#3 Potomac beat #1 Miller 61-49 to claim the 2008 VIS VA State Division II Championship, Saturday night at Richard Bland College in Petersburg, Virginia. The Panthers also beat Miller in 2003 when they won their first state title.

Potomac's "Road to the Championship" wasn't an easy one. Even though they received a first round bye, they had to face St Anne's in the quarter-finals. Potomac lost to St Anne's during the regular season by 12 points in overtime, but were able to weather a second half run this time around to advance with a 55-50 victory. Next up was #2 Atlantic Shores in the semi-finals. The Seahawks scored over 100 points several times during the season, including a 101-88 win over Roanoke Catholic in their quarter-final game. Potomac came out flat and fell behind 26 points at 50-24 early in the third quarter. From that point on, Potomac's shots started to fall as Atlantic Shores went cold. Potomac's comeback was remarkable, as they finished out the game on a 41-9 run, to advance to the Championship Game against #1 Miller. No one in the gym could believe what was happening, for Atlantic Shores it was a nightmare.

The question about Potomac's ability to refuel after such an emotional and hard fought win was answered early in the title game. The Panthers jumped out to an early 8-2 lead with two baskets from Brian Freeman and a jumper and two free throws from Greg Long. The Miller School went inside to their big man Marshawn Powell, getting a basket and four free throws. They added a pair of 3-pointers from point guard Tevin Swann and swingman Patrick Liengueu to knot the score at 13-13. PJ Miller had a steal and slam, then added a 3-pointer to close out the scoring for the Panthers.

Potomac was again able to jump out to a small lead on a 3-pointer from Tim Prowitt and the help of 7 for 7 from the line during the quarter. Freeman had a fast break basket, and Miller continued his hot shooting with 7 points, including another 3-pointer. The Panthers were able to shut out the Miller School's leading scorer, Shamarr Bowden, during the first half, thanks to Greg Long's face up defense, but Potomac had trouble stopping Powell on the inside. He scored 10 points during the period, helping Miller stay close at 32-28. While there were plenty of fouls called during the first half, Potomac was able to spread theirs out. The Miller School, however, paid a bigger price with four of their starters whistled with 2 fouls each.

Miller's foul situation grew worse in the third period, but Potomac had trouble taking full advantage. The Panthers only scored 10 points in the period. Prowitt went 3 for 3 from the field, including a 3-pointer, but otherwise could only manage a basket by Freeman and a free throw by Miller. Bowden connected on his only shot of the game with a timely 3-pointer, followed by another trey by Swann. Even with the rotation problems caused by fouls, Miller was able to pull with one at 42-41 by the end of the period.

The game stayed close throughout the final period. Even though Miller's inside game kept them close, they could not find a rythm from the perimeter to make a run. Potomac held a 47-43 lead with 4:30 remaining in the game. Over the next two minutes both team traded baskets. The game didn't open up until less than a minute remaining and Potomac leading 55-49. The Miller School's shots became more hurried, and Potomac was able to get a couple fast break baskets off their misses to go on a 6-0 run to end the game, and claim the title.

Leading the way for Potomac was PJ Miller with 20 points followed by Tim Prowitt with 19 points, and Brian Freeman with 12 points. Miller was selected as the MVP of the Division II Tournament. Kyle Condon and Prowitt were selected to the All-Tournament Team.

NOTE: Potomac's basketball titles are truely a family affair. Taking part in the 2008 State Championship were Seniors Kyle Condon and Tim Prowitt, along with freshman twins Conor and Ian McNerney. Their older Brothers, Ross Condon, Peter Prowitt, and Chris and Marty McNerney were members of the team that won the 2003 State Title.