Too many turnovers, not enough rebounding. These elements played a major role in the Anne Arundel Community College men's basketball team's 95-86 loss to visiting Essex yesterday.
The Knights scored the first 12 points, gave up the next 10, and trailed briefly, 33-31, with around three minutes left in the first half. They led, 45-37, at halftime and stayed in front because of Anne Arundel's problems against the press and inability to box out.
"I felt like we were in a bakery shop flipping turnovers," said coach Mike Tummings. "Take away their points off turnovers and we win."
Sylvester Clarke led Anne Arundel (2-5) with 28 points and 18 rebounds. Tony Curro had 12 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Aderio Jones, who sat out most of the first half in foul trouble, had 12 points and eight assists. William Brown added 13 points, four rebounds and four assists. Rico Burke scored seven points and grabbed four rebounds. Chris Kintop had six points and three rebounds, and Dee Ballard contributed four points, eight rebounds and five assists.
On Friday, the Pioneers were beaten by Montgomery-Takoma Park, 92-78.
Jones and Ballard each had 15 points, and Ballard pulled down 13 rebounds. Curro added 12 points, Clarke 10 and Nat Scott 9.
Women's basketball
For much of the season, Anne Arundel's 5-foot-11 center, Debbi Dadds, has been more valuable passing the ball than shooting it.
When defenses have collapsed inside on her, she usually has been able to get the ball back out to her guards for the open shot. But that doesn't mean Dadds has been nullified on offense. She has scored 34 points in the past two games and grabbed 14 rebounds in Tuesday's 64-53 victory over Allegany.
The Northeast graduate had 18 points and nine rebounds in last Friday's 69-46 win over Prince George's.
In Tuesday's win, Denise Perrone scored 15 points and Jen Shanahan added eight. Chiara Lee had six points and 14 rebounds.
Brandee Snyder had 10 points in Friday's victory, and Stephanie Carpenter added nine points.
Anne Arundel is 6-0 going into tonight's home game against Essex.
Athletes honored
The following athletes were honored at Anne Arundel's sports banquet Monday, which also included the induction of Mike Ballas, Chuck Markiewicz and Amy Williams into the college's Hall of Fame:
* In volleyball, Elena Baloglou and Lori Sharpless were named Most Valuable Players, and Jen Walsh was Most Improved Player.
* In men's soccer, Jamie Cornett was chosen Most Valuable Player, Gary Maples was Most Improved Player, and Jason Reese was Unsung Hero. Nick Badalian was selected first-team All-American.
* In men's cross country, Bobby Downs was named Most Valuable Player, Mike Lashley was Most Improved and Pete Dugan was Unsung Hero. For the women, Lynn Kurchock was chosen Most Valuable Player, Karen Mack was Most Improved and Kerry Lindenmeyer was Unsung Hero. Jim Fontaine was selected Region XX Coach of the Year.
* In women's soccer, Molly Sullivan was named Most Valuable Player, Lisa Biederman was Most Improved Player and Trish Smith was Unsung Hero.
* In tennis, Mike Wroten was chosen Most Valuable Player, Jacen Culp was Most Improved Player and Joe Laidley was Unsung Hero.