Resilient Bruins Lead County Basketball Standings

Broadneck and Meade entered Wednesday's boys basketball showdown as the top two teams in Anne Arundel County. And the first half played out as such, with Meade taking a one-point lead into the break. However, Broadneck used a strong zone defense and a barrage of 3-pointers in the third quarter to outscore the Mustangs 20-4 and take control of the game, pulling away for a 58-42 victory.

With the win, the host Bruins sit alone atop the county standings heading into the final week of the regular season.

Meade opened the game by knocking down a couple of 3-pointers and ran out to a 10-2 lead. Some coaches would've called a timeout, but Broadneck boys basketball head coach John Williams chose to let his players settle into the game and respond. And respond they did, answering the Mustangs with a 14-0 run of their own, forcing Meade coach Mike Glick to use a timeout.

Williams explained his decision, saying, “We have a battle-tested group and I'm of the mindset to save my timeouts. I thought they'd get their feet under them, but you kind of hold your breath until a couple shots go down.”

Jordan Brown led the Bruins with 28 points and Jalen Carter added 14, while the Bruins were able to hold a good offensive team in Meade well below their season scoring average. Broadneck typically plays man-to-man defense, but Williams used more zone against Meade.

“My assistants have been encouraging me to trust the zone,” Williams said, “and we've done a good job of preventing dribble drive attacks, which has helped us become a better defense.”

Michael Schwob and Kyle Miles each pulled down 10 rebounds to help limit second-chance opportunities for the Mustangs.

As the regular season winds down, Broadneck is playing some of its best basketball heading toward the playoffs. But first, a possible rematch looms with Meade in the county championship game, scheduled for Saturday, February 18. Awaiting the Bruins in the playoffs is a Severna Park team that is also playing well and a South River team that finally seems to be healthy.