State Semifinals are set. It's safe to say that everyone I picked to win the state championship are all still in the tournament. We are going to get some great matchups this week. Kudos to all 16 schools making it to the "Final 4" of their respective Classes. Please purchase your tickets via GoFan and support our student athletes.
1A Class Semifinals: March 7th (Richard Montgomery High School)
Forest Park vs Mountain Ridge 5pm: Mountain Ridge is a very skilled team who can pass the ball well & simply put the ball in the hoop with ease. They scored 75 points in the Quarterfinals. Forest Park has a stifling defense and physical play. Whoever controls the boards and tempo will win this game. This should be a great contrast of styles. Both teams are well coached. (Prediction- Forest Park)
Pikesville vs Patterson Mill 730pm: Pikesville is back again to defend its crown. After two tight regional games, the panthers breezed through the quarterfinals. Patterson Mill is coming off a big win last Saturday. Look for this game to be played in the high 40's. First team to 50 should win.The more physical team should win this game. Both teams have to take care of the basketball. (Prediction- Pikesville)
2A Class Semifinals: March 8th (Paint Branch High School)
Williamsport vs Lackey 5pm: Williamsport has been my favorite prior to the tournament started weeks ago. I just felt that they were a complete team and they can play any style of basketball. The upstart Lackey team may present some problems with their athleticism.
(Prediction-Williamsport)
Kent Island vs Hereford 730pm: So Kent Island is Undefeated. This by far will be their toughest test of the season. Hereford has the experience and style of play that slows the game down. They actually won their quarterfinal round game with 37 points. Both teams have amazing coaches that make perfect in game adjustments. (Prediction- Kent Island)
3A Class Semifinals: March 7th (North Point High School)
Oxon Hill vs Poly 5pm: Poly comes in as the #4 seed after being the top ranked public school in the state all year. Anyone who really follows public school girls would agree. Anyways this game will be won on defense, and by which team can drive the ball to the basket and get the other team in foul trouble. Quality possessions matter. Oxon Hill the 1-2-3A PG County regular season champion will try to keep the game in the low 50s to have a chance. (Prediction- Poly)
Howard vs St. Charles 730: This game is actually a rematch of an earlier matchup during a holiday tourney where Howard won big. St. Charles has found much success during the postseason as they won their conference championship games and has been stingy with giving up points. The size of Howard in the post may cause some issues for St. Charles.
(Prediction: Howard)
4A Class Semifinals: March 7th (Paint Branch High School)
Winston Churchill vs Western 5pm: So I'm going to be honest with my followers, I did not see this matchup coming at all. Churchill is your Montgomery county champs and have exceptional team chemistry. They share the ball well and their basketball IQ is what sets them apart. Western is back in the state semi's to defend their crown. After two quality wins vs great competition the last 2 rounds they are coming together at the right time. This is honestly a toss up. This by far will be the tightest state semifinal game. Both teams have amazing coaches. Some people may dislike my pick but I'm going to go with.... (Prediction- W. Churchill)
Glen Burnie vs Severna Park 730pm: This a rematch of the AA County Championship from 2 weeks ago. This Class literally has the best semifinals matchups. The gophers have been a top 3 public school the whole year. They are determined to cap off this year with a chip. Severna park knows Glen Burnie the best. This should be great game. I am going to stick with my preseason pick for the 4A (Prediction-Glen Burnie)
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