"We talked in the pregame about coming out with energy, to approach this game, and any other game no matter who we are playing," Gerber said. "I was very pleased with the effort."
All 13 Smithsburg players scored and Gerber was able to rest many of his regulars, including Marquiss, who had seven points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots in 12 minutes.
"The bench played more than I can ever remember using them in a game, but I think we've got some depth," Gerber said. "(Robbie) Hall and (Jeremy) Ruppert played very well."
Hall, a 6-foot junior guard, came off the bench in the second quarter and hit two 3-pointers - part of a 10-point period - on the way to a team-high 14 points. His treys came at the outset of the second quarter and opened up a 13-point Smithsburg lead.
"The starters had a tough game against Walkersville, so I knew that the bench would get playing time," said Hall, who was rested after one minute of action Thursday.
"I just want to get in there and help make things happen when I can. I hope this helps in getting some playing time," Hall added.
Smithsburg was up 29-12 with 3:06 to play in the second quarter when it went to the free throw line on a personal foul and double technical on Clear Spring's R.J. Foltz. The Leopards made 7 of 8 free throws and led 36-12, essentially putting the game out of reach.
The Leopards put the exclamation point on their effort with the beginning of the second half, working a 40-18 lead to 54-18 before Clear Spring scored on a pair of free throws by Ken Shanholtz.
Jeremy Rupert came off the bench and added 13 points while Heinrich finished with 12 for the Leopards, who shot 26 of 52 from the floor, including 22 of 37 from 2-point range.
Clear Spring suffered through another dismal shooting effort, going 9-for-42. The Blazers were 18 of 28 from the line. Shanholtz led the effort with 13 points and nine rebounds.
"We just didn't get out on their shooters at all," Clear Spring coach Don Harnish said. "We haven't shot well at all and its been a struggle. We just need to have someone to step up and hit some shots."
