Wye Mills, MD – Jayshaun Freeman poured in 32 points and teammates Mahzi Thames and DJ Earl each hit 2 free throws in the final 26.1 seconds Friday night as the Chesapeake College men's basketball team held off the visiting Lakers, 82-77.
"Jayshaun is a really talented combo guard who can score from all 3 levels," said Garrett College head coach Matt McCullough. "Chesapeake has a few really talented guards who we were concerned with entering the game, and we knew containing them would be a challenge. Our on-ball defense needs to improve moving forward."
Garrett College twice trailed by 9 points, the second time at 76-67 after a layup by Jaybraun Shingler (17 points, game-high 11 rebounds) off Thames' lob inside with 2:53 remaining. The Lakers, however, responded with a 10-4 run to make things interesting.
Laker Lamont Powell – an Easton High graduate who scored a team-high 21 points and dished out 5 assists in his return to the Eastern Shore – hit two free throws that pulled GC within 78-75. Thames (12 points) responded by sinking 2 free throws with 26.1 seconds left to take lead back to 5 points.
Tyler Rodeheaver (14 points) again pulled the Lakers within 3 points on a layup with 21 seconds remaining, but Earl sealed the win by draining a pair of free throws 2 seconds later.
Mekhi Price scored 16 and Ezekiel Edwards (5 rebounds) added 11 to join Powell and Rodeheaver in double figures for the Lakers.
Chesapeake took the lead for good, 40-39, in the final seconds of the first half on a Freeman layup. The Lakers stayed within striking distance much of the second half, but couldn't get over the hump as Chesapeake (10-1 overall, 5-0 conference) won its sixth straight game.
"I thought we came out with good energy and intensity to start the game," said McCullough. "Our shot selection wasn't great throughout the game and we had too many critical turnovers."
The Skipjacks were nursing a 58-56 lead when Freeman sparked an 11-4 run with 8 points, including a pair of treys. Chesapeake was still up 9 points at 76-67 before the Lakers (7-4, 0-4) made their final run.
Notes: AJ Crosby (5 points) pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds for Garrett.
The Lakers host another top conference contender – Cecil College – Wednesday night at 6 p.m.
"We knew heading into December, it was going to be a challenge, playing tough Maryland JUCO opponents in 4 out of 5 games," said McCullough. "We're looking forward to a big-time challenge Wednesday and a chance to bounce back."
ACM 90, Garrett College 63
CUMBERLAND – Jason Newman, Jordan Johnson and Daylon Brandon combined for 42 second-half points last Wednesday as the Trojans pulled away from Garrett College after intermission.
Newman scored 20 of his 22 points after the break as the Trojans (6-5, 2-1) exploded for 57 second-half points. Johnson (19 points) and Brandon (11 points) each scored 11 in the second half.
Mekhi Price led the Lakers with 16 points while Lamont Powell, Darius Jones, and Tyler Rodeheaver added 11 each.
Garrett, which handed ACM a 95-93 loss earlier this season, trailed just 33-29 at the break.
"Give a lot of credit to Allegany – they are much improved, and have significant depth at every position," said GC head coach Matt McCullough. "Their stars made big-time plays. Jason [Newman] and Jordan [Johnson] both played really well, especially in the second half.
"It was a good learning experience for us, playing in a tough environment," added McCullough.
If you would like more information on this topic or Garrett College, please contact
Stacy Holler at 301-387-3045 or stacy.holler@garrettcollege.edu.
