Sherwood finds high-profile replacement to take over football program

Sherwood High School on Tuesday announced the hiring of its new head football coach. Chris Grier, a 2000 Sherwood graduate, has been hired to take over the football program at his alma mater.

“It’s an honor,” said the 30-year-old Silver Spring resident. “It’s kind of surreal. I’m real excited. It’s something I value and to carry on the tradition of Sherwood football certainly means a lot.”

Grier, the DeMatha freshman head coach since 2011, replaces Mike Bonavia who resigned last month to accept an administrative position at Einstein. Bonavia compiled a 15-7 record in two seasons at the helm including a 9-3 mark last year.

The Olney native began his coaching career in 2007 as the varsity offensive line coach and junior varsity head coach at Herricks High School in Long Island, New York.

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Magruder Captures 4A-West Crown

SILVER SPRING – Magruder last Friday captured the 4A West region title with a 47-30 victory over Quince Orchard at Montgomery Blair High School.

Magruder (23-2) will play 4A North region champion Baltimore Polytechnic in the state semifinals on Thursday at Comcast Center. Poly defeated Paint Branch, 57-47, to earn a spot in the state semifinals.

“It’s a real thrill to get there,” said Magruder head coach Dan Harwood, “because you don’t get the opportunity every year to do that.”

Magruder seniors Nick Griffin, Justin Witmer and J.J. Epps combined for 38 points to lead the Colonels who advanced to the state semifinals for the third consecutive year.

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Gaithersburg girls beat Wootton

GAITHERSBURG – The two-time defending Maryland 4A state champion Gaithersburg Lady Trojans opened the postseason Monday by posting a 76-68 home victory over Wootton in double overtime.

Gaithersburg, who registered their 19th win, was led by junior forward Janessa Fauntroy who finished with a game-high 27 points and 20 rebounds.

“She stepped up big time,” said Gaithersburg head coach Adrian “Hotdog” McDaniel, whose program is seeking its third consecutive state crown.

Fauntroy, who showcased deft rebounding skills around the basket throughout the game, nailed a 3-pointer with 13.3 seconds left in the first overtime session to help keep the Trojans’ season alive. Fauntroy’s basket tied the game at 62-62 and helped force double overtime.

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Titans survive Watkins Mill

KENSINGTON – Einstein junior Joe Bradshaw scored a game-high 17 points on Tuesday to propel the Titans past Watkins Mill, 59-52, in a 3A West region first round playoff game.

Einstein sophomore Rahim Hayes added 13 points and senior Josh Ogburn finished with 11 points as the Titans advanced to play at North Hagerstown in a region quarterfinal matchup on Thursday.

Watkins Mill rallied from a 24-18 halftime deficit behind senior point guard Tyvon Grant who spearheaded a 7-0 run with his dynamic play.

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Montrose Christian develops players for next level

The Montrose Christian basketball program is synonymous with excellence.

The Mustangs are an annual staple in the national rankings and captured top honors in the 2011 ESPN Rise National High School Invitational tournament.

The tiny Rockville private school has also produced various players who have gone on to play Division I college basketball and a handful who are currently playing in the National Basketball Association.

NBA superstar Kevin Durant is the program’s most prominent alumni.

The Oklahoma City Thunder forward is among the league’s top players.

The list of Montrose Christian players in the NBA also includes Toronto Raptors forward Linas Kleiza, New Orleans Hornets guard Greivis Vasquez and NBA slam dunk champion Terrence Ross who also plays for the Raptors.

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Watkins Mill girls fall in first round of playoffs 72-53

February 28, 2013

MONTGOMERY VILLAGE – Despite a game-high 21 points from sophomore guard Danielle Durjan, the Watkins Mill Wolverines fell to visiting Tuscarora Friday night in a first round playoff game, 72-53.

Watkins Mill senior Angel Hall finished with 12 points in her final high school appearance. The Wolverines finished the season at 10-13.

Tuscarora was led by standout juniors Shania Johnson and Katherine Moore who each scored 18 points in the win. Tuscarora senior Caitlin Cavin finished with ten points.

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Harwood coaching tree has deep roots

Dan Harwood, an elder statesman among Montgomery County boys public school basketball coaches, last week attended Einstein’s opening round playoff victory over Watkins Mill.

Harwood, a 1976 Peary High graduate and longtime Magruder head coach, had a personal interest in the contest since Einstein head coach Rich Porac once served as Magruder’s junior varsity head coach.

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