Potomac Intermediate School Basketball

February 27, 2000 - In the Championship Game of the Bullis Middle School Tournament, the Potomac 8th grade boys basketball team once again beat St Albans (45-29) to win back to back Titles.

A rematch of last year’s championship game was expected going into the tournament. In 1999, it was St Albans having the undefeated season and holding the number one seed. This year, Potomac held all the cards, including last year’s Bullis Tournament Title. However, the march to this year’s Title was not easy. The Panthers breezed past Bullis 52-18 in the quarter-finals thanks to the scoring punch of Jason Aqui, Robbie dePicciotto, Drew Durbin, Bernard Johnson and Brent Locey. The scare that could have been a nightmare came in the semi-finals against Landon. With the game on the line, Chris McNerney came up with a big steal in the closing seconds to preserve a one point 37-36 win.

Now it was time to face St Albans. Potomac had already beaten the Bulldogs in the regular season, so they had a double revenge factor going into the game. They wanted the title back they won as 6th graders. Did they see a crack in Potomac’s armor from the semi-finals? Was Potomac really as good as their record? Potomac’s fans were ready. They just hoped their team was. The Panthers didn't waste any time, taking the opening tip down the floor for a score, Ginyard to Fischer to Locey. On defense, Potomac came up with a big steal and fast breaked their way to another score, causing St Albans to call an early timeout. You could see it in their eyes, and by their intensity. Potomac was ready to play, they wanted to win. As in last year’s game against St Albans, Potomac used the speed of Pete Dalla to stalk and harass the Bulldog guards. By the end of the first quarter, the Panthers held a 10-6 advantage and kept the intensity level high through the end of the half, taking a 26-10 lead.

In the second half, Potomac continued to maintain their lead as St Albans avoided the press in fear that the game would get away from them if they overplayed Potomac’s guards. With a 34-22 lead going into the fourth quarter, Potomac slowed things down to protect their lead and claim back to back tournament titles. Potomac had two players score in double figures with Michael Fischer leading the way with 17 points followed by Marcus Ginyard with 10. Brent Locey added 9 points. Pete Dalla had 5 points including a 3 pointer at the buzzer to end the game.

Marcus Ginyard and Brent Locey were named to the All-Tournament Team, and Michael Fischer was selected MVP of the tournament. Potomac finished the season undefeated with a record of 18-0, making Mr. Peery‘s report card predictions a reality. 18-0? Why Not! Congratulations Panthers!

Click the Box Score link above for detailed player statistics.