In the first round of the Maryland 3A South region, the Westlake Wolverines played the Potomac Wolverines. A low scoring first quarter for both teams quickly turned into an offensive explosion for Westlake. Potomac had no match for the speed and size of Westlake.

The game started off as a slow offensive game as both teams were cautious with the other. They were both very hesitant to make inside passes.  As a result, many shots came from outside the three point line, and a few fast breaks. Potomac held the advantage going into the 2nd quarter with a low score of 8-7.

In the second quarter, Westlake coach Ed Mouton put in senior shooting guard Michael Ledbetter. Ledbetter was the key aspect of the offensive explosion for Westlake. He drained two three point baskets back to back. Those shots put Westlake ahead to stay. Those shots also were followed by a Westlake full court pressure defensive strategy. This forced several turnovers, and senior forward Omar Alston benefited as he threw down several dunks to get the Westlake crowd into the game. His most vicious one was a one handed tomahawk dunk over a defender. The score going into halftime was 27-16 Westlake.

Ledbetter’s hot streak continued into the second half as he came out and quickly drained another two three balls. Potomac could do no right as they only manged 10 points through the quarter. Potomac’s point guard, Walter Broddie (who is also a recruit to Memphis University) picked up his fifth foul in the third quarter, and was forced to sit out the rest of the game.  The score going into the final quarter was Westlake 48, Potomac 26.

To start the fourth quarter, Coach Mouton put his bench lineup in, and they put up 22 on the board in the last quarter. Potomac’s energy they had at the beginning of the game had obviously deflated, and Westlake poured it on. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Westlake had won 70-42.

Coach Mouton said after the game about putting in Ledbetter, “He had been doing well in practice throughout the week, and he had found his stroke. It was only a matter of time.”  Ledbetter said “ I just want to thank the coaches for working so hard with me, and being there for me when I was in my slump.”

Westlake moves onto play Crossland in the section semifinals next Tuesday at Westlake High School.

Photo credit to Ron Bailey. Contact Max Tayman at news@thebaynet.com