Milford Mill Ends Parkville's Season Once Again

For the last three years, the one team Parkville has not been able to beat is their Baltimore County rival, Milford Mill. The games are always close—two of them were decided in overtime—but never have the Knights been able to come up with the key play to pull off a victory. Tonight was no different as the Millers had a late-game 9-0 run in the MPSSAA 3A North Regional Final at Milford Mill,  ending the Knights' season for the second year in a row in a 65-58 victory.

The victory for Milford allows them to move on to the 3A final four at the Comcast Center next Thursday, and a chance to defend their 2010 state title.

Isaiah McCray and Katrell Myers combined to score 16 of the Millers' 23 fourth-quarter points, with McCray going 7-8 from the free throw line when Milford was struggling to convert on their freebies.

"I led my team to the promised land like I told them I would at the beginning of the season," said McCray. "I truly thank my teammates and coach Holley for putting me in the position to accomplish that."

Milford coach Albert Holley was also thankful to McCray. "That is the reason why he is going to Colgate—he's a Division I player," said Holley. "I lean on him in tight situations, and, as usual, he came through for us."

A three-pointer by Skylar Collins gave Parkville a 51-49 advantage midway through the fourth, but when Jamal Williams picked up his 5th foul shortly thereafter, the entire game changed.

Parkville coach Rod Norris agreed. "You know we had a lead and we had some momentum, but when Jamal fouled out we were forced to go much deeper on our bench than we usually do."

That proved to be costly.

Milford stepped up their full-court pressure, causing the Knights to turn the ball over on four consecutive possessions, on which the Millers converted every time. Myers started it with a layup off a Chase Cormier steal, and had the Milford faithful roaring when he stole an inbounds pass and went the length of the court for a two-handed slam dunk, bringing the score to 56-51.

McCray hit two free throws to extend the lead to 58-51 before Parkville made one last run.

 Dennis Hughes made two free throws and Isaiah Tripp hit a mid-range jumper to cut the lead to 58-55 with 1:40 left. Tripp then came up with a huge steal, but could not connect on another jumper from the lane, and the Millers were able to ice the game with free throws, as they nailed 7 of their final 10 foul shots.

Milford started the game blazing, hitting 5 of their 9 three pointers in the quarter to jump out to an early 19-13 lead after a quarter of play. McCray and Duane Miller each hit two three balls.

James Milton and Williams helped Parkville get within two, before Myers converted on a three-point play to end the first half. Milford went to the break with a 30-25 advantage.

A three-pointer by Nick Smoot gave Milford a 33-25 advantage, which was quickly eliminated thanks to a technical foul call.

The Knights' Isaiah Tripp drove hard to the rim and was fouled. At the same time, Milford drew a bench technical. Tripp connected on all 4 free throws, and when Dennis Hughes scored on a strong drive down the middle of the lane Parkville led 36-35.

A few free throws pushed the Millers back in front 39-36 before James Milton took over inside to score 4 straight, giving Parkville a 40-39 lead. Daquan Griffin had an electric drive right down the middle of the lane to up the Parkville lead to 44-40, before Milford stepped up their defensive intensity.

"We kind of fell asleep defensively in the 3rd quarter," said Holley. "But in the 4th when we needed it, we got back to basics and got the job done."

Milton finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Collins and Williams ended up with 11 and 10, respectively. Collins also added 3 assists and 3 steals. Tripp finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds,4 steals and 2 assists.

 McCray led Milford with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Myers finished with 16 points, while Tevin Hanner, Nick Smoot and Duane Miller all scored 8 points.

McCray summed up his and his coaches' sentiments concerning the final four at Comcast Center. "I really want to make history for my school and my community," said McCray. "Right now I feel really blessed because this a great atmosphere at Milford we have here."

Holley was also happy about the Comcast trip. "Right now it feels really good," said Holley. "Very relieved right now, but ready to go.

Norris was complimentary of the Millers. "That team is used to winning," he said. "They always play hard and the they know when it is to kick it up another notch."