A comeback never materialized for Clinton Grace in its 62-51 loss at Bowie State University, relegating an ascendant program to conference runner-up for a second straight season.
“It’s frustrating because all the work you put in is to get to moments like these,” senior guard Ky Panda-Massey said. “Things just didn’t go right for us today.”
Sunday night brought just the third championship game in MPSC history, and the scene at Bowie State — on and off the court — was a testament to how quickly the 12-team conference has settled into a crowded local landscape. In front of a sizable, passionate crowd, Clinton Grace (previously known as Grace Brethren) and Highland played a frenetic, athletic game.
Highland, a private school out of Warrenton, Va., was led by junior Nate Ament. The 6-foot-9 forward won league MVP honors this season and is considered a top-20 recruit in the Class of 2025. He finished with 17 points Sunday after scoring timely midrange buckets all evening.
After holding a small lead for much of the first half, Highland (21-11) was up by two at halftime. Clinton Grace (27-6) seemed to grab momentum early in the third quarter when it took a 35-34 lead, but Highland responded with a 13-0 run.
The Eagles, known for their scrappy defense and well-balanced attack, were undone by turnovers and miscues on the offensive end. By the start of the fourth quarter, Highland led by 13 and Clinton Grace was fighting an uphill battle. Panda-Massey led the way with 22 points.
The Eagles won’t have to wait long for a shot at postseason redemption: They are expected to be one of the top seeds in the Maryland private school state tournament.
“We need to play tougher next week,” Panda-Massey said, “now that we know things won’t always go our way.”