PGCC sophomore forward James Hagins dunks home two of his 23 points to help lead the Owls to victory
Largo, MD - Sophomore guards Augustus Stone poured in a game high 33 points (9-17 FG/15-18 FT), 7 rebounds and 3 assist and Mykal Johnson added 25 points (9-19 FG), 8 rebounds and 4 assist to help lead Prince George's County Community College to a comeback win over visiting CCBC Catonsville in double overtime, 106-103.
Catonsville was led by guard Andrew Stigger who shot lights out on his way to a team high 26 points (9-17 FG/8-16 3FG) and 5 rebounds while All Maryland Juco candidate DeAnthony McCormick added 21 points and 7 rebounds in a losing effort.
Takeaways -
PGCC -
PGCC Sophomore Gus Stone shoots over the Catonsville defender
Mykal Johnson's late game play-making helped the Owls finish off the comeback win
Stellar play of back court Gus Stone and Mykal Johnson down the stretch in regulation, and both overtimes, proved why both were preseason All Maryland Juco choices. When PGCC needed a stop, when they needed a basket, when the team needed to slow down and execute with poise, they were leading the way. Both combined for 58 of the Owls 106 points and were clutch from the free throw line down the stretch. Consistent all around dominance from this talented back court will determine if PGCC are repeat Maryland Juco Champions down the road. Stay tuned.
James Hagins is emerging as an interior force for the Owls. Simply put, Hagins was a man in the paint against Catonsville, posting a monster double double with 23 points, 15 rebounds (game high) and 5 blocks, also a game high. Once just a shot blocker and rebounder, Hagins has developed into a reliable finisher inside. When PGCC was struggling to get something going offensively, Hagins offensive rebounding and put back dunks sparked the run that ultimately led to the Owls sending the game into overtime. Hagins also knocked down a couple of mid range jumpers during the game which caught the defense off guard. Hagins remaining a solid scoring threat inside will open things up tremendously for the Owls offensively moving forward.
For PGCC to contend once again for a MD Juco championship, they must cut down on turnovers and improve their three point shooting. Against Catonsville, the Owls shot 2-15 from deep (13%) and are shooting 29 percent from three on the season. That will be an issue as the season goes along, defenses will zone up more and force PGCC to knock down shots from the outside. Turnovers were huge last night and dug PGCC a hole they were fortunate to come out of. The Owls turned the ball over 19 times, albeit, with two overtimes added to the mix. They are averaging 15 on the season, if they can get that down a bit more, the extra possessions may help counteract their shooting woes from deep.
CCBC Catonsville -
Catonsville high motor forward DeAnthony McCormick is opening eyes with his inside-outside play
DeAnthony McCormick is playing at an All MD Juco level. Sophomore forward posted 21 points and 7 rebounds in the loss to PGCC. This was an off night for him. McCormick is second in Maryland Juco in scoring at 26.8 points per game and twelfth in rebounds at 7.4. He's a relentless competitor that leaves it all on the floor, good rebounder and has a great feel for scoring in traffic despite only being 6'4.
Catonsville guard Andrew Stigger gave PGCC fits all night long knocking down eight three pointers
Andrew Stigger is as dangerous a shooter as there is in the conference. Freshman guard is shooting 44% from 3-point territory, which is fifth in the conference and hit an incredible eight out of sixteen three pointers against the Owls, finishing with a team high 26 points. He can knock down three pointers contested, on the move and spot up alone. Once he adds more elements to his game, he will be a consistent scoring machine down the line.
Catonsville is more talented than their 1-7 record shows. Four of their seven losses, have been by 11 points or less, including the loss to PGCC by three. Twelve of their thirteen players on the roster are freshman, still adjusting and learning what the college game is all about. However, they're talented and they compete. It's still a lot of season left so when it starts to click for this young roster, they will be difficult to deal with come conference tourney time. Until then,it's like what the great Bill Parcells famously said "You are what your record says you are."