Disclaimer: This will be my second year covering high school girls’ basketball. I am not affiliated with an organization, and I am not paid to do this, I just want to give a platform for our student athletes here in the state of MD. I do partner with 695 Hoops and the Central Maryland Basketball Coaches Association on certain events and publications. As an educator in this state, I have always valued how Girls’ basketball, because you see the team concept embodied. In the age of positionless basketball, AAU, amateur summer free agency, the one constant that remains is that defense wins championships and good coaches always find a way to get the most out of their student athletes.
23-24; Maryland Public Girls Basketball - Preseason 1A REGION Preview: “Road to Xfinity Center”
Great Coaching, Teamwork, Experience, and Mental Toughness are the attributes that make up the 1A region. In last year’s season preview I was able to predict 2 of the final 4 teams that would eventually represent the region, which were Pikesville (State Champion) and Forest Park (State Semifinalist). This season FSK has moved up to 2A (enrollment) and Mountain ridge (State Runner up) is back led by 3 seniors. Last year’s surprise was Loch Raven who finished the regular season at 19-1. Outside of Catoctin, Allegany, Patterson Mill, and Fort Hill. The top four teams will be listed below. The only caveat to this is MPSSA has some of the top teams in the same regions which means some of the top teams will knock each other out in the regional rounds. These are merely predictions, as we know anything could happen. “That’s why we play the game”- Herm Edwards
Preseason Final 4 Prediction (Champ in Bold): Forest Park, Mountain Ridge, Pikesville, Patterson Mill
#1- Defending 1A- State Champions Pikesville High School- Head Coach- Michael Dukes Balt. County
Fresh off 3 Straight State Championships, this senior led team is poised to close out their tenure at PHS with another ring. Led by Super Sophomore Mariah Jones Bey, All Metro Selection Aliyah Taylor, and Baltimore Sun coach of the year Michael Dukes, it’s going to be hard to beat this team this year. As usual the out of county schedule is brutal, however it’s genius as it breeds championship pedigree for a long playoff run every year. To prepare for the future, Coach Dukes has added 3 dynamic freshman who can get after it on both offense and defense. This ball club should be a heavy favorite to win the Baltimore County and the 1A crown once again.
Players to Watch: Ty ’Keisha Hill, Mariah Jones-Bey, Aliyah Taylor, Darielle Weems, Bree Taylor
#2 Forest Park- Head Coach- Jermaine Dunn Baltimore City
Last year (State Semifinalist). If there is a team in the 1A that could knock off the defending champs and has the talent, it is the Foresters. Led by seniors Chaniya Taylor and Aliyah Carroll, this is one of the most talented teams in the state. Super Sophomores McKenzie Fitzgerald and NaJae Malik provide scoring from the backcourt positions and are dynamic at putting pressure on the ball. Forest Park has added a seasoned PG with the arrival of Nydia Mack. After beating Western last year, this team should challenge both Poly and Western for the Baltimore City Championship this year. As fans we’ve been waiting to see a PHS and Forest Park Championship matchup down at Xfinity Center for years. This very well could be that year.
Players to watch: Chaniya Taylor, Aliyah Carroll, McKenzie Fitzgerald, NaJae Malik-EL, Nydia Mack
#3 Loch Raven- Dale Fairfield Baltimore County
Last Year (Regional Finalist)- Loch Raven finished with a 19-1 regular season record and came on the scene with their tenacious pressure defense. Led by Seniors Maya Gordon, Meona Boykin and Destiny Harris, they should be one of the top teams in the county and in the state. Last year they beat Hereford, Mt. Carmel, and a good Dulaney team. This year their out of conference schedule is tougher and they will not sneak up on any teams. They should challenge Forest Park and PHS for the 1A this year.
Players to watch: Destaney Harris, Maya Gordon, Meona Boykin
#4 Mountain Ridge – Head Coach- Todd Snyder Allegany County
Last Year (State Champ. Runner up): Mountain Ridge had a great run last year knocking out Southern, Fort Hill, and Forest Park on their way to the state championship game. They brought back 3 strong seniors Sydney Snyder, Reghan Sivic, and Bayleigh Lamberson. They should be shoe in to make a deep playoff run.
Players to watch: Bayleigh Lamberson, Sydney Snyder, Reghan Sivic
#5 Patterson Mill – Head Coach Richard Wilhelm Harford County
Last Year (State semifinalist): Led by Seniors Kiley Wilhelm, Zoe Valan, and sophomore Rylie Madsen Patterson Mill should be in the mix this year. The Harford County championship should be in reach this year.
Players to watch: Zoe Valan, Rylie Madsen, Kiley Wilhelm
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