Largo, MD – In over four years head coach Terry Maczko and the Panthers (13-11, 8-7 MD JUCO Conference) did the remarkable by defeating the number one seed Cecil College (20-3; 13-2 MD JUCO Conference) in convincing fashion 80-75.
“I have never seen this team as focused as they are today,” stated Maczko as the team warmed up before the game. It clearly showed on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. With a balance attack on each of the court the Panthers spread the ball with ease which led to nine players score field goals against Cecil.
Leading the team and all scorers was freshman guard Byron Westmoreland (Mervo/Baltimore, MD) ending a double-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. While sophomore and NJCAA All-American and recently named to the 1st team of the All MD JUCO John Williams (Mervo/Baltimore, MD) did not disappoint with a double-double of his own finishing the game with 11 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals.
The Panthers controlled the ball in the entire game and never trailed. There were a total of six ties in the first half; however, BCCC had an answer for the Seahawks every move. As soon as it looked like Cecil were pulling the momentum from the Panthers, BCCC would increase their defensive pressure.
Freshman forward Carlos Smith (Forest Park/Baltimore, MD) scored six points, 10 rebounds and four blocks followed by sophomore guard Calvert Townes (Joppatowne/Joppatowne, MD) finishing the game with nine points, five assists and five steals.
A very impressive outing coming off the bench were freshmen guard Stevie Williams (Arkadelphia/Arkadelphia, AR) and Theodore West (Kensington/Phladelphia, PA) leading the way with that Panther stingy defense. Williams ended the game with six points and two assists while West ended the game with four points and seven rebounds.
Next game for the Panthers will be fifth seeded Frederick Community College in the semifinal round of the MD JUCO Conference Tournament on Friday, February 19th. BCCC won its regular season matchup against Frederick 92-77.
Both women and men will have semi-finals on Saturday, with the women at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and the men at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The men's championship will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday and the women's final to be held at 3 p.m.
Tickets for the tournament are $10 each day or $25 for a tournament pass. Tournament programs, t-shirts and concessions will be on sale during the event.
For more information on the tournament, contact Prince George's Community College Athletics Office 301-322-0518 or visit the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference website at www.mdjucor.org.
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