A two-point win over Loch Raven on Friday was nothing new for Todd Wade?s veteran-paced Mavericks.
Tied at 46-46 with 1.7 seconds remaining, Eastern Tech was at the line with a free throw opportunity to win the game. The shot rimmed out, but senior Brian Anderson was there for the follow, giving the Mavericks a two-point win.
“We?ll take it any way we can get it,” Wade said.
At 14-5, the Mavericks expect to win. Even in defeat, they give opponents a tough game. In all of five of its losses, Eastern Tech has been within six points.
Wade credits a five-deep senior backcourt in driving the team.
“They generally don?t panic. It?s just a luxury,” Wade said. “Last season we basically had five guards that played a lot and it?s helping us this year.”
Anderson leads the team in scoring and assists and is third in rebounding. Last year?s leading scorer and rebounder, senior Jamal Bracken, is second in each category this season. The X-factor for the Mavericks is developing junior center Keith Holtman. The 6-foot-10 interior force is still learning the game.
“He?s coming into his own,” Wade said. “He has great games. He has bad games. But he can change a game, too.”
Defensively, his wing-span can throw off an offensive game-plan and alter shots. While not a premier athlete, Holtman must rely on technique against smaller, quicker opponents. Having a physically imposing talent like Holtman is just fine with Wade.
“It?s certainly not a disadvantage, I?ll tell you that,” Wade said.
If they limit turnovers and hit their shots, the Mavericks have lofty goals for the rest of the season. While Randallstown is running away with the Baltimore County 2A/1A regular season title, Eastern Tech is looking forward to the challenge of playing Owings Mills, Overlea, Loch Raven, Milford Mill and Northwestern come playoff time.
“I think, besides some of the 4As, the 2A North is the toughest right now,” Wade said.
In keeping with their penchant for getting to the final minute in a close game, the Mavericks will find success in mistake-free play.
“That?s the main thing,” Wade said. “When we don?t turn it over, we win.”
