With just 8 teams left in the Maryland boys 4A playoffs. Quince Orchard HS Cougars and Magruder HS Colonels, go at it once again in this highly anticipated West matchup. In the last meeting the atmosphere was a bit different with the regular season meeting between the 2 teams, Magruder came out on top 54-39. In this 4A west state semifinals, you could feel the playoff energy as soon as tip-off hit. Both teams coming out
playing uptempo offensive and zone presses on defenses, Magruder and Quince
Orchard struggled to get points on the board early. As Magruder being the
favorite in this one. As soon as Magruder figured out how to pick apart QO’s
defense, they didn’t let up a bit in the first quarter ending on a 12-1 run.
In the second quarter QO struggled beyond the arc, forcing shots that weren’t there
because they couldn’t get any looks with the double team that lead to turnovers
that Magruder was forcing. But QO found some answers in the paint once they were
able to pass the ball effectively, then able to attack the basket.They finally put a few points on the board. Coming out of the half it looked like a completely different Quince Orchard team taking the ball way from Magruder and trying to finish. QO looked to draw fouls in the Paint but they just couldn’t get it to go. Magruder was running off of fast breaks all night due to turn overs from the QO boys. Quince Orchard never gave up, fighting in the 3rd quarter for a come back. Push after push, not fouling much. But it seemed like whenever QO could get to the basket Magruder was right there for an answer right back. Magruder Justin Witmer recorded a double double tonight to
help advance in a 47-30 win. Magruder advances to the 4A North regional against
Baltimore Polytechnic @ Comcast Center on March 14.
Final Score Magruder HS 47 Quince Orchard HS 30
Story by Humphrey Masina
Photos taken by Jeffrey Vogt of the event can be viewed and purchased at