Loch Raven moves on, Overlea season ends

The 2011 MPSSAA boys' basketball playoffs began this evening, and for the local teams it was a 50/50 evening, as Loch Raven came out victorious while Overlea was not as fortunate.

Loch Raven was able to advance in the 1A North region with an impressive 62-30 victory over Bohemia Manor.

The Raiders led by 7 after one quarter, and really poured it on toward the end of the first half to surge ahead 30-12 at the break.

The game was never in doubt after the break and Loch Raven coach Doug Abel was very pleased with his team's performance.

"We got a really good effort from our starters, which then allowed our entire team to get some minutes in the second half," said Abel.

"What really made me happy was our defensive effort," added Abel. "We moved our feet well, blocked the passing lanes, and did an outstanding job of rebounding the ball."

Loch Raven was led by Devin Jones, who scored 18 points, and Elliot Wiley, who finished with 12 points.

The Raiders will now move on to round 2 on Monday at Patterson Mill.

For Overlea, the outcome was not as productive, as they lost to Lansdowne 69-43 in the 2A North region.

The Falcons trailed at the half 26-18, made a short run early on in the second half to bring the score to 26-22, and then fell apart.

Overlea coach David Iampieri was sad to see the season end, but is looking forward to next season. "We made a little run to start the second half, but after that it was all over," he said.  "Next year we are moving to the 1A, and I like our chances better in that division."

Brandon Johnson led Overlea with 17 points, and Gideon Whitaker was the force inside with 9 rebounds.