Glenelg Country guard Pat Curtin stepped to the line at the end of the third quarter after being fouled on a 3-point attempt. Curtin calmly swished the first two free throws and then a Gilman fan yelled out, “Miss it.”
The dynamic guard took the chirp in stride, laughed, shook his head and mouthed “No” before draining the final free throw. Exuding confidence and getting to his spots all evening, Curtin led the Dragons with a dazzling 35-point performance in a commanding 81-45 win over Gilman.
Glenelg Country improved to 17-6 and 12-3 in the MIAA A Conference Black Division.
On the Dragons’ senior night with many friends and family in the crowd, Curtin entered the contest nearing rarified air. He was just six points away from 2,000 career points after spending his freshman season at Marriotts Ridge and the last three seasons with the Dragons. It didn’t take long for Curtin to reach in fitting fashion.
Late in the first quarter, Curtin took a pass near the Gilman bench. With his defender soaring out to contest, Curtin calmly shot-faked and side-stepped before connecting on the shot that placed him in the exclusive club. Family, friends and teammates rejoiced as Curtin posed for a photo with coach Garrett O’Donnell and teammates.
“Once I get in the game, I’m just flowing,” Curtin said. “I knew right when I got it, it was a great feeling. It just shows all the hard work that’s been put in over the years and all the staying true when it doesn’t seem like it’s going to work out. It makes you reflect on things and gives you a good view on moving things forward into the season.
“It’s really an emotional moment because it shows everything you’ve done the last four years, and it gives you a landscape of everything that’s gone on. It’s an amazing feeling; I can’t describe it.”
However, Curtin wasn’t the only Dragon celebrating, on a night highlighted by smiles and excitement. Glenelg Country showcased its prolific perimeter shooting, knocking down 12 3-pointers, six of which came from Curtin. Ten Dragons scored with several bench players making valuable contributions throughout the second half.
Monday’s victory marked the latest triumph in a turnaround season for the Dragons who have ascended to the top of their division. Glenelg Country is coming off consecutive losing seasons. But this group has hit its stride this season, not letting prior struggles deter them from reaching their ultimate goal.
“This has been an extremely loyal group,” O’Donnell said. “Loyalty is probably the greatest characteristic of this team because two years ago, any of them could have left when we were in a dip. They stuck through it and have risen up to have our best year in a long time. I think that word is a lost characteristic these days.”
The evening began with senior night festivities, honoring the program’s five seniors for their dedication and commitment. The celebration sustained for all 32 minutes as the Dragons exhibited many of the qualities which have lifted them to this point. One of those key characteristics is unselfishness: sharing the ball from side-to-side, looking for the best possible shot. An extra pass led to many of their open perimeter opportunities.
Glenelg Country will look to close out its resurgent regular season Friday at home against Mount St. Joseph. The Dragons won the earlier meeting, 81-68, on Jan. 13 and would clinch both the division title and top seed in the playoffswith a win. The Dragons hold the tiebreaker over Spalding.
“I would describe tonight as great,” senior guard Ronald Alford said. “The whole team got in, which doesn’t always happen. The environment was great, and it feels really good to get that win on senior night.”
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