For the past three years, Springbrook boys basketball reigned over the state of Maryland. They were the first ever “threepeat” champions in Maryland's 4A division, and this year were the top seed in the 4A West region.
However, that reign came to an end Saturday afternoon when the Magruder Colonels knocked off the defending champs, 68-61 in front of a packed gym at Blair Saturday afternoon. Their win sends them to the state semifinals for the first time since 2007.
“It's very disappointing,” Springbrook coach Tom Crowell said. “We have a lot of seniors who were trying to get back there...But my hat's off to Magruder, they deserved to win today”
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Magruder jumped out to a large lead, leading by 15 at halftime. Their frontcourt, led by junior Garland Owens, dominated inside and became a huge obstacle for the Blue Devils. Owens finished the game with 20 points and seven rebounds, including some key offensive boards.
The Colonels stretched their lead to as large as 23 in the third quarter before Springbrook started to chip away at the lead. The Blue Devils scored the last six points of the third quarter to cut the lead to 14. After a back-and-forth start to the fourth quarter, Springbrook went on a frantic run, cutting the lead down to five with two minutes left in the game.
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“We got a little careless with the ball, but a lot of that was Springbrook's pressure defense,” Magruder coach Dan Harwood said. “Our guys got a little rattled there, but they were able to pull it out.”
Owens played a key role at the end of the game. In the possession after Springbrook cut the lead to five, the Colonels shot an errant three pointer. Owens, battling against two Blue Devil players, was able to grab the rebound and make a quick pass to Cameron Royster, who scored an easy layup. After that play, Springbrook was unable to make the game any closer.
“We talk about competitive greatness, being at your best when your best is needed,” Harwood said. “We knew we needed a big game from Garland, and he was awesome. He's still young, but when he matches his athletic ability with his intensity, you see what you got tonight.
Owens, while still basking in the win, also was eager to get to Thursday, where the Colonels will have a chance to play at Comcast Center, where the Maryland Terrapins play.
“It feels great, and I can't wait,” Owens said. “We've always watched these games, but never played in it, and now we have the opportunity to play in it.”
Even though Springbrook won't be representing Montgomery County, Crowell hopes that Magruder will keep up the recent success from the county. The last time a team from outside Montgomery County won the 4A state title was in 2005.
“I hope they carry on the county tradition of winning,” Crowell said. “It's been five straight wins, so hopefully they'll do it, and I'm rooting for them.”
Magruder plays their state semifinal game against 4A East champion North Point, Thursday at 9 p.m. in College Park at Comcast Center.
