Beltway Bombers host playoff game

Local hoops team won Southern Division

When the Beltway Bombers take the court at 7 p.m. Saturday against the NoVa Hawks in their playoff opener, it will mark the first time in four weeks that the local semipro basketball team has played in a game.

The Beltway Bombers finished the regular season 12-2 and won the Southern Division of the American Professional Basketball League under team owner and coach Chaz Dudley. The Bombers were the highest scoring team in the league, averaging better than 125 points per contest, but they were fourth in defense, allowing over 103 points per game and Dudley was quick to point out that fact.

The Beltway Bombers, who call the College of Southern Maryland gymnasium in La Plata home, have not played since defeating NoVa, 116-96, in their regular season finale. Dudley admits the time off does present a concern, although he is hoping the team will regain its chemistry and cohesiveness early in Saturday’s game against NoVa.

The Hawks-Bombers winner advances to the APBL Final Four.

The Bombers have numerous, local NCAA Division I products on the roster, including Chris Howard (University of South Florida), Steven Miles (American University), Derrell Armstrong (University of North Carolina-Greensboro) and Danny Sumner (College of William & Mary). Donald Vaughn, an NCAA Division III product from Virginia Wesleyan, is in contention for APBL rookie of the year honors.