Oakland Mills wrestling coach Brad Howell methodically divided his team's season into three parts this year.
The Scorpions focused on sharpening skills with drill work, while limiting live wrestling in the early stages. Then they went for more conditioning in the second stage with the plan to be at their best, when it counts the most.
"We didn't go super-hard, super-early, sacrificing a slow start for a strong end," Howell said. "We changed gears when we felt it was time to change gears and we've worked hard at peaking at the right time to have guys that are healthy and hungry."
That time starts now for the Scorpions, who are one of four county teams to qualify for the regional dual meet tournaments that are set for today.
In the Class 2A-1A South region, set for 5:30 p.m. at top-seeded Glenelg, the host Gladiators will meet fourth-seeded Marriotts Ridge in one semifinal, while the Scorpions simultaneously take on Calvert on a second mat. The winners will then meet at 7:30 in the regional final, with the region champion advancing to Saturday's state dual meet tournament.
Atholton qualified in the Class 4A-3A East regional hosted by top-seeded Old Mill. The Raiders earned the third seed and will meet Stephen Decatur of Worcester County in the semifinal round at 5:30 p.m., and should they advance, they would then meet the Old Mill-South River winner in the final.
At Glenelg, the No. 3 Gladiators are the favorites, with the majority of their lineup back that reached last year's state dual meet tournament. Oakland Mills will look to standouts Mike Santiago (24-0 at 285) and Jovan Saunders (23-2 at 145) to make its run. Atholton faces a tough challenge at Old Mill, but coach Bruce Lindblad believes last year's experience in the tournament will help have his squad prepared. Raiders 189-pound senior Malcolm Stennett will put his undefeated mark on the line against Stephen Decatur's state champion Danny Miller in the semifinal round.
Basketball -- Howard junior Nyree Williams surpassed the 1,000-point plateau against Atholton earlier this month and now has 1,070 in her three seasons. With 846 rebounds, Williams also has a chance to reach 1,000 career boards next season. ... The Mount Hebron-Oakland Mills games that were postponed on Monday (due to preparations for yesterday's primary elections at Mount Hebron) will be made up on Feb. 22. The girls doubleheader will take place at Mount Hebron, while the boys games will be at Oakland Mills. At both sites, the junior varsity games will begin at 5:30, followed by the varsity games at 7. ... Howard junior point guard Steven Cruz, who left last week's game against Atholton with a bruised thigh, is expected to return when the Lions take on Mount Hebron Friday.