Archbishop Spalding boys basketball comes from behind to beat Glenelg Country, 61-53

Jan. 18—By Jacob Steinberg — jsteinberg@baltsun.com

January 18, 2024 at 9:45 p.m.

Archbishop Spalding's focus at halftime was simple: help-side defense and improving its defensive rotations.

Host Glenelg Country found early success Thursday against the Cavaliers by attacking the basket. However in the second half, it became more challenging for the Dragons to find shots.

Down two entering the fourth, Spalding scored 10 straight in the first three minutes of the final frame. Holden Williamson hit a pair 3-pointers, while Malik Washington and Michael Lonergan added baskets.

Meanwhile, well-timed defensive rotations kept the Dragons off the board as Spalding raced to a 61-53 come-from-behind win.

"I thought our help-side defense and our rotations in the second half were much better," Spalding coach Joseph Pratt said. "Our matchups were better. We were able to match up with them with bigger guards. Our bench play, Holden Williamson and Mike Lonergan really contributed off the bench. They're two seniors that have really accepted their roles and have done an outstanding job."

Glenelg Country got going early by creating offense off dribble penetration. Playing without one of its top scorers, Patrick Curtin, the Dragons got solid contributions from Amare Baker and Deng Jok, the duo combining for 19 first-half points.

Baker, who finished with a team-high 16 points, got going early in the opening quarter. The guard used his length on multiple one-dribble pullups as the Dragons built a four-point lead after the first. Jok had a strong effort in the paint, fending off comparatively under-sized defenders.

However, Washington kept the Cavaliers (10-6, 5-1 MIAA A Conference) close. He showcased his combination of strength and creativity, scoring Spalding's final 10 points of the half. Washington, who finished with a game-high 18 points, closed that stretch with an emphatic dunk before the break, giving the Cavaliers' momentum heading into the half.

"Tonight, it was me. Tomorrow or next game, it might be Jaylin Sikes, Holden or anybody like that," Washington said. "We feed the hot hand. When somebody is rolling, we give them the ball and clap and cheer for them. Tonight, it just happened to be my night. Of course, my guys trust me. If a shot doesn't fall here, I know they'll come right back to me and that instills confidence."

Glenelg Country (7-10, 4-3) took the momentum right back in the third. After Spalding drew even at 29-29, the Dragons scored six straight to take their largest of the game.

Looking for a spark, Spalding leaned on its defense. The Cavaliers forced several turnovers and got out running in transition and tied the game at 35.

Spalding continued to force turnovers into the fourth quarter. Washington denied entry passes to Jok in the post thanks to his physicality against the taller Dragon. That was aided by effectively timed defensive rotations, which prevented open shooters.

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Glenelg Country #3, Jacob Williams scores on a layup in the 2nd half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Jan. 18, 2024: Spalding #3, Michael Lonergan layup in the 2nd half for two. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Spalding #5 Elijah Barrett layuo for two in the 2nd half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Spalding #4, Holden Williamson drives to the basket off a pick in the second half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Spalding boys varsity basketball coach Joseph Pratt. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Spalding #0 Jaylin Sykes drives towards the basket in the 2nd half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Spalding #4, Holden Williamson sinks a three in the second half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Spalding #4, Holden Williamson sinks a three in the second half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Glenelg Country #10, Amare Baker sinks this jump shot for two in the 2nd half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Glenelg Country School boys varsity basketball caoch, Garrett O'Donnell. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Spalding #0 Jaylin Sykes pull-up jump shot for two in the 2nd half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Spalding #11, Malik Washington sinks this basket and was fouled on the play for an old fashioned 3-point play in the 2nd half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Glenelg Country #24, Jacob Williams scores on a fast-break layup in the 2nd half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Glenelg Country School boys varsity basketball caoch, Garrett O'Donnell. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Glenelg Country #3, Kes Crosse pull-up jumpre for two in the 2nd half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Glenelg Country #10, Amare Baker layup in the 2nd half. Glenelg Country School vs Archbishop Spalding boys basketball at Glenelg Country School. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff photo)

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Meanwhile, Sikes, the Cavaliers' senior point guard, maintained the offensive flow during their 10-point run to start the fourth. Unselfish basketball keyed that spurt with three assists on the four baskets.

Ronald Alford and Kes Crosse brought the Dragons back within four, but Sikes (12 points) answered with five straight inside of three minutes remaining.

Those buckets thwarted the Dragons hopes of a comeback, as Spalding swept the season series with the Dragons.

"It's grown a lot," Sikes said of his confidence. "My teammates trusting me in practice, kicking me the ball, telling me to shoot the ball and putting their trust in me. They're just looking for somebody to be there for them. So, I have to be that guy to get my team straight, listen to coach and be the coach on the floor."

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