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Very rarely do high school basketball players get to end their careers with a magnified state championship. And if you do, it’s an illustrious way to end an era. On top of the 97 percent that don’t get the opportunity to play in college, a somber loss in the playoffs usually ends a memorable run that started on blacktop schoolyards with childhood friends.
On Thursday night, 35 seniors got to take part in the Frederick County Round Ball Classic, and ultimately playing their final high school basketball game.
The City All-Stars defeated the County All-Stars, 84-83 in overtime. Tuscarora point guard Rhashad Johnson was named the event’s most valuable player with his 15 point performance.
Maryland Sports Access on Twitter
MSA Player of the Game presented by @Rehab2Perform: Rhashad Johnson – 15 pts in the Frederick County All-Star game
“It was good that we got the (win), that I could get MVP, and leave this gym on a high note,” Johnson said, who played on his home court. “I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life. Just the fact that it was the last time in this gym, and we went out like stars.”
For Johnson, a small slip with 55 seconds remaining in the Class 3A West region championship against Seneca Valley would be one of his final memories as a high school basketball player. Falling to the hardwood, the ball got away from the Tuscarora point guard, allowing Seneca Valley to overcome a one-point deficit in the waning seconds.
“That moment will sting with me for a while,” Johnson said. “But I couldn’t have asked for a better year, I really couldn’t. … I wouldn’t be who I am without the people here. (Coach Whiten and the coaching staff) made the biggest influence of my life and have shaped me into who I am now. I will always be thankful for that.”
Johnson states that this past year was single-handily his best season of basketball. From a statistical standpoint, he averaged 12 points and nearly nine assists per game. In addition, his team won 19 contests.
But that’s not the meaning behind what he claims as a landmark campaign, that it goes much deeper.
Johnson said that head coach Darryl Whiten, who just completed his first full season, has kept him disciplined and offers a mentor role.
“I told the kids, ‘If God can be for us, then who could be against us?’,” Whiten said. “And that’s what it’s all about, changing lives in young folks.”
The newly appointed Whiten and floor general Johnson played a key hand in one of the most successful seasons in Tuscarora basketball history. Center Isaiah Tillman (6-foot-7) was a major factor as well, clogging lanes on defense with his length and creating mismatches in the post.
“I loved every second of it,” Tillman said, who had eight points. “It was a great ride, all the practices and games. I grew every day.”
Tuscarora also had guards John Chaney and Myles Belton participate in the event, who had 14 points and three points, respectively.
City was represented by Frederick, Maryland School of the Deaf, New Life Christian, St. John’s Catholic Prep, Govorner Thomas Johnson and Tuscarora. They improve their record to 29-8 over the County all-stars, that are represented by Brunswick, Catoctin, Linganore, Middletown, Oakdale, Urbana and Walkersville.
City led by as many as 17 points with 2:28 left in the second quarter, due to strong play from Elijah Boyd (St. John’s Catcholic Prep), Chaney, Johnson, and Tillman.
Linganore’s Thomas Lang would then help quarterback a 10-0 County run to conclude the first half, darting passes to Connor Givens (Oakdale) for a layup, and Jack Staub (Linganore) for a deuce and a pair of 3-pointers.
Kyle McFadden on Twitter
Linganore’s Jack Staub scores 7 straight points to end the 1st half as Frederick City leads County, 44-37. https://t.co/olYC0dgrXT
City led 44-37 after two frames.
Middletown’s Jacob Hamilton would give County their first lead of the contest at the 3:38 mark in the third quarter off an outlet pass from Keanu Rosa (Walkersville) in transition.
With about six seconds left and tied at 80-80, Lang attempted a circus-like contested 3-pointer on the right wing that hit the front of the rim, forcing the game to overtime.
Kyle McFadden on Twitter
Thomas Lang’s circus shot at the buzzer is no good and we’re going to OT in the Frederick County All-Star game. https://t.co/mrsYdHHsMw
Layups from Chaney and Ben Meredith in overtime (Frederick) would preserve the City victory.
“It’s awesome, it’s fun,” Givens said, who had eight points. “To put in the work over the years and then just coming out and having fun. … We’ll always be a family and have each other to fall back on.”
Though not having nearly the same amount of talent as opposed to years in the past that featured three straight state tournament appearances from 2013-2015, Oakdale still enjoyed a winning season with a 13-11 record.
“It’s a little bittersweet,” Tyler Horning said, finishing with nine points coming off of three 3-pointers. “It’s the last time we’re going to wear an Oakdale uniform. … It’s crazy. These past four years have been great thanks to Coach Connolly and everyone else, just a great ride.”
The County team was led by Linganore’s Jack Staub, who registered a game-high 16 points and four 3-pointers. The Lancers finished the 2015-2016 as CMC champions, defeating Middletown by four in mid-February.
They finished with one of Maryland’s best records at 22-2, boasting state champion contender status, only to get bounced in the regional semifinals. Thursday night’s all-star classic helped build final memories.
“We didn’t picture it like that,” Staub said. “We wanted to finish as a team … come out here and not have to finish on that loss.”
Staub will go down as Linganore’s fourth all-time leading scorer. His teammate, Thomas Lang, sits atop that list with 1,391 career points over four season at the varsity level.
Lang and Staub end their high school basketball careers going 41-10 over the past two years with a region championship coming a year ago.
“I enjoyed it,” Staub said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even though I’m not playing basketball again, it’s a great way to end my career.”
Lang finished with a lone 3-pointer and eight assists. Carter Schmidt and Keegan Lane had nine and four points for the Lancers.
Boyd, who also won the 3-point contest, pitched in with 13 points. Matt Considine (Middletown) added nine points.
33 3-pointers were made between the two teams.
“I learned to not take anything for granted,” Staub said. “When you’re a sophomore or a freshman you’re like, ‘Oh this is going to take forever.’ And I mean, it just went by so fast.”
CORRECTIONS: Jack Staub finished with 16 points instead of the previously reported 15 points
NOTES:
- City girls def. County girls, 61-36. Frederick’s Andrea Mwando finished with 12 points. Urbana’s Regan Lohr had 7
- Tuscarora’s Isaiah Tillman won the slam dunk contest
Kyle McFadden on Twitter
Tuscarora’s Isaiah Tillman wins the Frederick County slam dunk contest. @IsaiahTillman2 @FrederickSports https://t.co/rghGV0IhTD
