Basketball Ends Season with 75-71 Tournament Loss to Hawks

By Aaron Meekins, FCC Men's Basketball Assistant Coach

McHenry, Md. -- Frederick Community College advanced to the semifinals of the Region XX D2 Tourney after defeating the Cardinals of CCBC Catonsville 85-75 on Friday afternoon. They were looking for revenge the Hawks from College of Southern Maryland who beat the Cougars in January. However, the Hawks managed to get into the paint for easy baskets throughout the night on their way to defeating FCC for the second time this year and ending the Cougars season. The Hawks defeated the Cougars 75-71.

The first half was played evenly for the first ten minutes as both teams traded baskets and got stops. With ten minutes to play, the Hawks held a 17-13 advantage and managed to get Frederick's big guys into early foul trouble. Over the next five minutes, CSM got their first double digit lead of the night, and with 3:58 to play in the first half held a 16 point advantage, 35-19. The Cougars clawed their way back and managed to get the lead down to nine at intermission, 41-32. Keon Claiborne, Cyree Dunnell, and Marlon White each contributed seven points to lead Frederick offensively.

FCC managed to get the Hawk lead down to six with 14:00 minutes to play before CSM got their lead back up to 16 with 8:00 left in the game. With their backs against the wall, the Cougars showed a lot of heart to fight their way back into the game. Cyree Dunnell hit consecutive three-pointers and Anthony Isaac found Jacob McIntosh in transition with a two-handed slam dunk and the foul to get the Cougars within six, 66-60, with 5:21 to play. Over the next couple minutes, both teams traded baskets, and with the score at 74-68 with 1:04 to play, White hit a big three-point shot and was fouled. He missed the free throw, but FCC was down only one possession with the score at 74-71. After a Hawk player missed both free throws, the Cougars had the ball with 14 ticks left in the game and the ball out of bounds under their own basket. Coming out of the timeout, FCC executed a well-drawn up play and found White in the corner for a good look at the game tying three. His shot was no good and FCC was forced to foul the Hawk rebounder who sealed the game connecting on his first free throw to give CSM the victory, 75-71. 

Jacob McIntosh had a strong performance for the Cougars leading the way with 15 points, five rebounds, and six blocks. Dunnell finished with 13 points followed by Isaac and White who finished with 12 points each. 

Frederick's sophomores contributed two banners during their time at FCC. Anthony Isaac and Keith Claiborne were part of the 2014-2015 squad that won a state MD JUCO Championship. Jacob McIntosh, Shane DeCelis, and Josiah Jones helped lead Frederick to their first National Tournament appearance in 2015-2016. Their contributions to the program are remarkable and they all hope to continue their careers at the next level. Please join us in wishing them the best of luck in their future endeavors as student- athletes.

For all those who came out to support the Cougars throughout the year we thank you! We look forward to your continued support in 2017-2018. Go Cougars!