Surrattsville learned that it could go on the road and beat a quality team that reached the Class 2A state final a year ago and returned two of the county's players. The Hornets have become a legitimate threat not only to win the Class 1A South Region, but to contend for a state title.

Gwynn Park, however, learned that its struggles offensively may derail any hopes the Yellow Jackets have of returning to the University of Maryland's Comcast Center, site of the state tournament.

The game was played with playoff intensity - complete with four technical fouls - before a full gym.

Surrattsville (9-1 overall, 6-0 County 3A/2A/1A League) jumped out to a 14-4 lead in the first quarter as the Yellow Jackets struggled to hit their outside shots. Neither of Gwynn Park's returning Gazette-Star All-County players, shooting guard Brandon Ford and power forward Tion Barnes, scored in the first quarter, which ended with the Hornets leading 14-6.

"Our intention was to start fast against Gwynn Park, because they're a team that brings a lot of energy and have some very athletic players," said Surrattsville coach Roderick Moore."

Gwynn Park (5-5, 4-2) had no luck limiting Surrattsville's top scorer, forward Raymond Baldwin, who had eight points in the first quarter, half of which came on a pair of dunks. Baldwin finished with 22 points.

Surrattsville's Gamari Mayfield kept the momentum going in the second quarter by scoring his team's first six points, allowing the Hornets to open up a 22-9 lead with 4 minutes, 49 seconds left before halftime. Mayfield finished with 14 points, six of them coming off offensive rebounds.

"Our struggles shooting the basketball in the first half really hurt us," said Gwynn Park coach Mike Glick. "I thought that we shot too many jump shots, didn't take the basketball to the basket. I was proud how my team responded in the second half, and proud of how they battled back. We have to get better, and we will."

Gwynn Park closed to within 31-26 with 6:21 left in the third quarter, but Surrattsville went on a 10-0 run to take command.

The Yellow Jackets fought back again, getting within six points at 66-60 with 56.5 seconds to play. But Gwynn Park scored only one more basket the rest of the way while Surrattsville was shooting free throws to extend its lead.

Glick said Barnes played his best game of the season, scoring 25 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Ford, however, was limited to seven points and fouled out with 29.2 seconds to play.

"This game was circled on our schedule," Baldwin said. "It's a rivalry, and we wanted to come out and be the better team."

The loss evened Gwynn Park's record to .500, but both coaches said that is deceptive.

"It's not like we're playing the Little Sisters of the Poor," Glick said. The Yellow Jackets other losses came to defending Virginia AAA state champion I.C. Norcom, Largo (in overtime), Henry A. Wise and Riverdale Baptist. "I think we've played the toughest schedule in the county. Our goal is to get back to Comcast."

Surrattsville 69, Gwynn Park 62

Surrattsville (9-1, 6-0) 14 15 22 18 -- 69

Gwynn Park (5-5, 4-2) 6 13 19 24 -- 62

Surrattsville: Raymond Baldwin 22, Gamari Mayfield 14, Chaz White 9, Avery Jasper 8, Alexander Noble 6, Larry McCollum 4, William Johnson 2, Juwan Strothers 2, Bryce Coley 2.

Gwynn Park: Tion Barnes 25, Daniel Henry 10, Brandon Ford 7, Marcel Boyd 6, Jarvis Hawkins 6, Brian Hall 4, Kevin Miles 2, Nick Walton 2.