FREDERICK, Md. – Another big first half by the Blazers shooting over 70 percent with upperclassmen leading the way in the 86-65 victory over McDaniel in Woodsboro Bank Arena on Saturday night to win the Battle of D.C. & Maryland for the second consecutive year.
 
Inside the Box Score

Garrison Linton (New Market, Md./Oakdale) had 17 points along with seven assists and four steals on the day.

Jude Huseby (Frederick, Md./Urbana) dropped 15 points via 4-for-5 from the field and perfect from the free throw line.

Will Spencer (Davidsonville, Md./Boys' Latin School) provided good defense and scored 10 on the night.
 
How it Happened

The first game of the Battle of D.C. and Maryland for Hood included some young blood energy, the vets responded with fast-paced basketball from the jump.
 
With fast, comes a little bit of wild from both sides. Six turnovers occurred within the first three minutes of play between both teams, but the Blazers went 4-for-4 from the field when they were able to get a shot off thanks to a pair of buckets in the paint by a physical Jack Fricka (Alexandria, Va./West Potomac).
 
McDaniel found their stride from outside the arc with three different players finding the bottom of the bucket to bring them within one at 19-18. On the other end of the floor, Will Spencer (Davidsonville, Md./Boys' Latin School) found his stride by his movement inside the arc causing disruption that fills a much-needed role for the Blazers.
 
The first half defensively for the Blazers put the Green Terror in many double teams that turned into two scenarios; a well induced turnover or a made basket. An example was the broken press that turned into a chase down the sideline and entrapment in the corner, but McDaniel's Kearney found Sujeta inside for the bucket to close the score to 28-24.
 
Last night's recap including Gage Linton (Ijamsville, Md./Oakdale High School) probably spoke into existence the response by Garrison Linton (New Market, Md./Oakdale). In a tight game, Garrison gets the ball and hits his signature drive to the basket, turns and fades away and there is not much the Green Terror defense can do. Garrison included another tough bucket off the rebound and the lob came from the center of lane down and in to extend the Blazer lead to 35-26.

With the first half coming to a close, the Blazer defense turned the double teams and pressure into the turnovers they were looking for. McDaniel just about went the final four minutes with one point and four turnovers and Hood left with a 22-point lead.

"I am happy with the way we worked against a team that doesn't get down (in score) very often," said head coach Chad Dickman. "It was a team effort in the win, but it will be a team effort to keep improving here on out."
 
The second half found a slower pace for McDaniel's offense, more passes and more looks that kept the rock out of Hood hands.
 
But ultimately, the Blazers kept their cushion by shooting over 50 percent in the second half. Huseby played big role down low to slow down traffic at the rim and hit a couple shots from deep when needed.
 
Fresh legs entered the remaining minutes of the game and consisted of a heavy helping of scores while drawing fouls wearing down the Green Terror defense. More real minutes for young players that give the squad some depth down the stretch.
 
For the Opponent

Jonas Sujeta led the Green Terror with 22 points while shooting 8-for-10 from the field.
 
Analysis

Hood out-rebounded McDaniel 28-23, Hood's defense had 20 rebounds.

Hood shot 43 percent from three-point land.

The Blazers had eight steals.

Notes

This is the second straight year that Hood has won the tournament, last year beating Catholic by two points.
 
Hood improves to 4-0 for the first time since the 2019-2020 season.
 
All-Tournament Team

Blessed Mbogo, Gallaudet
Jake Koverman, St. Mary's of Maryland
Jude Huseby (Frederick, Md./Urbana), Hood
Jonas Sujeta, McDaniel

Tournament MVP
 
Garrison Linton (New Market, Md./Oakdale), Hood
 
Up Next

After back-to-back weekends hosting tournaments, the Blazers will have 10 days off before facing Shenandoah on road on Tuesday, November 26 with a 7 p.m. start. Their next home game will be on December 3 against John Hopkins with a 7 p.m. start as well.