BALTIMORE, MD — South River State Championship history was made as South River secured its first-ever title with a dominant 67-50 win over Colonel Zadok Magruder in the MPSSAA 3A Boys Championship at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena.
From the opening tip, South River controlled the tempo, executed on both ends, and never allowed Magruder to find a consistent rhythm.
BALTIMORE, MD – March 17, 2026: South River players celebrate with the championship trophy after defeating Colonel Zadok Magruder 67-50 to win the MPSSAA 3A Boys Basketball State Championship at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by OK3Sports)
Balanced Scoring Powers South River
South River leaned on a complete offensive performance led by:
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Jonah Hall — 24 points
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Jaden McDuffie — 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists
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Jamie Finn — 16 points
Hall set the tone early with efficient scoring, while McDuffie impacted every phase of the game. Finn added timely buckets to keep momentum firmly on South River’s side.
BALTIMORE, MD – March 17, 2026: South River’s Jonah Hall (24) pushes the ball in transition against Colonel Zadok Magruder during the MPSSAA 3A Boys Basketball State Championship at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. Hall led all scorers with 24 points as South River defeated Magruder 67-50 to win the state title. (Photo by OK3Sports/Olen Kelley III)
Defense Changed the Game
South River’s defense created separation in the middle quarters.
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Held Magruder to 18 total points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters combined
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Forced 15 turnovers
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Turned those into 29 points off turnovers
The defensive discipline came directly from preparation and execution.
Coach DARREN Hall credited the work behind the scenes:
“We’ve got guys that take film serious. Our staff put together a great scouting report, and these guys executed it.”
BALTIMORE, MD – March 17, 2026: South River head coach Darren Hall addresses his team during a second-half huddle against Colonel Zadok Magruder in the MPSSAA 3A Boys Basketball State Championship at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. South River defeated Magruder 67-50 to capture the program’s first state title. (Photo by OK3Sports/Olen Kelley III)
Prepared the Hard Way
South River built this run through adversity.
The schedule featured strong competition all season, including matchups against high-level private programs. That approach paid off when the pressure increased in the postseason.
Coach Hall emphasized the mindset:
“Every time we had a chance to take the easy road, these guys chose the tough one. That prepared them for this moment.”
That experience showed in their composure. Even when Magruder made pushes, South River stayed locked in.
Emotion of the Moment
For Coach Hall, the win meant more than the scoreboard.
“These guys have given me everything. For them to sit here as state champs… it’s humbling. I’m so happy for our guys, our school, and our community.”
The impact extended beyond the roster. Families, administration, and the South River community all played a role in reaching this moment.
BALTIMORE, MD – March 17, 2026: A South River supporter celebrates in the stands during the MPSSAA 3A Boys Basketball State Championship game against Colonel Zadok Magruder at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. South River defeated Magruder 67-50 to win the program’s first state title. (Photo by OK3Sports/Olen Kelley III)
Magruder’s Effort
Magruder battled throughout and was led by:
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Jonah Wertlieb — 13 points, 5 rebounds
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Steve Magnon — 11 points, 10 rebounds (double-double)
Despite their effort and strong season, they struggled to match South River’s defensive pressure and offensive efficiency.
Identity: Toughness and Togetherness
South River’s identity showed up in every possession:
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Toughness
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Togetherness
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Accountability
Coach Hall spoke on the group’s mindset:
“It hasn’t always been easy, but this group is mentally tough. They never blinked.”
BALTIMORE, MD – March 17, 2026: South River’s Jaden McDuffie (22) secures possession while attacking the basket against Colonel Zadok Magruder during the MPSSAA 3A Boys Basketball State Championship at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. McDuffie finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds as South River defeated Magruder 67-50 to win the state title. (Photo by OK3Sports/Olen Kelley III)
Final Word
South River didn’t arrive here by chance. They earned it through preparation, resilience, and a commitment to doing things the hard way.
Now, they leave Baltimore as champions—setting the standard for the program moving forward.
Final Score:
South River 67, Magruder 50
