The No. 2 Milford Mill boys basketball team made its case to take over the area’s No. 1 ranking with a win over top-ranked Dunbar at the 16th annual Basketball Academy on Thursday night.
But there was still some work left in the Academy on Saturday against No. 8 Lake Clifton, and the Lakers spoiled the Millers’ plans.
With a dominating fourth quarter filled with disciplined zone defense, key baskets and poise at the free throw line, the host Lakers pulled away for a hard-earned 55-46 win.
Junior guard Daquan Ross scored a game-high 16 points, senior forward Aaron Parks added 11, and a collective team effort on defense limited the Millers (13-2) to four field goals in the fourth quarter. Lake Clifton improves to 14-2.
“It was about dealing with adversity,” Lakers coach Herman “Tree” Harried said. “We were able to fight through it and make special plays in the fourth quarter. It was a quality win for us against a quality team and a real good battle.”
The game was tied at 34 going into the fourth quarter, but the Lakers took control with their zone defense and good aim from the foul line. They made 15 of 19 from the line, and by the time the Millers got their first field goal of the quarter — an inside basket from Katrell Myers — the Lakers had built a 43-37 advantage with 3:56 to play. Two baskets from senior forward Kevin Carr and another from Parks helped push the lead to 47-37.
The Millers, who got 11 points from Myers and 10 from guard Tyson Smith, cut the lead to 51-46 with a minute to play. But after pressure defense caused a steal near the Milford Mill basket, senior forward Kyle Thomas spun to the basket slightly off balance and had his layup rim out.
The play summed up the frustrating fourth quarter for the Millers.
glenn.graham@baltsun.com
No. 8 Lake Clifton 55, No. 2 Milford Mill 46
L – Ross 16, Hawkins 6, Henson 3, Green 6, Parks 11, Boone 8, Kess 1, Carr 4. Totals: 14 24-36 55.
MM – Smith 10, Solomon 2, Jackson 5, Myers 11, Miles 7, Cormier 6, Thomas 5. Totals: 15 13-23 46.
Half: LC, 21-19.