Eight local boys basketball teams will play in the state semifinals Thursday and Friday at Maryland's Xfinity Center. Here's a look at those games:
THURSDAY
CLASS 3A
No. 9 C. Milton Wright (23-1) vs. No. 8 Centennial (23-2)
Time: 5 p.m.
Outlook: Both teams are enjoying program-best seasons and come off thrilling one-point wins in their respective region title games — C. Milton Wright edging perennial state power Milford Mill, 66-65, on the road, and Centennial edging River Hill, 48-47, at the buzzer. Making their first state semifinal appearance, the Mustangs are led by the one-two tandem of Mychal Stefanides and Corey Bays. Centennial, which makes its third state tournament, leans on Isaiah White, Chad Strothers and Tom Brown.
CLASS 4A
No. 12 Meade (24-2) vs. Springbrook (22-3)
Time: 9 p.m.
Outlook: The Mustangs are coming off an 84-68 win over North Point Monday to claim the East region and earn their first state tournament bid since 2000. Tristan Easton, Bruce Spruell and a strong supporting class will try to bring home the program's first state crown, but the going will be tough against talented Springbrook. The Blue Devils, ranked 20th by The Washington Post, dominated Dulaney in a 69-45 road win for the North crown and makes their 19th appearance in search of the program's sixth state championship.
FRIDAY
CLASS 1A
No. 2 Lake Clifton (24-2) vs. Allegany (20-1)
Time: 3 p.m.
Outlook: The Baltimore City champion Lakers bring an impressive resume to the Xfinity Center — padded by Monday's thrilling 39-37 win over defending Class 1A state champion Edmondson in the South region final. It was the third win over the Red Storm this season for Lake Clifton, which relies on a strong zone defense, relentless rebounding and balanced offense led by seniors Derrick Green, Gary Jefferson, Joshua Parks and Rashad Hawkins. The Campers, making their 18th tournament appearance, lost to Edmondson in last year's final.
CLASS 1A
New Town (16-6) vs. Joppatowne (20-3)
Time: 5 p.m.
Outlook: Led by Quincy Roche and Malik Jones, New Town is playing its best ball of the season as it aims for its second state title in five appearances. Joppatowne, which won state titles in 1990 and 1991, makes its first state semifinal appearance since 2005 with a solid one-two combination in point guard Jermaine Head, Jr. and Patterson transfer Fortune Okigweh. The Mariners edged Pocomoke, 79-76, to capture the East region on Monday.
CLASS 2A
No. 6 Oakland Mills (22-3) vs. Oakdale (18-5)
Time: 7 p.m.
Outlook: After losing in four of the past five region finals, Oakland Mills finally broke through with a 73-70 win over Frederick Douglass for the South crown on Monday. St. Frances transfer forward Will Robinson Jr., has joined forward Mamadou Ndiaye and point guard Daniel Kiely to form a fine trio with a solid supporting cast. Oakdale, led by point guard Jared Ruiz, is making its third straight state semifinal.
No. 4 Patterson (21-5) vs. Wicomico (22-3)
Time: 9 p.m.
Outlook: The Clippers have won four region finals in the past five years, but are still seeking their second state championship. One of the area's finest backcourts — seniors Dereck Oliver and Gary Blackston — averages 35 points per game. Wicomico, in its 24th state tournament, won its only crown in 2002 and last reached the title game in 2013. Patterson beat the Indians, 60-52, in December.