Colter Clutch For Largo

By STEPHEN D. RILEY

CLINTON – The Largo Lions find themselves in first place in the Prince George’s 3A/2A/1A Division at 12-2 (10-1 in conference) and point guard Derrick Colter is one of the main reasons why.

Colter’s 27-point performance at Surrattsville Tuesday in Largo’s 93-80 win was spectacular to observers and fans alike, but for Colter, it was just another game. The senior guard has now averaged 26.5 points over his last seven games and from the looks of his performance against the Hornets, it’s easy to see how and why he’s been so dominant.

He took it to the cup against the Hornets, repeatedly. Colter’s ability to go right or left, drop passes off under pressure, contort for layups and run Largo’s offense blew Surrattsville away in the end. Largo held a narrow five-point halftime lead over the Hornets at 40-35 but extended it to six after forward Michael Graham’s buzzer-beating fall away dropped through the net as time expired on the third period.

Largo went into the final quarter leading 66-60 and simply turned up the defensive pressure two extra notches to squash the Hornets. Led by Colter, the Lions forced a conga line of turnovers from Surrattsville, firing Largo to a 27-point fourth quarter.

“Those turnovers broke our momentum,” Hornets coach Roderick Moore said.

With the Lions leading by double digits down the stretch, the Hornets tried to foul Colter, hoping for a few misses from the free throw line, but Largo’s leader didn’t crack.

Colter nailed 12 of his 14 free throw attempts, connecting from the stripe with such accuracy in the final quarter that Hornets players could only throw their hands up in frustration with every conversion that Colter made.

“Derrick is Derrick,” Largo coach Lewis Howard said. “He does what Derrick can do and give him the opportunity to do those things.”

Steals, penetration and points defined Colter’s fourth quarter. He ran the show like a certified collegian, his talent was the difference in the game.

“Coach told me to attack to the hole because that’s where I get my buckets and get to the free throw line,” Colter said.

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH DERRICK COLTER

Contact Stephen D. Riley at stephendriley@yahoo.com.