Friday was Senior Night at Glenelg Country School, a night to celebrate experience. That experience proved crucial in the fourth quarter for the Dragons, who rallied to defeat St. Vincent Pallotti, 70-60, in a key Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference game.
The Dragons (15-4, 9-2) trailed until early in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Panthers (17-6, 6-3) 32-17 in the final period. The surge was led by seniors Justin Johnson (19 points) and Brian Gibbons (13 points), who contributed seven points apiece in the fourth quarter.
The rally overshadowed a great game by Pallotti senior Keron DeShields. The Towson Catholic transfer scored 36 points.
"They played a tough 3-2 zone that we weren't used to, and it took us a while to adjust to that," Johnson said. "We got some big 3s [by Gibbons, Isaiah Tripp and Warren Powers] late in the game, and that loosened up the zone. Then we really executed late in the game."
The Panthers led 43-33 with 57 seconds left in the third quarter. Then the Dragons awoke.
Glenelg Country got a layup from sophomore Isaiah Miles and a 3-pointer by Tripp to close out the quarter, and then another 3-pointer by Gibbons to cut the lead to 43-41 with 6:15 left in the game. After a defensive rebound, Powers was fouled while converting a layup. After he made the free throw, the Dragons led 44-43.
The teams traded baskets before Miles was fouled while making a jumper. After his free throw, Glenelg Country led for good. The Dragons also tightened up their play on defense, getting a great effort from Gibbons. The senior held DeShields to only three field goals in the final quarter.
"Our experience really came through for us tonight," Glenelg Country coach Charlie Stewart said. "We lost at home to Gilman last Tuesday, and I love the way this team responds after losses. We did that again tonight."
P-DeShields 36, Thomas 7, Manning 9, Charles 2, Addy 4, Opon 2. Totals: 19 19-29 60.
GC-Johnson 19, Miles 15, Gibbons 13, Powers 8, Salih 7, Jordan 3, Tripp 3, Botd 2. Totals: 28 20-27 70. Half: P, 27-20.
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