Columbia, MD - "What they gonna say now?" were the words Emanuel Henriques (Baltimore, MD/Benjamin Franklin) kept repeating after the Howard Community College Dragons won their second-straight Region 20 championship on Saturday!

The Dragons defeated the Chesapeake College Skipjacks 61-50, holding off a furious second-half comeback to punch their third trip to Nationals this decade. Christian Dean (Columbia, MD/Long Reach) and Jaden Johnson (Upper Marlboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) were stellar, scoring 19 and 13 points respectively. The two were named to the All-Tournament Team, with Johnson being named Tournament MVP.

The Dragons were on top of the world in the first half, dropping five three-pointers and outscoring the Skipjacks 36-19. Christian Dean (Columbia, MD/Long Reach) put together a vintage performance, scoring 13 points in the half to lead all players. But as the second half commenced, it became clear that Chesapeake wasn't going down without a fight. The Skipjacks roared back into the contest, bringing the deficit down to single digits. Howard reestablished their double-digit lead with free throws, but their momentum had been sapped. Chesapeake smelled blood in the water, and pulled within six points.

The final five minutes would go down in history for the Dragons. After Jaden Johnson (Upper Marlboro, MD/Dr. Henry A. Wise) aced a pair of free throws, the Dragons got a huge break from Dean. The sophomore picked the pocket of Chesapeake's Willie Jones, scoring on the fastbreak. Chesapeake immediately responded with a deep three from Brandon Hooks, only for Truth Norton (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) to launch a deep three to bring the lead back to ten. Chesapeake missed their next two three point attempts, and Howard took full advantage. Norton dribbled through the entire defense to score the final field goal of the season for the Dragons, and a steal by Johnson on the inbound pass clinched the contest. Howard aced their free throws, held off one last rally attempt by the Skipjacks, then dribbled out the clock to win their second-straight title.

Dean finished the contest with 19 points, nine rebounds, and two steals, which netted him an All-Tournament team nomination. Johnson was the only Dragon to score in double-digits in all three tourney games, finishing the title game with 13 points, five assists, and four steals. He was named Tournament MVP for his efforts. Emanuel Henriques (Baltimore, MD/Benjamin Franklin) hit clutch free throws down the stretch, ending the day with nine points and two blocks. Truth Norton (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills) continued his hot streak with eight points, while Anthony Djami (Paris, France/Brequigny) won his third Region 20 title with six points and eleven rebounds. Arthur Roaché added eleven boards to wrap up an excellent defensive performance.

The Dragons will find out their seeding and opponent for the upcoming NJCAA Division II tournament this Tuesday at 2:30 PM!