FREDERICK, MD - A crushing first half for Howard made for a comfortable win for the Dragons over the Frederick Cougars by the score of 88-59. The Dragons remain in first place for the region at 7-1 while improving their overall record to 20-5 as coach Mike Smelkinson secured his fourth straight 20 win season at Howard.

The Cougars scored first in the game on a layup off the opening tip which proved to be the only lead of the game for Frederick. Howard answered back with an 8-0 run and never looked back as they completely dominated the first half with a 45-20 halftime lead. Howard opened up the lead to as much as 34 in the second half before cruising to the finish line at the end.

Emanuel Henriques (Baltimore, MD/Benjamin Franklin) led the team with 19 points including a couple of three pointers. Jaden Johnson (Upper Marlboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) scored 14 points as part of a strong performance from the Howard bench. Christian Dean (Elkridge, MD/Long Reach) recorded another double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds while John Thomas (Baltimore, MD/Patterson) scored 11 as well. Shane Taylor (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial) scored 9 with 6 assists while the forward pair of O'Meech Wilson (Glen Burnie, MD/North County) and Andrew Mills (Owings Mills, MD/New Town) scored 8 and 7 respectively with Mills snagging 10 rebounds. 

The Dragons will face another tough test when they travel out to western Maryland to take on Garrett for a Saturday matinee. The Lakers are 12-9 on the season and currently sit in a tie for 7th place in the region standings at 4-4.