The Hereford boys basketball team was in the locker room, having just finished its first practice back in November, when a couple seniors told coach Jim Rhoads they were excited at the prospect of having a winning season.
Rhoads, in his 13th seaosn, emphatically replied: "We can do better!"
Senior-laden with the majority having played together since their grade school days, the Bulls have been proving Rhoads right. On Wednesday, they put an exclamation point on the topic.
Hereford beat perennial Baltimore County boys basketball power Milford Mill 70-68, giving the Bulls their first victory over the Millers since 1989.
Point guard Gabe Ceribelli led the typical balanced effort, scoring 23 points and making 11 of 12 free throws.
Hereford (16-2, 7-1), is tied for first in Baltimore County Division I with No. 10 Dulaney (15-3, 7-1). No. 15 Milford Mill (15-5, 7-2), got 20 points from senior guard Justin Jenifer.
"Right now I'm just thrilled and proud of my guys with how well they played," Bulls coach Jim Rhoads said.
Hereford was able to handle the Millers' pressure and controlled the tempo to lead for most of the game. Strong inside play from Chase Waganer (15 points) and Scott Isett (17) helped the home team take a 39-32 lead at the half. But the Millers never let the Bulls' lead grow too big took a 54-53 lead with 6:54 to play — their first lead since the opening minute.
Ceribelli made a big 3-pointer to give the Bulls the lead for good, 58-56, with 4:56 to play, scored a driving layup a little later and made seven of eight free throws in the final two minutes.
Aaron Geschwilm also had a key blocked shot in the final minutes and Ben Bittner hit two free throws, as well.
With 15 seconds left, Ceribelli hit his first of two free throws to give the Bulls a 70-66 lead. Jenifer scored on a driving layup with three seconds left to make it 70-68, but the Bulls didn't have to inbound the ball before the buzzer sounded and the Hereford student section spilled onto the court in celebration.
"It's a huge win for the program," Ceribelli said. "It's really exciting. We had a great crowd on a Wednesday night and it gives us a lot of confidence — a great team win."