last weeks region finals, avenging a loss in the city title game. The Rams wont be nervous on UMBCs court, making their third state Final Four trip including last seasons Class 1A title run.

Why Digital Harbor wont win: Jess Harlee. The Fallston post was the areas top player last season leading the Harford County school to the Class 3A crown, but missed most of this past regular season recovering a torn ACL from the summer. Harlee is averaging 11 points and 11 rebounds since returning to the starting lineup, and has a solid cast including Rachael Holehouse (12 ppg., 4.1 apg.) and Lindsay Garnett (10 pts., 6.3 rpg.). The matchup between Logan and Harlee, whos headed to West Virginia, will be worth the price of admission.

The victor will play either Gwynn Park or Liberty in Saturdays title match. The Yellow Jackets are the prohibitive favorite against Liberty, making their sixth Final Four trip in 10 years. The Lions from Carroll County are making their first state semifinals in 27 years.

Class 1A semifinal: Dunbar (18-5) vs. Smithsburg (20-3)

Time: 7 p.m. Friday

Road to UMBC: Dunbar defeated Southside (111-43), Forest Park (87-11) and Forestville (64-35) to win South Region; Smithsburg defeated Manchester Valley (62-28), Catoctin (60-38) and Allegany (49-44) to win West Region

Why Dunbar will win: The Poets won four straight titles from 1999-2003, but havent been back since. Theyre itching to get back on top. Sophomore forward Michelle Wright (18.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg.) leads a young squad which four losses came against five ranked teams including city champ City College and state 2A semifinalist Digital Harbor.

Why Dunbar wont win: Its entirely new cast for Dunbar heading to UMBC after a seven-year hiatus, so nerves and inexperience could get them. If the Poets get past Smithsburg, their finals opponent will be tough with either Mardela or Joppatowne. Joppatowne has a solid resume with wins over 2A semifinalist Fallston, a pair of Anne Arundel teams (Severna Park and Glen Burnie), an IAAM program (John Carroll) and Frederick Countys Tuscarora. Junior guard Zameria Jones leads the team in scoring (17.3), but also has two 5-10 frontcourt performers (Brittany Thornton and Shakara Head) that could give Dunbar problems.

Mardela is led 5-11 guard/forward Taylor Siggers (16 ppg., 11 rpg.). The Warriors dont have impressive non-league wins, but have height and athleticism to compete with the Poets.

Basketball comes easy for Justin and George Jackson. Its in their bloodlines.

Their father, George, Sr., played at Walbrook High in the late 1980s. He had a basketball in their hands when they were toddlers and coached them from rec to AAU.

George, Sr. died this past Tuesday from a heart attack. His funeral was Monday in west Baltimore.

The last couple of seasons, George, Sr. sat a couple of rows up behind the Digital Harbor bench along with Benatlou Rec coach Herman Johnson. Like most parents, George, Sr. wanted his sons to do better than he did.

I remember George Sr. from his days at Walbrook as a fledging reporter with the Sun. He was a solid guard for Gus Herrington. It was at Walbrook I first saw his off springs at the Function in the Junction in Dec. 2007.

It was late in regulation when I arrived, and the game was out of hand. Not knowing which team was which on the scoreboard, I assumed it was Douglass, which was ranked. I was taken aback when I went over to the scorers table and realized it was Digital Harbor, led by big games from Justin and George, won.

My immediate thought was, Who are these guys? Over the next three months, the Jackson boys made their mark on the Baltimore city hoops scene. Last year, the Rams won the Class 1A championship, bouncing back from a drubbing by Lake Clifton in the city title game.

It was easy to see how they played off each other. They could be silent for a quarter, then go on a torrid surge. Justin and George went their separate way as George, after earning first-team All-Metro honors, garnered a scholarship to Coppin State College.

Justin dealt with injuries and inconsistency, while George also had injuries and adjusting in his freshman season at Coppin. For their first time in their basketball lives, the Jacksons had adversity.

George Sr. was there, providing encouragement. Hours after he died Tuesday, Justin had his best game of the season with 30 points against Overlea in the Class 2A North quarterfinals. In the semifinals at Coppin Thursday, Justin almost single-handedly brought Digital Harbor back from a 10-point deficit late in regulation against Edmondson.

Now, Justin and George now prepare for life without their biggest fan. Once their tears dried and sadness fade, the Jackson boys will have to become men.

By:  Derek Toney

As Calvert Hall College’s double-digit lead against St. Frances Academy dwindled to one in the second half of Sunday’s Baltimore Catholic League semifinals at Loyola College, I leaned over to a fellow reporter on press row and said, “Here we go again.”

The Cardinals were doing what I’m come to expect the last several seasons: falling short in the big spot. There was the late regulation collapse in the closing minutes of regulation last regular season against St. Frances, followed by a disinterested showing in the rematch in the MIAA A Conference finals.

Of course, there’s the loss to Loyola Blakefield in last year’s BCL semifinals which may have been worst, considering the school’s long and rich rivalry in everything from football to X-Box. Calvert Hall was again on cue late Sunday evening.

Then a funny thing happened. The Cardinals smacked down the proverbial fat lady as she warmed her vocal cords.

Calvert Hall won the Baltimore Catholic League championship. On consecutive nights, the Cardinals beat two-time defending champ St. Frances (67-62) and tourney top-seed Mount St. Joseph (46-44), teams that have overshadowed them the last four years.

After losing back-to-back games early last week, I’ve thought the Cardinals’ legacy had been written: Good, but never as tough as St. Frances or clutch as Mount St. Joseph.

They were both at Reitz Arena, wiping out a 17-point first half deficit against the Gaels in the finals Monday, after outlasting St. Frances in overtime Sunday. I believed the Cardinals’ fate turned in overtime Sunday.

Down 62-60, Jonathan Graham fouled out and St. Frances had possession. Calvert Hall denied the Panthers, who were shutout the rest of the way. The Cardinals faced with adversity in a big game and didn’t retreat.

Though Graham has garnered most of the attention, Donya’ Jackson has been the most important player for Calvert Hall. A tremendous defender, Jackson, the BCL tournament’s MVP, developed an offensive game this season. He’s arguably the most underrated player in the Baltimore area, and will be an outstanding player for the U.S. Naval Academy.

For Jackson, Graham, Kyle Wise and Damion Lee, the senior cornerstones for Calvert Hall, it was their time and they answered the call. The last time Calvert Hall won a BCL title was in 1984 with Duane Ferrell. Back then, the Cardinals, along with Dunbar, dominated Baltimore basketball.

It’s fair to say Calvert Hall should be No. 1. Ironically, the Cardinals’ first BCL crown in three decades didn’t garner them a spot in the prestigious Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament at Frostburg State later this month. Mount St. Joseph and St. Frances will be representing the BCL. The Cardinals are finally out the shadow, and their legacy can be written.

Champions.
BCL CHAMPIONSHIP VIDEO

March 14, 2009 is a date that will be remembered in Baltimore City basketball. In a 9 ½ hour period, three boys’ teams won Maryland state championships.

With the state tournament underway, can Charm City once again rule roost in a couple of weeks?

Tough might be an understatement describing the Class 2A North Region. City College won the state title a year, Lake Clifton has moved down after winning the 3A crown, and Digital Harbor is in 2A after claiming the 1A title a year ago.

Two years ago, Randallstown was on verge of a fourth straight state title, and recently battle Milford Mill to the wire in the Baltimore County finals. Douglass won a pair of crowns in the last decade.

And then, you have Edmondson, which won its first city championship. Oh yeah, it’s that thick.

The Knights are the No. 1 seed and should host Randallstown in Tuesday’s quarterfinal round. The Rams have rebounded this season after taking a step back in 2008-09, but will have a tall order winning on The Alameda.

It should set a rematch between City and Lake Clifton Thursday. The Lakers won, 69-61, during the regular season as Josh Selby went for 41 points.

In the other bracket, No. 2 seed Edmondson will host Douglass. The Red Storm is riding high off the city title win, but can they manage being the target? This will be the best quarterfinal match.

If Edmondson gets by Douglass, Digital Harbor will be next on Athol Avenue. The Rams lost to the Red Storm at home for the division title and a berth in the city title game. Digital Harbor may have arguably the city’s best all-around player in Davon Usher.

I’m going chalk for the semifinal round with Lake Clifton at City and Digital Harbor at Edmondson. City has a budding guard tandem with Nick Faust and Mike Cheatham, but Selby and an inspired supporting cast gets the win.

If Daquan Cook, a transfer from St. Frances Academy, is available, he’ll definitely give Digital Harbor some added firepower for Edmondson. Justin Jackson hasn’t had the senior year I thought he would have, but Thursday could be his mea culpa.

Like the previous meeting, it’ll come down to the final seconds and Rodney Pratcher, Stanton Kidd and the Red Storm finds a way to advance, leaving us with Edmondson and Lake for a trip to the state Final Four at Comcast Center.

Patterson will be the best hope for the city out of 4A. The Clippers host Dulaney in the quarterfinals, then it gets a little tricky.

Patterson, the No. 4 seed in the North Region, likely will have to go to No. 1 seed Urbana (18-2 overall) in Frederick County. If the Clippers win, they’ll get either No. 2 Perry Hall or No. 3 Woodlawn for the region crown.

Akil Carr has been one of the area’s impact players this winter and the Clippers, who knocked off Digital Harbor during the regular season, can play with anyone. The question is whether Patterson has the maturity to win two road playoff matches.

It took Dunbar just 14 seasons to collect 10 state titles, but the Poets have the last three seasons without another. The Poets should find their way to the South Region finals as the No. 1 seed.

They will likely host No. 2 Surrattsville from Prince George’s County next weekend. Dunbar, led by Derrell Edwards and Corey Spence, has only lost one region playoff game in east Baltimore in 17 seasons.

Milford Mill, which nearly ended Lake Clifton’s perfect run last season, is the favorite in the 3A North Region. They could have an interesting quarterfinal matchup with Aberdeen, a team that like to runs.

The Millers should get through, and get by either North Harford or Mervo in the semifinals. A showdown with Parkville will be looming in the region finals.

By Derek Toney

Edmondson High boys’ basketball coach Darnell Dantzler said Wednesday afternoon that he though his team could win at Digital Harbor Thursday. But he added a little caveat.

“I don’t know what team will show up,” said Dantzler.

He knows now where the Red Storm will be Tuesday evening: The city title game. Edmondson punched its ticket to Morgan State University with a 67-64 victory over the Rams.

Rodney Pratcher scored a game-high 23 points for Edmondson (14-2), and senior center Stanton Kidd added 15. Senior guard Justin Jackson led Digital Harbor (17-4) with 20 points, and Davon Usher and Stanford Toran each finished with 15.

Pratcher, a 5-foot-10 guard, gave the Red Storm the lead for good with a jumper with 10 seconds remaining in regulation as Edmondson will play two-time defending champ Lake Clifton Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. The Red Storm played Walbrook Friday and even if they lost, they advance to the city title game based on its head-to-head win over Digital Harbor.

The west Baltimore school should be flying high into its regular season finale after gaining its biggest victory of the season. The Red Storm only two losses came at City College and home against Dunbar.

Edmondson jumped out to a 19-7 first quarter, and led by as many as 15 points in the second half. Digital Harbor wiped out the deficit and took a 64-63 lead on a score by Toran with 54 seconds left in regulation. After an Edmondson timeout, Pratcher, who had only six points in the second half, came through in the clutch.

The Rams had one final chance, but they turned the ball over. Wayne Mobley took it in for a dunk for Edmondson, and the celebration began.

Though Digital Harbor was denied a second straight trip to the city finals, it could get another shot at the Red Storm in the Class 2A North Region playoffs in a couple of weeks. The region is arguably the toughest in the state with past state champions Digital Harbor, Lake Clifton, Randallstown and City College.

Edmondson 67, Digital Harbor 64

Edmondson: Pratcher 23, Kidd 15, Lovelocke 9, Thomas 8, Mobley 6, Pyatt 4, Dyer 2. Totals: 28 6-18 67.

By Derek Toney

Before a standing room audience at Dunbar, the Lakers outlasted the Poets, 70-65, in overtime. The victory puts Lake Clifton on a favorable path to a fourth straight trip to the city title game later this month.

Selby, a senior guard, led all scorers with 32 points for Lake Clifton (12-3), and Johnson added 19. Corey Spence had 21 points for Dunbar (11-5), and senior guard Derrell Edwards finished with 16.

Selby had seven points and a huge assist in the extra period for the two-time defending city champs. After spending his sophomore and junior campaigns at DeMatha Catholic, Selby cherished the opportunity to participate in the most compelling and legendary rivalry in Baltimore basketball.

“It’s fun, playing against any rival in any league,” said Selby. “You know you’re going to bump each other, you’re foul each other and you’re not going to get the calls you want. That environment kept me going.”

Under a Poet double-team, Selby found Johnson for a layup, giving the Lakers a 67-63 lead with 33 seconds left in overtime. Johnson, a senior transfer from Parkville, gave Lake Clifton the lead for good with a three-pointer a minute earlier.

The Lakers appeared in control with a 53-48 advantage with 2 minutes, 30 seconds left in regulation, but Dunbar scored six straight, capped by a short jumper in the lane by Spence, for a 54-53 lead with a minute remaining. Selby and Spence exchanged free throws, leaving Dunbar with a 56-55 lead with eighteen seconds left.

After a Lake Clifton timeout, Selby was fouled as the Lakers tried to the inbounds the ball. He missed the first, but converted the second to tie the game. Spence missed a jumper in the lane, and the ball went off Lake Clifton out of bounds with 2.3 seconds left. The Poets lost the ball and the final seconds expired.

Selby opened overtime with two free throws, then Edwards answered with a 3-pointer for Dunbar and a 59-57 lead. Spence gave the Poets a 63-61 lead with 1:51 left with another drive, but Johnson responded for Lake Clifton with his third 3-pointer and first since the second quarter.

“The first four quarters we played great offense and defense,” said Spence. “In overtime, we just let it go with bad defensive stops.”

The Lakers, who now own victories over City, Dunbar and Patterson in divisional play, travel to Forest Park Friday before finishing with three of their last four on St. Lo Drive. Dunbar travels to Maritime Industry Friday.

Barring an upset, the other half of the city title game picture will be finalized next Friday when Edmondson visits Digital Harbor. Both teams are currently undefeated in their division.

Lake Clifton 70, Dunbar 65

Lake Clifton: Washington 8, Selby 32, Johnson 19, Fields 7, Washington 2, Fisher 2. Totals 20 27-39 70. Dunbar: Spence 21, Edwards 16, Camphor 9, Jennings 4, Scott 4, Artis 4, Parks 2, Parham 3. Totals 22 14-17 65.

Youtube Videos

Gerrard Shelley

Josh’s interview

Corey’s interview

Lake vs Dunbar