Sometimes the formula for success in team sports is simple: Love playing with your teammates.
Colonel Zadok Magruder boys basketball head coach Dan Harwood believes that’s the main reason his team is off to an impressive 9-0 start.
“The kids really enjoy playing with each other, and they play unselfish basketball,” Harwood said. “When they all get along, it just makes the games and practices better.”
With an early season win over Walter Johnson (70-66) followed up with another tight 55-53 victory over county power James Hubert Blake, the Colonels put the area on notice that they are a contender.
With several returning starters from a 15-11 team a year ago, Harwood expected his team to have a solid season, but says this unbeaten start is a little surprising. “I knew we were going to be competitive and good but, I certainly wasn’t expecting this,” Harwood said.
Congratulations to the Magruder Boys Basketball team on winning the QO Holiday Basketball Tournament over Thomas Johnson! @QOSportsNet @QOBoosters @MagruderAD pic.twitter.com/tVH91Bco1r
— Quince Orchard Athletics (@QOAthletics) December 29, 2025
Now in his 35th season coaching at Magruder with more than 600 career wins, Harwood has seen many talented players under his watch. That includes this year’s junior guard Zeke Dabbondanza, who averages four steals and six assists per game for the Colonels.
“Zeke is just a disruptor,” Harwood said. “He is one of the best athletes I have ever coached. He has the stuff you just can’t teach.”
Magruder next visits Paint Branch Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.
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