When Meade boys basketball couldn’t finish, Arundel could.
The pieces were there for both teams — swinging blocks and stifling post defense. Both teams mirrored the same struggle as far as turning over the ball.
But too many times, the Mustangs went for layups and either slammed the glass or tossed into blank air. The Wildcats simply did not have that hang-up — at least not nearly as often. The Wildcats sank their claws into the lead with a Javeon Reed basket in the first and never let go, opening the winter with a 64-50 win.
Rivals all across Anne Arundel County squared off Friday night, but Meade and Arundel specifically were expected to lead the county by a majority of coaches.
It’s early, Arundel coach Rodney Ramsey said, and for that reason, he won’t put a lot of stock into this kind of win — though it’s still a good win in his book.
“We knew it would be a tough game. Coming into this season, rebounding from last year, my team has a chip on their shoulder,” he said. “They wanted to come out day one and let everybody know Arundel is here.”
But for one top team to lay a double-digit defeat on the other, it does speak volumes.
“Self-inflicted wounds,” Meade coach Mike Glick said. “You can’t turn the ball over 23 times and win, especially unforced turnovers. We need our experienced players to play better.”
Three Arundel starters hit double figures, including their youngest.
When Meade desperately needed to turn up in the fourth quarter to avoid losing grip entirely, it couldn’t stop freshman Ellis Johnson.
“I had to show the entire county who I was. I heard about [Meade guard Keon Scott],” Johnson, who led with 18 points, said. “I want the county to know I’m one of the better players, too.”
Meade’s defense forced Arundel into a shot clock violation to begin the second quarter.
Senior Samson Anjorin didn’t like that.
The senior guard knocked down two 3-pointers to establish the first 10-point lead and — with the help of another few treys — keep Arundel afloat until halftime.
Meade gave the Wildecats no other choice. Arundel’s plan was to battle inside first, but while the Mustangs couldn’t curb their rivals on the arc, they stuffed the inside, rendering 6-foot-8 Phoenix Eggleston silent.
Arundel did not stress; it simply adjusted. The Wildcats sweated out all the nerves they could feel while freezing in the woods by the school before the game.
“That’s our peace. That’s where we go to calm our minds,” Johnson said. “In tough moments like that, we just calm down.”
Arundel held Meade at bay, leading 31-24 at halftime. The Mustangs, though, closed within 35-32 early in the third. Anjorin kept pushing them back.
He hit another 3-pointer, collected a Meade turnover and rolled an impressive two-point shot over 6-foot-5 Lucaya Baldridge.
“We got great shooters on the perimeter, but we know we got a good inside pressure,” Ramsey said.
In fact, every time the Mustangs careened within a possession or two, Arundel jolted back. A minute before the third quarter expired, Scott’s 3-pointer and a free throw from Arouna Soumaoro slashed the Wildcats’ lead to two points. So, Reed and Johnson closed out the third with back to back baskets.
Meade never came so close again.
“Defense is our number one thing. We pride ourselves on defense,” Anjorin said. “Coach [Teshawn Soumah] tells not everybody can put in the hole, but we can all have heart and play defense.”
Arundel: Johnson 18, Anjorin 17, Dominic Clark 10, Reed 6
Meade: Soumaoro 10, Matthews 8, James Johnson 7, Scott 6, Baldridge 6
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