Last season the two best teams in Montgomery County were Whitman and Magruder. When the teams met in the 4A West Region final, the outcome was settled by the best player, Whitman’s Michael Gruner, who went on to lead the Vikings to their first state championship.
Tuesday night when the teams resumed their emerging rivalry, another player was the difference maker. Guard Donald Robinson scored 21 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and made four steals to propel visiting Magruder to a 59-47 victory.
In his previous two seasons, the 6-foot-3 senior has been defined by his spectacular transition dunks. But Tuesday night it was his work from the perimeter that was key as he hit 3-pointers with 2 seconds left in both the second and third periods.
“Michael Gruner was a great player. Donald is a great athlete,” said Magruder coach Dan Harwood. “Tonight Donald made a lot of big shots, had a lot of great steals. He’s long. He’s 6-3, but he’s a long 6-3.”
Harwood has long touted the talents of Robinson, but has never been able to count on him game to game. That’s changing this season, however, as Magruder (4-0) has rolled to four decisive victories.
“Donald can definitely be that kind of player,” said junior point guard Alex Lee. “He’s incredible. He comes up with big plays when we need it. Not many guys who can match upwith him.”
And with seven quick guards in the rotation, there aren’t many teams that can match up with Magruder. The Colonels backcourt depth was apparent in the decisive third period when they stretched a two-point lead to 13.
Leading the assault were Robinson, Lee (eight points), senior sparkplug Justin Taylor (three steals, three assists) and junior wing Brian Henderson, who scored all seven of his points in the second half.
Major players
» Whitman (1-3) already has as many losses as all last season when it went 24-3.
» Whitman was led by 6-4 wing Mikey Fitzpatrick (14 points, 14 rebounds) and 6-7 center Sam Burum (14 points).
» Magruder’s improved Julien Bouil, a 6-6 center, had six points in the second half. Michael Schaerr, a 6-5 forward, added a pair of 3-pointers.
