Box Score Columbia, MD - Zion Dixon (District Heights, MD/Largo) broke the single-game men's scoring record on Friday night as the Howard Community College Dragons won 75-71 over the Patrick Henry College Sentinels.
Dixon's 35-point day saw him score 26 second-half points to take down the Sentinels, recording the first win of the season for the Dragons and the second win in program history.
Howard started the contest slowly, struggling to rebound against a tough Patrick Henry team. The Sentinels out-rebounded the Dragons, but tough defensive pressure by Howard allowed the Dragons to cling to a 36-35 lead entering the half.
Brando Campos (Baltimore, MD/Hammond) proved to be the most effective shooter for the Dragons, recording ten points in the first half.
Howard's defense locked down the Sentinels in the second half, forcing eleven turnovers and recording six steals. A tough full court press kept Patrick Henry from setting up their plays, and foul trouble allowed the Dragons to slowly build up their lead. Dixon, who had scored just nine points in the first half, came alive. Eight field goals and a 10-11 record at the free throw line saw him break both the JV and varsity records for single-game scoring as the Dragons pulled away from the Sentinels. A late circus shot from Patrick Henry's Chris Ziemnick made it a one-possession game, but the Sentinels fouled on the ensuing possession, and Dixon aced his free throws to give Howard their first win of the season.
Dixon finished the evening with 35 points, the most ever scored by a men's player in the modern era of HCC athletics. He also added eleven rebounds and four steals for a double-double. Campos finished with 13 points and eight rebounds, while
Cameron Beane (Baltimore, MD/Loch Raven) had 12 points, four assists, and three steals.
Noah Mercer (Washingon, D.C./SEED DC Charter School) scored eleven points, three rebounds, and two steals, while
Chase Price (Prince George's County, MD/John F. Kennedy) added eight rebounds, three assists, and four steals.
The Dragons will rematch Patrick Henry College for their next game on Saturday, January 31 at 3:00 PM.
