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 2A REGION Preview: “Finish the Deal”
Hammond was clearly the top team last year as they finished with an undefeated season. This year two of last year’s final four teams are looking to “Finish the Deal.” State Finalist Francis Scott Key returns perhaps one of the most dynamic guards in the state with Senior Summer Brooks. New Town high school’s aggressive style of play will have them in the mix. Fallston just a few years removed from a state title should be back for a final four run. Gwynn Park the PG County Champs from last year are back, returning an All County Player. They have the length, athleticism to win it all this year. These are merely predictions, as we know anything could happen. “That’s why we play the game”- Herm Edwards
Final 4 Teams: New Town, Fallston, Gwynn Park, Francis Scott Key
Champ Game: Francis Scott Key vs New Town: State Champ Prediction: Francis Scott Key
#1- Francis Scott Key – Head Coach: Mitchell Walther Carroll County
The 23-24 State Finalist, FSK moved to the 2A last year and made it all the way to the championship game. My prediction is that Senior’s Summer Brooks and Abby Rieger will lead the Union Bridge School back to another championship game, can they close the deal. Second year coach Mitchell Walther understands that they are now the hunted in the 2A. Their unique style of play usually takes teams some time to adjust by that time it is too late. Crisp passes, running the floor, and not beating themselves makes FSK the top team in the 2A region. They should be the favorite to win Carroll County this year as well.
Players to Watch: Summer Brooks, Abby Rieger, Ava Hoeflich, McKenna Lanza
#2 New Town – Head Coach: Steve Quillens Baltimore County
New Town High comes into their second year under coach Steve. Led by Senior Tarshay Bell, Milan Clark, and Makiyah Pollard, they should compete for the Baltimore County Championship and punch their ticket to the Xfinity Center in the Spring. The ability to speed teams up and play physical defense will give many of their opponents problems this year. They are just as talented as anyone in their region. “They just have to put it all together, execute, and play to their potential.” New Town is a regional site for the MPSSA playoffs this season so if they take care of business, perhaps they will host a state semifinals game.
Players to watch: Senior Tarshay Bell, Milan Clark, and Makiyah Pollard
#3 Gwynn Park- Head Coach- Tonya Manago: PG County
The 23-24 PG County Champions are poised for another run. New Coach Tonya Manago brings back Maya Pitts who was 2nd team all-county, Robyn Carpenter, Reagan Mason, and Anaiya Morrison. Last year they lost in a tough game to eventual state champions Hammond. This is their year to finish the deal. Athleticism and great defense are the staple of this team. They should compete with Flowers for the PG County championship.
Players to Watch: Maya Pitts, Reagan Mason, Robyn Carpenter, Anaiya Morrison
#4 Fallston – Head Coach- Johnny Woods Harford County
Coach Woods has built quite a stellar program out in Harford County. We love the Championship Wrestling Belt that his players don after wins. What a fun coach to play for. This year they are back to business trying to capture another state title like they did in 2022. This team will be led by Seniors Lilly Burns, Natalie Wirth, Grace Donovan, and Junior Bolesta Brooke. They are my favorite to win another Harford County Title, this time they look to add another State Title As well.
Players to watch: Lilly Burns, Natalie Wirth, Grace Donovan, Bolesta Brooke.
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