In a speech preceding Thursday?s Class 3A boys basketball state semifinal at the University of Maryland?s Comcast Center, River Hill High coach Matt Graves told his team about his chance to play in the 1986 state tournament. His team lost in the semifinals.
The Hawks took notice, responding with a 62-53 win over Mervo to advance to their first state final in school history.
“I think my seniors realize I?m not ready to go home yet,” Graves said. “I think these guys want to outdo me.”
Mervo finished the season 18-8, falling one game short of the state final for the second year in a row.
The Hawks (22-5) were led by their lone two seniors ? Tommy Brenton and Daniel Hostetler. Brenton, the Howard County player of the year, scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, while Hostetler added 20 with nine rebounds.
“We don?t just want to get to Comcast [Center]; we want to go all the way,” Brenton said.
The Hawks will face Bethesda-Chevy Chase (22-3) Saturday at 3 p.m. in the 3A state championship at Comcast. B-CC defeated Largo, 75-62, Thursday afternoon. The Barons invaded College Park with an energetic crowd that filled the lower-level seats on their side of the arena.
A more docile following witnessed River Hill?s first playoff game of the season in which the team eclipsed the 50-point mark.
“We made a lot of easy baskets, a lot of free throws,” Graves said.
Brenton shot 16 for 20 from the line, and the team hit 23 of its 30 free throws.
River Hill jumped out to a 31-15 lead by halftime behind a well-executed offensive set and a frustrating zone defense.
“We made them shoot shots they didn?t want to shoot,” Graves said. “And we rebounded well.”
Heading into the game, it was apparent that whichever offense could crack the opposition?s tight defense would come out on top. River Hill prided itself all season on keeping teams under 40 points, going 17-0 in games in which they did so. While they didn?t do that Thursday, the Hawks frustrated the Mustangs enough early in the game. Mervo scored just 15 first-half points.
“We didn?t play as aggressive in the first half as we did in the fourth quarter,” Mervo coach Daryl Wade said. “It was like we were the underdogs. No intensity.”
