Cardozo High School pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association (DCIAA) championships in recent years, defeating Jackson-Reed 53-52, before a packed house at the Frank Williams Activity Center in upper Northwest D.C. on Feb. 20.It was a rematch of last year’s DCIAA boys’ championship with the reigning champs, Jackson-Reed Tigers and upstart Cardozo Clerks. On paper, it appeared to be yet another league championship title for the Tigers, after all, Jackson-Reed has dominated over the past decade, winning 71 straight against league foes, including a convincing 66-52 win over the Clerks in their only matchup this season.But Cardozo (23-4), with some key seniors from last year who felt that pain, had other ideas. Senior guard and team leader Cameron Young, who came to the Northwest school three years ago, when the program was in dire straits, told anyone who would listen that Cardozo was on a “revenge mission” after losing to the Tigers in last season’s championship game and to them recently in their only matchup.
Easier said than done. The Tigers, ranked ninth in the area, were not ready to relinquish their crown; it had to be earned.But that’s what’s so beautiful about sports and predicted outcomes. With a career-high from the Clerks’ Fynn Rillstone, Cardozo accomplished its goal to beat Jackson-Reed in the championship.The Clerks made sure that they kept it close. Jackson-Reed took an early lead, but the determined Cardozo trailed only 22-20 at the end of the first quarter. It was Young who made sure that he would make good on his prediction.Cardozo was able to take a slim 30-29 lead at the half, courtesy of Rillstone, a 6-foot-7 senior international student.
The two teams continued to battle through foul trouble as they closed out the third period, 43-41 Cardozo, heading into the final stanza.Clinging to a 53-50 lead with 30 seconds remaining following a Rillstone short jumper, the Clerks forced the Tigers into a bad shot but only turned the ball over on its ensuing possession, setting the stage for the game-winner. Jackson-Reed set up a play for Marley Park, but it resulted in a miss with three seconds remaining as Cardozo came away with the hard-fought victory.“We came into this game knowing what we were up against,” said Cardozo Head Coach Omar Fox, with tears in his eyes. “But we talked about what we need to do to come away with a win after the semifinals. I am so happy for this group of seniors. They came here with me and stayed strong through these tough times. Even after we lost to Jackson-Reed last year in the championship, they were determined to come back and bring the title to Cardozo. This win means a lot to this program and the community.”Riillstone led all scorers with 21 points and 11 rebounds in his best performance since enrolling in September.Young, the senior team leader, finished with nine points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Tigers were led by senior forward Josiah “JJ” Massaquoi with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Park, also a senior, added 10 points and six rebounds for the Tigers in defeat.Both teams will now await the pairings for the DCSAA playoffs, which get underway this week and the championships on Sunday, March 2 at George Washington University.Coolidge Girls Victorious Against EasternCoolidge was right on the brink of winning a title last year but fell to a three-time reigning DCIAA championship Dunbar. This year, much of that same group returned, determined to make amends. It would not be easy for the Colts, who entered the game undefeated in league play, to match up against an Eastern team that has had back-to-back winning seasons after years of not being a factor.The two had met earlier in the year and Coolidge came away with a hard-fought win. Thus, it was all on the line as to who would be the 2025 DCIAA champions.
Using a 12-4 third quarter, Coolidge was able to claim its first title, 54-46, in the DCIAA girls’ championship at the Frank Williams Activity Center.Coolidge celebrates after claiming its first title, 54-46, in the DCIAA girls’ championship at the Frank Williams Activity Center.Under head coach Lonnie Harrell, a former Georgetown University standout, the Eastern Ramblers fielded a young, talented squad, including the player of the Year. Coolidge consisted of a strong group of players that has played together for the past two years.Coolidge (27-3, 15-0 in the DCIAA) took a slim 16-14 advantage in the first quarter on the scoring of Khama Dixon, who scored eight of the team’s points.The Ramblers were able to get a slight advantage, 28-24 at the half courtesy of Carter with seven of her team’s 14 points.Then came the third quarter and the Colts began to show the experience gained, outscoring the Ramblers 12-4 to take a 36-32 lead.
The Colts defense played an important role, forcing the younger Ramblers into turnovers and 1 of 11 shooting from the field.Eastern (22-7, 14-1 in the DCIAA) was able to keep it close in the final period but Josslyn Derricott provided scoring down the stretch along with the floor generalship of Marshea Fisher, who scored only two points, but proved to be effective with eight assists, seven rebounds and five steals despite hobbling through most of the fourth quarter. For the Colts, it was Josslyn Derricott, with her sisters Jayln and Dixon Derricott combined, giving their team an edge.Much the same as Cardozo and its rise, Derrick Davis has been building the Colts program since he took over three years ago. Coolidge has not won a title since 1994 over 30 years ago.Coolidge celebrates after claiming its first title, 54-46, in the DCIAA girls’ championship at the Frank Williams Activity Center.“This is the best moment in my life,” said an emotional Davis. “There’s nothing else like it. There’s nothing like having a perfect season. It is even more special when you know what it took for us to get this.”Coolidge was led by Josslyn Derricott (13 points, 14 rebounds), Jaylyn Derricott and Kahmya Dixon with 12 each and Fisher. The Ramblers got a team-high 13 points from Labrea Carter, 11 points and 12 rebounds from Madisyn Butts and 11 points and eight rebounds from Lania Martin. “It’s a special feeling ’cause we built this since her freshman year,” Jaylyn Derricott said, referring to her younger sister, Josslyn, now a junior. “It’s a special night. Special win.”The two teams now prepare for the District of Columbia Sports Athletic Association playoffs. Finals will be held on Sunday, March 2 at George Washington University.
Source: Washington Informer
