Game MPSSAA Class 3A Regional of round Round 2

On Thursday February 29th, the Baltimore City College Knights played the Digital Harbor Rams in the 3A 2nd round regional playoffs. The game ended in a 79-47 blowout in City’s favor, as the Knights controlled the game from start to finish. #1 O. Smith and #5 J. Hargrave were the main scoring outlets for City, with 20 and 17 points, respectively. But the reason City won this game was not down to just two players, but more so thanks to the efforts of the team. The first quarter started off with both teams trying to push the tempo. City were able to get a couple buckets early on, but Digital were able to keep pace thanks to a few catch and shoot threes after collapsing the defense with drives. But as the game kept going, momentum started to shift City’s way due to two key factors. The first was forcing turnovers. City played a highly aggressive full court press against Digital and sent two defenders to the ball handler whenever they could. This is normally very risky as you leave somebody open sending double teams, especially before crossing the halfcourt line, but City’s unwavering energy and pressing forced turnover after turnover, and easy fastbreak layups as a result. Digital were unable to get into an offensive flow, as getting the ball past halfcourt and setting up their offense was a challenge for them from tip-off. The second key factor was how each team attacked the other's defense. Both teams spent a large majority of the game in a 2-3 zone, and each side had differing strategies to break this down. City opted for a pass and move system where the ball would fly around the court to stretch the defense out of position, this led to numerous open layups and efficient looks throughout the first. Digital opted for having their main ball handlers drive and collapse the defense and kickout for an open 3, draw a foul, or finish a tough layup. Digital’s #5 Eubanks was the main one tasked with this arduous role, and for the first quarter it worked well enough to keep in the game, as the first ended 21-12 in City’s favor. However things fell apart for Digital from here. City wised up to this offensive approach and contested every layup and three pointer while blitzing ball handlers with a relentless press, this led to more turnovers for Digital and more easy baskets for City. The Knights were also dominant in the halfcourt, tearing apart Digitals zone defense as the Rams rotations were not fast enough to keep up with the ball flying around. A few threes for Digital after some defensive breakdowns from City was all that prevented this from being a complete rout, as the first half ended. 43-22. Things did not change in the second half. City dominated thanks to being able to create easy offensive opportunities, and Digital floundered because they relied on a iso centric offense and too many contested shots. Apart from some defensive hiccups that led to open shots, City were fundamentally excellent tonight. Swarming ball handlers, creating turnovers, and being unselfish in the halfcourt in order to create efficient shots. Knight’s supporters can only hope their team plays this well in their next playoff matchup.