Knights’ fast start pave way to non-league basketball victory; H. Johnson and Horton lead four double-digit scorers (VIDEO HERE!)
City College’s Kwon Johnson (front) battles Meade’s Adrian Campbell for a loose ball during Thursday’s non-league boys basketball contest. Johnson and the No. 17 Knights raced out to a 19-point first half lead en route to a 68-59 decision over the 18th-ranked Mustangs in Anne Arundel County. (photo – Sports Majors)
by Derek Toney
Howard Johnson is synonymous with hotels. City College’s Howard Johnson is often a comforting go-to on the basketball court.
The 17th-ranked Knights posted a 68-59 victory over No. 18 Meade in a non-league boys basketball contest in Anne Arundel County Thursday evening. Junior forward Cam Horton had 22 points and 12 rebounds for City (11-1 overall).
The Baltimore City squad led wire-to-wire, pulling away in the second half to end Meade’s 10-game winning streak. Kwon Johnson and freshman Trent Egboiremolen added 14 and 12 points, respectively.
After a 19-point second quarter lead shrunk to three late in the opening half, City hit the reset button, getting the ball inside to Howard Johnson. The burly 6-foot-3 senior either got to the basket or found Horton as the Knights were able to reestablish control.
“We often talk about the first five minutes of the third quarter and making the emphasis to get the ball to Howard and Cam to see if we can get some inside play,” said Knights coach Omarr Smith. “It played out for us.”
“We knew if we punched them in the mouth and get our whole team going and Cam going, that would keep our momentum up,” said Howard Johnson, who finished with 12 points.
Leading 37-32 at half, Johnson worked in the paint for consecutive scores, putting City up 41-32. Meade closed to 45-40, but Johnson, off a feed from Horton, scored again to start a 9-0 run advancing the lead 54-40 with 3 minutes, 12 seconds left in the third.
Horton, a smooth and steady 6-foot-5 performer, knows good things happen when Johnson (six points in third) touches the ball.
“We know that’s his speciality. We know that they (Meade) were closing on the high post and we knew he would be on the back side,” said Horton. “I trust him to make plays.”
City seemingly was making all the plays early, scoring the first 15 points. The Knights led 29-10 early in the second as Horton, who scored 18 points in the opening half, nabbed an offensive rebound and put the ball back in.
Meade (10-2), the pacesetter in Anne Arundel County, found its rhythm. The Mustangs went on a 22-6 run, capped by Kyree Scott’s 3-point, to pull to 35-32 with 2:14 left before halftime.
Down 15 in the fourth, Meade was within 66-57 with 2:51 remaining. The Mustangs got no closer, missing their final nine shots, several right at the basket.
Junior guard Xavieron Roberson led Meade with 21 points and Andre Campbell finished with 17. The Mustangs’ prior loss was a two-point road loss at Indian Creek School in mid-December.
Senior Howard Johnson and junior Cam Horton set the pace for City College basketball Thursday. Horton had 22 points and 12 rebounds while Johnson finshed with 12 as the Knights improved to 11-1.
Meade coach Mike Glick commended his team’s fortitude over the final three quarters Thursday.
“If we play with that kind of intensity for the rest of the season we can win the rest of our games,” said Glick. “City showed the kind of pressure we don’t see in Anne Arundel County. That’s good because if we get states, we’re likely going to see a Prince George’s or Baltimore County team, so we have to become familiar in real time.”
No. 17 City College 68, No. 18 Meade 59
City College – Horton 22, K. Johnson 14, Egboiremolen 12, H. Johnson 12, Smith 8. Totals 27 10-19 68.
Meade – Roberson 22, Campbell 17, Teague 7, Spruell 6, Scott 5, Kenner 2. Totals 24 7-9 59.
City 27 12 18 11 – 68
Meade 10 22 12 15 – 59
