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 Girls’ basketball, they embody the overall team concept more. In the age of position less 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 - PREVIEW 2A REGION: “Road to Xfinity Center”
The 2A region has about 5-6 teams that could win it all. Let us start with the defending champions, Lackey had arguably the best perimeter and post tandem in the region, but they both left for private schools. Williamsport (State Semifinalist) lost five seniors last year but should compete in the west with 2A region newcomer FSK. Hereford returns All county player Lauren Kraft for her last run. Hammond and Newtown are about as talented and deep as any team in the region, but just like in any sport the chemistry must be there. The key for all the teams will be to stay healthy and get progressively better throughout the year. As with the 1A region the 2A has a few 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. Even with that being said I do travel around the state to actually watch each team, so the eye test says a lot.
Preseason Final 4 Predication (Championship game in Bold): Hammond, McDonough, New Town, FSK
#1 Hammond - Head Coach- Ayanna Jones Howard County
I assume a lot of people will wonder why I am picking Hammond #1. It is simple, I feel like they are the most talented and the eye test says they are the real deal. They have the perfect mix of athleticism and basketball IQ. Nia Green can get a bucket anytime she wants. Asia Mitchell and Delani Thomas are also polished seniors which makes this team my favorite to win the 2A region. Barring injuries I am predicting a title match with the Hereford/New Town winner.
Players to Watch: Asia Mitchell, Nia Green, Delani Thomas
#2 New Town High- Head Coach- Stephen Quillens Baltimore County
Last year (Regional Finalist). Senior led the team, with a new coach at the helm. Nialah Mingo enters her senior year as she has been the leader for the past few years. With any team, chemistry and doing the little things will be strengths of this team. New Town was in the Baltimore County championship game last year vs PHS. This year they have adopted a tough out of conference schedule that will get them prepared for the state tournament. If we were just going off roster make up, New Town and Hammond would be the top two teams, however we must roll the ball out and play the games. Championships are not won on paper. This team should be great to watch.
Players to watch: Ijee Dower, Nasia Hart, Tarshay Bell, Nialah Mingo, Ryan Johnson, Makiah Pollard, Adasyn Bagley
#3 Francis Scott Key- Head Coach: Mitch Walther Carroll County
Last Year (Regional Finalist)- FSK finished 16-4 last year and captured the Carroll County championship. Losing to eventual state champion Pikesville the past 2 years, FSK now enters 2A (enrollment went up). Their style of play with leak outs and solid defense will always keep them in games and make them a contender in the 2A west. We look forward to FSK competing with ManValley and Westminster for the Carroll County Championship.
Players to watch: Summer Brooks, Abby Rieger, Drew Watkins
#4 Hereford – Head Coach- Dave Schreiner Baltimore County
Last Year (State Semifinalist): What more can we say, Senior Lauren Kraft will be in the running for the All-Metro team. Coach Schreiner’s teams are always well coached and can slow the game down and make games ugly. Hereford won the state championship 2 years ago and I am sure Kraft is destined to get back down to the Xfinity one last time. Hereford will play Loch Raven first game of the season; this should be a great early test.
Players to watch: Kayla Nieberlein, Lauren Orner, Lauren Kraft
Other Teams to Watch: McDonough, Middletown, Kent Island, Williamsport
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