Largo Saw MD 2A Chip Victory Lane, Again
At intermission, Largo led New Town 24-23, the Maryland 2A crown heavily contested. Largo repeating as state champs was far from certain.
That, actually was an understatement: After outscoring Largo 17-12 in the fourth quarter, and possessing the ball with under 10 seconds in regulation, New Town ran handoff action, freeing a wide open three attempt. The shot missed, propelling Largo's Lions to their back-to-back 50-48, 2A MPSSAA championship last Friday.
Junior guard Jalen Johnson (7p, 7r, game best 4s) characterized Largo's victory, one amplified by consecutive state titles secured while a third was lost to New Town, two years ago as "It's a team win". In Johnson's mind he struggled - normally Jalen is a double figure point guy - yet "My brother's had me".
One Largo adjustment of significance was HC Rodney Ward's 1-3-1 deployment. The zone, per Ward supplied a modicum of rest and "i think it slowed them down, gave them a different look. That's been a staple".
Pacing all scorers and rebounders was Largo's Cam Ward. A senior forward and son of HC Ward (his mom, Ayana Ball-Ward is the school's athletic director and girls hoops coach), the young Ward dropped 20 points, 15 rebounds. Both being game bests.
Sophomore guard Aiden Ashe (10p, 2r) was a stablilzing force for HC Ward et al, a group that shot 42% overall, 46.7% from the free throw line. Beyond the arc Largo struggled, going 1-10, the lone long ball being sank by senior guard Jared Mobley (7p).
New Town got a team high 13 points from senior guard Justus Stanton. Largo seemed to load against him, as Stanton early on proved he's dangerous. No other of Wise's guys made double figure scoring, though a quartet dropped at least seven points. As a unit, New Town managed splits of 36/27/67.
Senior center Kareem Fowlkes paced the Titans via nine rebounds snagged, while guards Tyriq Liggins and William DeShields, seniors, each pulled down seven caroms. the former was also New Town's player who barely missed their last attempt.
"I thought i drew up something good to get us a shot" recalled New Town HC, Derek Wise of his team's last play. In sum he believed "We were just on the wrong side of the coin today"
"That last play was actually designed for me" revealed Stanton. "But that's the way basketball goes. We got a good shot, and the bounce just didn't go our way".
Wise, his coach, was obviously disappointed in the outcome, yet was proud nonetheless: "It's tough to have these tough conversations after a loss loke this. There is nothing for them to hold their heads down about...We persevered (this season), to have the record we had and accomplish what we accomplished, to be a bounce away from being on this side...is a testament to these guys".
How did Cam Ward, future Michigan State Spartan, process the win?
"We've been telling ourselves the whole time, 'We were not trying to feel that pain again" indicated Cam Ward, when asked about beating a team that dispatched the Lions two years ago in state final action.
Driving that collective thought is a closeness, one born from "These are my brothers...From day one...I never changed up on them, they never changed up on me".
Largo, MDPSSA 2A champs, finished the season 25-3. New Town won 27 times, losing just twice.
Pressers/Box Score
Check out the official stats!
Congratulations to LARGO HS own Cam Ward on winning the 2025 Maryland @Gatorade Player of The Year !!!!! @camabucket@LargoMensBBall@MSU_Basketball@MPSSAA_Org
— Zeek Horne (@ZeekHorne) March 20, 2025
Back 2 Back Gatorade POY ‘24 ‘25⚡️⚡️
God blessed the child that could hold his own. #TheBrotherhood#ForestvilleKidpic.twitter.com/amlQYN2IOm
A Few Players
Zion Dixon - 6'6", 193 pound, senior wing, Largo - "My body language and my ball handling" is how Dixon defined his development next steps, a good plan as he's transitioning to the perimeter.
A smart person, Dixon has long arms and a willingness to compete. Is scratching surface of what he can be.
Interview is here.
Aiden Ashe - 5'11", 165 pound sophomore guard, Largo - A young guard growing into his floor leader bonafides, Ashe scores and dishes. Will pick up 94 feet as well.
During his interview, Ashe shared his recruiting is "flowing more and more", also noting "I feel like UMBC is still showing that love. Norfolk, a little bit of Howard".
More experience and continued strength training will amplify the process for him.
Click here for his interview.
Jalen Johnson - 6'2", 170 pound junior guard, Largo - Indicated "Bowie State, other schools" are showing love. A shooting guard who can initiate offense in spots, Johnson will attack the tin and hit long distance jumpers. Has a change of pace aspect to his game at times.
Set with playing for the Washington Warriors (Adidas) in grassroots work this year, expect Johnson to also "Get stronger," and "get back in the lab to get my shot right".
Check out his interview.
Justis Stanton - 5'9", 150 pound senior guard, New Town - Controlled tempo for much of the game, Stanton is a lead guard that gets others involved. Rarely picks up his dribble, will also pick up defensively.
He's wide open recruiting-wise.
His interview can be accessed here.
Kareem Fowlkes - 6'8", 215 pound senior center, New Town - Surprisingly Fowlkes doesn't have any offers or much interest. Coaches constantly bemoan the lack of paint players willing to focus on defending and rebounding, which is Fowlkes' calling card.
Must get comfortable shooting from seven feet in. Works hard on the boards. Didn't shy away from the challenge of checking Cam Ward, which he described as making competing and making everything difficult.
Tweet Locker
Crazy finish to the Maryland 2A🏆
— Capitol Hoops (@CapitolHoops) March 14, 2025
New Town gets a WIDE OPEN 3 which could have won the state 🏆 but it doesn't fall and Largo wins its back2back title!@MPSSAA_Org@LargoMensBBallpic.twitter.com/5SY7yHZnmm
The Maryland public all time leading scorer leader is continuing to shine in his last career game.
— Capitol Hoops (@CapitolHoops) March 14, 2025
Cam Ward has the Xfinity Center buzzing as Largo strives to defend their 2A state 🏆. @camabucket@LargoMensBBall@MPSSAA_Org@MSU_Basketball
📸@MooreMediaProdspic.twitter.com/QdQ1qyXUgQ
Cam Ward on legacy, 2X state chip, the MPSSAA All time scoring record and getting tested in each of the last 3 playoff games. @camabucket@LargoMensBBallpic.twitter.com/f8xoFumG0x
— Capitol Hoops (@CapitolHoops) March 14, 2025
#MAO Player of the Year pic.twitter.com/kEvCWCbipL
— Official Team Durant (@teamdurant_AAU) March 21, 2025
Topics
-
2025 Deseret News high school girls basketball 2A All-State team
The 2025 2A girls basketball all-state team for first team, second team, third team and honorable mention as voted by the coaches.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
2025 Deseret News high school boys basketball 2A All-State team
The 2025 2A boys basketball all-state team for first team, second team, third team and honorable mention as voted by the coaches.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Bishop McCort girls avenge previous losses to Kennedy Catholic, move on to state 2A semifinals
KITTANNING, Pa. – The biggest thorn in Bishop McCort Catholic’s side was finally removed. The District 6 champion Crimson Crushers overcame recent history and a weak start as it posted a 47-43 ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
PIAA H.S. SWIMMING: Powers and Strucko advance to 2A finals
LEWISBURG — Blue Mountain’s Noah Powers will go for gold again tonight. This time in the 100-yard freestyle. Powers finished second in the preliminary race with a time of 46.32 behind Indiana’s ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13 -
Western Christian boys basketball wins Class 2A state championship, defeats West Lyon
Western Christian boys basketball wins Class 2A state championship, defeats West Lyon.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
IHSAA Class 1A, 2A boys basketball semi-state preview: can Triton, Jimtown keep seasons going?
Class 1A Triton and 2A Jimtown have taken different paths to IHSAA boys basketball semi-state round this weekend.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
PIAA H.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL: Marian falls to Berlin Brothersvalley in 2A quarterfinals
GETTYSBURG — Marian’s state run came to an end in the PIAA Class 2A girls’ basketball quarterfinals, Friday. The Fillies (23-5) came up short 57-46 to Berlin Brothersvalley at Gettysburg Area High ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15 -
Western Christian outlasts Grand View Christian in Class 2A boys state semifinals, 53-46
Grand View Christian put up a fight against defending champion Western Christian in the 2A state semifinals, but the Thunder fell just short, 53-46.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 13 -
Laurel boys basketball wins first title in 45 years
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (DC News Now) — On Saturday in College Park, the Laurel boys basketball team beat Whitman, 68-53 in the MPSSAA 4A final — for the Spartans, it’s their first state title victory ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Vikings explored a reunion with a former QB to rejoin the team
Vikings explored a reunion with a former QB who fans loved and has found varying success.Yahoo Sports - 30m -
NFL Draft: SMU RB Brashard Smith meets with Texans for prospect visit
Brashard Smith might be the ideal No. 3 running back needed for the Houston Texans in 2025 after a breakout season with SMU.Yahoo Sports - 32m -
Unpacking Future Packers: No. 36, LSU DE Bradyn Swinson
Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is LSU DE Bradyn SwinsonYahoo Sports - 32m -
Odyssey's "L.A.B. DF3 Clone" proves zero-torque putters are here to stay
While some golfers laugh at its shape, L.A.B.'s DF3 clearly inspired Odyssey's latest offering. What does it mean for zero-torque putters?Yahoo Sports - 32m -
Auburn jumps four spots in the latest USA TODAY Baseball Coaches Poll
Auburn's steady climb in the polls sets up an epic series in Athens this weekend with No. 3 Georgia.Yahoo Sports - 32m
More in Sports
-
How JuJu Watkins' injury impacts USC, the NCAA title race and next season
JuJu Watkins' torn ACL changes the 2025 women's title race, and the effects could linger into next season.ESPN - 25m -
Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis among latest Madden NFL Ring of Honor members
EA Sports' virtual hall of fame is growing with names like Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis.ESPN - 29m -
Vikings explored a reunion with a former QB to rejoin the team
Vikings explored a reunion with a former QB who fans loved and has found varying success.Yahoo Sports - 30m -
NFL Draft: SMU RB Brashard Smith meets with Texans for prospect visit
Brashard Smith might be the ideal No. 3 running back needed for the Houston Texans in 2025 after a breakout season with SMU.Yahoo Sports - 32m -
Unpacking Future Packers: No. 36, LSU DE Bradyn Swinson
Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is LSU DE Bradyn SwinsonYahoo Sports - 32m