The College of Southern Maryland’s basketball season came to a close with a challenging 89-75 defeat to Howard Community College in the Region 20 Division II Tournament Semifinals on March 8, 2024. The match, held in North East, MD, concluded Southern Maryland’s commendable season with a record of 19-11, as they faced off against a formidable Howard team, which improved to 24-6.
Despite a valiant effort, Southern Maryland found themselves trailing early, with Howard establishing a 40-29 lead by halftime. The second half saw an improved offensive performance from Southern Maryland, outscoring their first-half total with 46 points, but it was not enough to bridge the gap set by Howard’s consistent scoring.
Ryan Blakey emerged as a standout performer for Southern Maryland, netting 22 points with an efficient 8-15 shooting, including a commendable 4-9 from beyond the arc. Teammates Reggie Washington and Nhine Wills also made notable contributions, scoring 17 and 15 points, respectively, showcasing the depth of talent within the team. Despite their collective efforts and a spirited fightback in the game’s latter stages, Southern Maryland could not overturn Howard’s lead.
The game’s statistics reflect the intense competition between the two sides. Southern Maryland shot 46.0% from the field and 57.1% from the free-throw line, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. However, Howard Community College’s slightly superior shooting accuracy and rebounding prowess ultimately tipped the scales in their favor, with Howard out-rebounding Southern Maryland 46-30.
This loss marks the end of what has been a season of significant progress and development for the College of Southern Maryland. The team’s journey to the semifinals is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the strong camaraderie among players and coaching staff.
As Southern Maryland reflects on the season, the performances of players like Blakey, Washington, and Wills, among others, will be remembered as highlights of a campaign that saw the team come together to overcome challenges and celebrate successes. Looking forward, the foundation laid this season promises a bright future for Southern Maryland basketball, with lessons learned in defeat fueling the drive for future victories.
The end of the road in the Region 20 Division II Tournament marks not just the conclusion of the season for Southern Maryland but also the beginning of preparation for the next. As the team bids farewell to this season, the focus shifts to building on this year’s achievements, with an eye towards returning stronger and more determined in the next campaign.
