Five Takeaways: MPSAA 3A/4A Final Four
COLLEGE PARK, MD — The University of Maryland’s Xfinity Center is once again playing host to the MPSAA Final Four, where Milford Mill, Poly, Perry Hall, and Bladensburg each picked up wins in their respective semifinal contests. Here we recap the day with five takeaways.
MILLERS RUN-N-GUN STYLE PREVAILS
Milton is considered one of the more underrated guards in Baltimore County.Ugo Obasi, Eric Turner, and Jordan Goodwin combined to score 54 points in Milford Mill’s 68-59 win over Thomas Johnson. 6-foot-7 inch junior Darius Woods was quietly impressive for the Millers. An underrated catalyst in this win was their diminutive lead guard Ahmed Milton. The unsigned senior recorded a team-high 4 assists and 2 steals to go along with 5 points and 3 rebounds. Milton’s overall reliability and solid leadership intangibles are key elements to this team’s style of play.
POLY CRUISES PAST DECATUR
2018 Kevon Voyles, who is headed to play college ball at UMES next season, did all he could to keep Decatur close, but Poly prevailed behind a standout performance from Long Beach State Commit Demetrius Mims. The 6-foot-6 senior, who broke the school’s all-time scoring record, pumped in an easy 30 points to go along with 9 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal. 2020 Justin Lewis and 2019 Amani Walker asserted themselves in the paint, recording a combined 23 rebounds and 7 blocks. The Engineers can be proud of a solid all-around team effort, including impressive on-ball defense by 2018 Cleveland Horton, and steady point guard play from 2020 Rahim Ali.
GATORS MARCH ON
Perry Hall won each quarter in their commanding win over Gaithersburg, and earned the opportunity to play for their second state title in as many years. The Gators out-rebounded the Trojans 50-32, which was not unforeseen due to the size discrepancy between the two teams. Cincinnati commit LaQuill Hardnett struggled shooting the ball (0/5 from 3, 1/5 ft), but made up for it with a solid all-around game. The skilled 6-foot-9 senior recorded 9 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. 2018 Tyler Holley, who is committed to Morgan State for football, had an efficient game. The 6-foot-4 senior shot 5 of 7 from the field, and 7 of 7 from the line on his way to 17 points. 6-foot-8 Ole Miss Commit Anthony Higgs, and 6-foot-8 junior Anthony Walker combined for 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 blocks.
MUSTANGS STILL HAVE THE MAGIC
Bladensburg’s magical run to the Xfinity center will have another chapter after their win over Old Mill. The Mustangs were propelled down the stretch by their senior Daniel Oladapo. The 6-foot-7 forward, who recorded 27 points and 11 rebounds, pumped in 14 in the fourth quarter. Can they complete their cinderella run with a win over Perry Hall? Only time will tell.
QUICK TAKES
- UMass Assistant Coach Cliff Warren was in the house checking out some of the games on Thursday. The Minutemen have begun to actively recruit the DMV as a result of his local ties.
- St. Mary’s (MD) Assistant Coach Solomon Zurier was also spotted in the house evaluating local talent. Old Mill’s Hollique Johnson appears to be one of their primary targets.
- The defending state champs in 3A and 4A are still alive. Who has a better chance to go back-to-back?