Blair boys’ basketball edges out Magruder in an eventful game

On Friday, Dec. 13, the Blair boys’ varsity basketball team (2-1) opened their season with a hard-fought 62-61 win over the Colonel Zak Magruder (Magruder) Colonels (1-1). The game showcased the Blazers’ ability to adapt and push through under pressure, tiring out their opponents until the very end. 

From the tip-off, the matchup was marked by high energy and evenly matched-play. The Blazers opened strong, orchestrating quick passes and calculated movements. Senior forward Jaeden Barrera set the tone early, scoring a clean layup. Magruder, however, responded with a barrage of three-pointers that exploited gaps in Blair’s defense, allowing the Colonels to establish a small but steady lead in the first quarter. Yet, Blair’s transition game began to grind Magruder down, with junior guard Bakarr Abu consistently driving into the lane and drawing defensive attention, creating openings for his teammates.

By the second and third quarters, Blair’s defensive adjustments had begun to frustrate Magruder’s shooters. The Colonels missed basket after basket, and the Blazers capitalized on these mistakes with swift passing and fast breaks. Even with Magruder struggling to keep their shooting consistent, the game remained close as both teams exchanged points in an evenly matched contest, ending the third quarter with a score of 49-46 for Blair.

The fourth quarter, however, was a nail-biter from start to finish. Blair opened with possession and repeatedly challenged Magruder’s defense, but missed shots by the Blazers kept the game score close. The Colonels were there to capitalize on every opening -- and scored a quick basket, narrowing the score to just a one-point gap. 

From there, the lead swapped hands multiple times as both teams traded baskets in a high-pressure back-and-forth. Magruder kept the pressure on with multiple attempted layups, while Blair relied on clean passing and teamwork to create scoring opportunities. As the minutes ticked down, the Blazer defense began to shine -- blocking multiple attempts on their goal and regaining possession. Despite Blair managing to build a four-point lead with three minutes left, Magruder surged back with a combination of free throws and a three-pointer, taking a one-point lead with less than a minute on the clock. 

That final minute was a masterclass in composure. Both teams used their remaining timeouts strategically, each trying to seize control in the waning seconds. Blair’s deliberate passing between junior guard Elom Amenti and Abu created an opening for sophomore guard Paul Ransom to hit the game-deciding shot with just three seconds left, giving Blair a 63-62 edge. Magruder’s final possession was frantic, culminating in a desperate hail mary shot that bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded. Blair’s bench erupted in celebration as the team secured their hard-fought victory. 

Reflecting on the chaotic final minutes and his game-winning shot, Ransom described the focus it took to stay calm under pressure. “All I was thinking about was this drill we practice where one person drives, and the other steps up to block,” he explained. “So I jumped up, and got the layup.”

Overall, the game emphasized the boys’ resilience and strong teamwork. Though there were some turnovers and missed opportunities in the first quarter, the Blazers’ ability to adjust defensively proved to be a game-winning strategy. The team believes that their discipline and coordination can make them one of the best teams in the county. “We think we can be a top team in the county right now,” Ransom added. “If we keep playing our game, we can compete with anyone.”