Christian Kennard’s impact on Blake’s 66-64 State Semi-Final win against Meade High School

 On March 10th, 2026, Blake Boys’ Varisty Basketball beat Meade High School 66-64 in overtime to reach the 4A Maryland State Championship game. The game was sent into overtime after senior guard Christian Kennard made two out of three free throws with less than 5 seconds remaining on the clock. In overtime, Maryland commit, Baba Oladotun, made the game-winning score to send the Blake Bengals to the State Championship game for the first time since 2005.

Christian helped lead Blake to victory with his efforts during the game against Meade, and when the moment that decided the fate of his team came down to him, he came up clutch to send the game into overtime. 

In the 4th quarter, with less than a minute remaining, Blake ran a play against a two-three defense set up for a three-point shot they had been running in practice. “My Coach [Mr. Brandon Howell] drew up the play that we’ve been working on in practice for the two-three,” Christian explained. “We seen they came out in a two-three, I like alright bet, as soon as I get this joint, I’m shootin it. I was ready.” Tahj Martian passed to Christian in the left corner, and he hit the corner three to tie the game 55-55 with less than 45 seconds remaining. “I locked my eyes on the hoop and held my follow-through, and the jawn was green.” 

After Christian’s corner three, #30 on Meade made a layup to make the score 57-55. Hope looked lost for the Bengals as Meade passed the ball around, waiting for the clock to strike triple zero, until #4 on Meade missed a pass and accidentally sent the ball into the first row of fans with less than 25 seconds on the clock. “Thank God. I didn’t know what to say, at least we get another opportunity”, and Christian made the most out of that opportunity he received. 

With less than 5 seconds remaining, Christian received another pass from Tahj Martin as he got fouled on his three-point shot. Christian got the opportunity to keep his team’s hopes alive of reaching the championship game. All eyes were on him, and the pressure was immense. “I was nervous, I ain’t going to lie. I walked, took a deep lil breath. The first free throw was good. Then they called a timeout, so they iced me. I came back out of the huddle, and I was ready to shoot. I missed the second one. I almost airballed the second one.”

At this moment, the score was 57-56, and Christian had made one out of two free throws with one free throw remaining. Christian’s third free throw decided whether the game continued into overtime or if Meade was going to the Championship game. “My heart was pumping. It was loud in that gym. I just knew that we worked on these every day at practice.” So with the pressure all on his shoulders and the whole gym watching, Christian made his third free throw to send the game into overtime, where Blake eventually won, punching their ticket to the 4A Maryland State Championship game. 

  Christian Kennard played a pivotal role in the State Semi-Finals against Meade. He led Blake, finishing off with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.

 Blake will go up against Whitman in the 4A Maryland State Championship game tonight (March 14th) at UMBC as Christian and his teammates plan to “make history” by bringing home the first-ever Basketball State Championship for Blake High School.