by Jeff Richards
BOYS BASKETBALL
Maryland School for the Deaf 48 McConnellsburg 43, The McConnellsburg High School Spartans hosted the Maryland (Frederick) School for the Deaf Orioles in a non-conference game Friday night. However, in the last two minutes of play, they fell short of holding the lead and were defeated in their home opener.
The Spartans (1-1 overall, 0-0 ICC South) took the lead early on and, at the end of the first quarter, held a 12-6 advantage. However, within the first three minutes of the second quarter, the Orioles charged back to tie the game at 12, scoring six unanswered points. The Spartans held a two-point lead at halftime, 18-16.
Both teams ramped up scoring in the third as the Orioles took the lead by a point 35-34 after three quarters. Late in the fourth quarter, a Spartans’ series of deliberate fouls to get to Oriole’s double bonus situation caused an official to call an intentional fifth foul with 15 seconds remaining and the score 44-43 MSD. The Orioles sank both free throws, got the ball back at mid-court, and completed one more basket at the buzzer. Final 48-43 MSD over MHS.
Coach Josh Lowery commented, “Tonight was our home opener against a tough, physical Maryland School for the Deaf. This game was just the test we needed this early in the season. We played well most of the game but fell short to the Orioles. I am very proud of this young Spartan team on how they hustled and held composure to the aggressive, fast play”.
MD School for Deaf 6 10 19 13 — 48
McConnellsburg 12 6 16 9 — 43
Spartans’ stats:
Brayden Ramsey 5 5-7 16, Dom Jefferson 3 2-2 10, Hoyt Glenn 4 0-1 9, Shaffer Earley 3 2-4 8, Totals 15 9-14 43
3-point shots — MHS 4 (Jefferson 2, Glenn 1, Ramsey 1). %FTM 64.3%
Spartans’ totals: 19 rebounds (7 offensive, 12 defensive), 14 assists, 6 steals, 12 blocked shots, and 5 charges taken. Spartan turnovers 8. Team fouls 12.
Team-highs: Glenn led with 6 assists. Earley led with 7 combined offensive and defensive rebounds. Glenn led with 5 steals. Glenn, Jefferson and Hann shared 2 steals each. Hann led with 5 blocked shots.
Leading scorers and stats for the Spartans were: Brayden Ramsey, 16 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 charge taken; Dom Jefferson, 10 points, 3 assists, 2 steals; Hoyt Glenn, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks; and Shaffer Earley, 8 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 3 charges taken.
Notes: JV boys’ results: McConnellsburg 50 MSD 45.
Next Up: McConnellsburg JV/V will face Tussey Mountain on Tuesday, December 10th, at 6 PM at home in a non-conference game.