Snow and ice hampers MIAA basketball schedule
Despite postponements, the action pushes forward with two weeks remaining in the regular season
by Nelson Coffin
Following a heavy snow and ice storm on Jan. 25, most MIAA basketball squads were unable to return to competition until late in the week when Mount St. Joseph (24-5, 10-2 A Conference Black Division) stopped Glenelg Country School, 79-66, behind BJ Ranson (26 points) Chauncey Word (25), Zikom Etoule (11) and Aaron Early Jr. (10).
The Dragons fell to 12-6 overall and 9-5 in the Black Division.
St. Frances (27-5, 10-1 A Red) topped Gilman, 73-55, in Roland Park with Anthony Smith (20) Terence Jones III (14) and Brian McMahon (11) leading the way.
Archbishop Spalding (15-11, 9-4 A Red) earned a 73-45 triumph over Loyola Blakefield (6-17, 3-10 A Red) as Nash Avery (14), TJ Moultrie (13), Colt Busse (13), Kam Carter (11) and Braxtpn Bogard (10) inflicted most of the damage on the Dons, who were led by Ayo Olofintila (14), Kaleb Haysbert (10) and BJ Simmons (10).
At the A Very Melo Classic at Morgan State on Saturday, St. Joe led MIAA squads to the first of two victories over Washington Catholic Athletic Conference rivals by downing Gonzaga, 66-56, with Ranson copping MVP honors by notching 21 points and four assists. Early Jr. (17) Chauncey Word (14) combined for 31 points in the win.
St. Frances overcame an 11-point deficit in the second game of the doubleheader to subdue St. John’s College, 75-71. Jones III’s four-point play and game-tying three gave the Panthers momentum heading into overtime, during which they outscored the Cadets, 8-4. MVP Jones (23), Carter Fisk (16), Michael Williams (16) and Smith (10) paced the Panthers’ scoring chart.
Mount Carmel (21-7, 12-0 A Black) stifled McDonogh defensively to take 58-43 triumph in Owings Mills. Tristen Wilson (14), Antwan Williams (13) and Ralfs Rudusans (10) were the Cougars’ top scorers.
Calvert Hall (12-17, 3-10 A Black) fell, 81-59, to St. Vincent Pallotti (12-9, 6-7 A Black) despite a 15-point effort by Billy Stanfield III.
Severn (13-7, 8-1) remained atop the B Conference Black Division by halting Chapelgate Christian Academy, 69-59, while St. Paul’s (12-6, 7-2) continued to build a substantial lead in the Red Division after defeating Gerstell Academy, 67-54, and St. John’s Catholic Prep, 64-49.