When he returned to the game in the fourth quarter the Patriots trailed by a point, but Morton scored eight of his 12 points in the final period to help Friendly win its 11th consecutive game, defeating Gwynn Park 62-54.

"It's so frustrating sitting on that bench, watching my team get down," Morton said. Friendly improved to 12-3 overall and 9-2 in the Prince George's County 3A/2A/1A League.

In the third quarter, Gwynn Park (9-6, 8-3) took its first lead since the first period on a slam by senior forward Tion Barnes with 3:29 to play. The teams exchanged the lead seven times before Morton returned with 6:15 left in the fourth quarter and the Patriots trailing, 43-42.

Morton scored on a steal and layup with 5:11 to go to give his team a 46-45 lead. Friendly never trailed again.

With Morton on the bench, Friendly senior Michael Johnson (18 points) and senior point guard Sherrod Baltimore (13 points) supplied most of the offense.

"This is our 11th straight victory, so we're obviously going to try and win the county first, then go on to state," Johnson said.

Gwynn Park narrowed Friendly's lead to 56-54 with 53.6 seconds to play on two free throws by senior guard Brandon Ford, but Morton scored on a layup, then made two foul shots to keep the Yellow Jackets from rallying.

"At this time of the year, as a coach, you look for those signs," said Friendly coach Rob Garner. "Can we win games, close games, in a hostile environment, on the road? Those are good checking points or assessments to see where we are."

Friendly took the lead in the first half with its transition game, forcing Gwynn Park into eight turnovers that they usually converted into layups or foul shots. The Patriots led 28-24 at halftime.

Barnes led the Yellow Jackets with 20 points and Ford added 13.

"We're not that far away," said Gwynn Park coach Mike Glick. "We're one or two plays away it seems in every game."

Friendly 62, Gwynn Park 54

Friendly (12-3, 9-2) 15 13 12 22--62

Gwynn Park (9-6, 8-3) 11 13 17 13--54

Friendly: Michael Johnson 18, Sherrod Baltimore 13, Davon Morton 12, Chris Williams 6, Victor Blakey 4, Jordan Gaither 2, Kim Collins 2, Lamont Short 2.

Gwynn Park: Tion Barnes 20, Brandon Ford 13, Nick Walton 9, Brian Hall 6, Daniel Henry 4, Jarvis Hawkins 2.