Howard counters CSAS with win

A.J. Collins of CSAS scrambles for the ball while being pressured by Rashad Brummitt of Howard High School Saturday at the CSAS gym.

Photo by Alex Washburn.

In a game of runs, Howard made the two that mattered the most.

The Hustlin' Tigers combated Arts & Sciences' five-guard lineup with one of their own and won 77-62 in the season opener for both high school basketball teams. Howard went on 11-0 and 15-3 runs in the final quarter at CSAS.

Shalique Cameron had 18 points to lead three Tigers in double figures.

CSAS used the five-guard approach much of the game to negate the Tigers' decided size advantage. Howard coach Walter McGary was prepared, however.

"That pretty much saved the day for us," said McGary, who practiced with five guards at times in practice. "We had experimented with some five-guard fronts because we saw them last year and figured they'd have that sort of look for us tonight. Once we adjusted, things were smooth."

Howard posts Brandon Walters, Xavier Harris and Justin Jackson combined for 11 points -- nine for Walters.

CSAS went on an 8-2 run in the final three minutes of the first quarter to lead 20-17 after a period. The Patriots' margin never got higher than four, with a Frank Brogden layup making it 23-19 early in the second quarter. Howard answered with a 13-2 run, but by halftime the Patriots had chipped away and trailed only 37-36.

The Hustlin' Tigers controlled the early part of the second half, taking a 42-36 lead two minutes in, but a Brogden jump shot tied the game at 48 with under a minute to go in the third quarter. Howard's Anthony Smith had two layups in the final 30 seconds -- including one at the buzzer -- for a four-point edge going into the final quarter.

The visitors' defense and team speed were too much in the final period, as they shot layups all quarter. Walters scored on a layup in the final seconds for the final margin.

Rodarius Martin had 17 points and Smith scored 10 for the Hustlin' Tigers. Brodgen and Patrick Taylor each had 22 for the Patriots.

"We played for three and a half quarters," CSAS coach Mark Dragoo said. "I thought we made great strides, but the lights are on now. We had great effort but didn't execute well and made a lot of mistakes.

"We wanted to compete today, but we also wanted to win."

Said McGary: "Our hustle was there for three quarters, but I have to instill in these guys that on every night we can be beat."