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 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.
2023- 2024 - Maryland Public School Girls Basketball - PREVIEW 4A REGION: “Road to Xfinity Center”
Last year Glen Burnie walked away with the title defeating Churchill in a classic game. Both teams lost a lot to graduation. 4A truly is up for grabs. The ultimate question for this region is “When does a team grow into becoming a champion, when does the play match the expectations on a consistent basis?” I guess we will find out shortly. Last year I picked Old Mill, Glen Burnie, Western and Seneca Valley. Two of the four teams made the state semifinals. Western will be in the mix as usual. Churchill, Urbana, and Clarksburg graduated a handful of seniors as well. Bethesda Chevy Chase brings back lots of talent and we will wait to see what Wise, Flowers, and Parkdale have. To conclude this region, for the second year in a row I am picking Seneca Valley to not only make the Final Four, but to win it all this year. They return a talented roster but are they mentally prepared to take the next step. The one problem with this region is that some of the top teams below will knock one another out in the regions which will make for some lopsided elite eight games. Other than that, this region will be exciting to watch, but the Montgomery County teams will dominate the 4A this year, outside of Western from Baltimore City.
Preseason Final 4 Predication (Championship game in Bold): Western, Bethesda CC, Flowers, Seneca Valley
#1 Seneca Valley: Head Coach- Ali Hashemzadeh Montgomery County
(Last year regional semifinalist): After watching this team for the past two years, they are as talented as any team in the state. Mina Hashemzadeh is one of the best shooters in the state, and Jayden Addison’s ability to push the tempo and slash in the paint is unmatched. Nia Hall is as solid as they come, great basketball IQ and she can play on the perimeter or drive downhill for a bucket. Brielle Watson, Destiny Smith, and Danika Barnes will control the paint and they all can finish around the basket with ease. This team is loaded, hoping to get the dynamic Teagan Phillips back by January or the playoff run. My prediction is that if Seneca Valley can get through their region, they will match up with Western in the championship game. “When does a team grow into becoming a champion, when does the play match the expectations on a consistent basis?” I guess we will find out.
Players to Watch: Teagan Phillips, Brielle Watson, Destiny Smith, Nia Hall, Mina Hashemzadeh, Jayden Addison, Danika Barnes
#2 Western: Head Coach: Latasha Townsend Baltimore City
(Last year state semifinalist): Western has been on a run, another final four run last year after most thought last year was going to be a down year after winning the championship in “22” with two division 1 players. Western just like many top teams will bring a stingy defense and physical play. Their toughness and ability to get to the foul line is what will always keep them in the game or winning the close ones. This team will have a few key contributing JV players from last year matriculating to Varsity. In addition, Western should be right in the mix with Poly and Forest Park for the City championship. My prediction is that Western will face Seneca Valley in the championship game this year.
Players to Watch: Breasia Coit, Maya Gray, Kayla Maxwell, Demi Waters
#3 Bethesda Chevy Chase- Head Coach- Ryan Ingalls Montgomery County
(Last year regional semifinalist) After finishing last year with an 18-5 record, the barons are bringing back a lot of talent. They had wins over Seneca Valley and Clarksburg last year, however lost to Wooton in the playoffs. If they can get out of the brutal 4A west region one they will be tough out for anyone. They are an extremely deep team with experience. Good luck to the barons this year.
Players to watch: Riley Peterson, Leila Burnett, Jane Kolalowski, Sasha Barr, Elisha Robinson, Jaylin Harried, Alex Wedemeyer
#4 Urbana- Head Coach: Joseph Blaser Frederick County
(Last year state quarterfinalist): Finished the regular season at 16-4. Urbana brings back Ava Duerr, Paige White, Tobi Adebambo, and Cameron Johnson. They lost a lot in graduation; however, they have some up and coming players who will be major contributors. They will challenge Clarksburg and Seneca Valley in that tough West region one.
Players to watch: Cameron Johnson, Ava Duerr, Tobi Adebambo, Paige White.
Other Teams to consider: Clarksburg, CH Flowers, Winston Churchill, Parkdale, Wise, Frederick
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