The Patterson Clippers of Baltimore, Md. advanced on to the Maryland state semifinals after pulling off a comeback victory over Milford Mill Academy (Baltimore County) in the 3A North regional finals on March 3. The Clippers overcame a nine-point deficit during the final minute of the third quarter, and out-scrapped Milford Mill in the fourth quarter to pull away with a 75-72 win.
Patterson’s win ended Milford Mill’s chance at winning its third straight 3A state title; Patterson (19-7 overall) will face Tuscarora on March 8 at the Comcast Center in College Park, Md.
Much like the regional semifinals, Patterson needed its best player, junior guard Aquille Carr, to pull the team out of a late game hole. Carr scored 11 of his game-high 31 points in the fourth quarter, along with nine assists, sparking the scoring run that helped the Clippers steal the come-from-behind victory over the defending champs.
“I knew I had to turn it on and take it over for my team,” Carr told reporters following the game. “Once we go on the court, we’re going to fight for each other.”
Patterson junior forward Myrek Lee-Fowlkes also contributed well for Patterson, scoring 16 points with nine rebounds; teammate Shakir Brown added 10 points.
Milford Mill senior guard Chase Cormier led his team with 16 points despite missing key moments in the fourth quarter after chipping his tooth; Milford Mill finished its season with a 21-3 overall record.
“Obviously, we wished it would have went our way, but at the end of the day, these boys gave us everything they had and they have nothing to hang their heads about,” Milford head coach Albert Holly told reporters. “…we were happy to be a part of the moment and a part of the event.”
