Disclaimer: This will be my third year covering high school girls’ basketball. I am not affiliated with any organization, and I am not compensated. This is truly a passion and my mission to give a platform for our female student athletes here in the state of MD. I 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 supported student athletes, and I look forward to the progressive growth of girls’ basketball. As Always, I will be covering the must-see games to watch every week and providing a weekly State Top 15 rankings. The best ways to contact me is through the following platforms: Instagram (SamBuckMDPrepHoops), Twitter:(SamBuckMDPreps) Blog for weekly rankings and updates (https://sambuckley161.wixsite.com/sambuckmdprephoops/blog). For the game to grow we must attend games in person and support our student athletes. Let’s have a great season.
24-25; Maryland Public Girls Basketball - Preseason 1A REGION Preview: “Chasing History”
Many teams across the state are in a rebuild, however, some programs have seen a constant revolving door of good talent. Coach Michael Dukes of Pikesville will be chasing his 5th consecutive State Title which will tie him for the most consecutive (5) Girl’s state championships of all time. This region is filled with teams that are eager to un-seed the champs. The most formidable opponent is a tough Forest Park team who came up 1pt short in the state semifinals last year. They are primed for another good run this year under Coach Dunn’s leadership. Southern- Garrett (State runner up), Catoctin and Mountain Ridge will all be contenders out in western Maryland. My State Semifinals predictions will be listed below. This is merely a prediction. The only caveat is that the 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: Forest Park, Pikesville, Southern (Garrett), Catoctin
Champ Game: Forest Park vs Pikesville: State Champ Prediction: Pikesville
#1- Defending 1A- State Champions Pikesville High School- Head Coach- Michael Dukes Balt. County
The Pikesville panthers are “Chasing History” this year. They are led by Super Junior Mariah Jones Bey, who has led the Panthers to the last 2 state titles. The front line took a hit losing 3 seniors, however returning sophomores Maya Chase, Ka’nai Pyatt, Courtney Jenifer, and Ny’jae Malik-El the stellar transfer guard from Forest Park. As usual the out of conference schedule is tough, however it’s always done to prepare for the State Tournament. This team has one of the best 3 guard lineups in the state, however the young talented front line will have to play a pivotal role for the Panthers Road back to another championship run.
Players to Watch: Mariah Jones-Bey, Maya Chase, Ka’nai Pyatt, Courtney Jenifer, Ny’jae Malik-El
#2 Forest Park- Head Coach- Jermaine Dunn Baltimore City
The Foresters of Eldorado Ave are back for another deep playoff run. Their physical and up-tempo style of play gets opponents out of their comfort zone early. After losing key players to graduation, they return some seasoned players. Led by Junior Mckenzie Fitzgerald, Jolie Hamilton, India Watkins, and Khloe Stewart Forest Park should compete for the 1A title and be in the mix as always for the Baltimore City Championship.
Players to watch: McKenzie Fitzgerald, India Watkins, Jolie Hamilton, Khloe Stewart, Nydia Mack,
#3 Southern – Head Coach; Landon Todd Garrett County
Last Year (State Finalist)- Southern of Garrett County is a well-coached program with a lot of key talent returning. Led by Carley Wilt, Jayden Weaver, Kelsey Ward, Abi Teets, and Emelee Parks this team is poised to make another deep playoff run. Last year they finished 23-4. Their ability to shoot the three ball gives them a great opportunity to get back to the Xfinity Center in Spring of 2025.
Players to watch: Jayden Weaver, Kelsey Ward, Carley Wilt, Emelee Parks, Abi Teets
#4 Catoctin – Head Coach- Amy Entwistle Frederick County
Catoctin is back this year led by Senior Taylor Smith, Brooke Williams, Kelsey Troxell. Only 2 years removed from the state championship game this team is poised to be a contender in the Western Maryland region with Mountain Ridge, Fort Hill and Southern.
Players to watch: Kelsey Troxell, Taylor Smith, Brooke Williams
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