With senior guard JJ Epps missing his first of many games the Magruder Colonels looked stellar without their do-everything point guard.

Now playing the point is senior Matt Ricketts, a rotation player on Magruder's state championship team last year and a starter all season this year, Ricketts stepped in and had 13 assists.

Epps' scoring was replaced by junior forward Danny Schaerr, a junior who hadn't even been in the rotation prior to Thursday. Schaerr emerged as a piece that Magruder will most definitely cherish as the season progresses and playoff time comes around. He finished with 14 points, more then double his point total on the season coming in to Thurday's game. He connected on three 3-balls, and finished with 14 points and six rebounds while shooting 5-7 from the field.

Nick Griffin and Justin Witmer were up to their old tricks scoring 20 and 13 respectively. Griffin was 5-5 on three point field goals. He also added 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Witmer added three rebounds, three assists, and a block to go along with his 13 points. Forward Brian Coleman continued his rock steady play in the paint going for 5 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal.

Gwynn Park of PG County was led by 6'6" senior Ackhel Bazil. Bazil scored a game high 23 points. Playing in his first career varsity game for Gwynn Park today was freshman Aaron Parker. Yellow Jackets coach Mike Glick is very excited about Parker and his promise for the future. While Parker seemed a little hesitant to shoot you could tell he will be a super player in a couple years. He showed phenomenal basketball instincts, the ability to push it up a gear and uncanny court vision. He projects to be a true point and we look forward to watching him develop over the next couple years.

Tomorrow Magruder will play Thomas Stone at 7PM and Gwynn Park will play host Springbrook at 5PM.