Columbia, MD - Nhaikyia Smith (Waldorf, MD/St. Vincent Pallotti) scored a career high 21 points to lead the Dragons in a promising game, but ultimately fell short in their attempt to upset undefeated #3 ranked CCBC Essex as the Knights prevailed 81-60.

Howard jumped out to a great start with a 9-2 run with Smith leading the charge in a fast paced game throughout the 40 minutes of play. She would go on to hit a three late in the quarter as the Dragons defense stifled to Essex juggurnaut to give Howard a 12-10 lead after the first quarter.

After the Knights lept to a 20-15 lead midway through the second quarter, a Smith jumper and three free throws by Nyla Thomas (Laurel, MD/James H. Blake) tied the game up again before Essex made another late run to lead 31-23 at halftime.

The third quarter saw the Essex three point shots start to hit more along with their full court press creating turnovers and easy baskets, which they utilized to build up a 20 point lead that they held onto throughout the fourth quarter.

Smith had a team high four assists to go along with her 21 points and was joined in double-digits by the hot shooting Kalani Corkeron (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake), who scored 14 points including four from behind the arc. Julia Harrington (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore City College) added nine points and eight rebounds to the cause.

The Dragons will next host the Hagerstown Hawks on Wednesday, December 7 at 5 PM in another critical regional matchup.