![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/dd2690_f6a90554fe0e4b7fbb39830104202e08~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_923,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/dd2690_f6a90554fe0e4b7fbb39830104202e08~mv2.jpg)
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 3A REGION Preview: “The Deepest Region”
Two out of the last 3 years the Lady Engineers have hoisted the 3A State Championship. Known for their stifling defense and ability to always show up in big games is staple for the West Cold Spring School in Baltimore. They have perhaps the best guard and low post combo with London Elliott and Senior Brianna Pope. The 3A region is filled with three great Howard County programs. This will be a 3-team race between Oakland Mills, Howard, and River Hill. Atholton has some key pieces as well that should keep them amongst the top 4 in Howard County. South River the Anne Arundel County Champs return some key seniors to a talented roster. This region is deep, I can see where 6-7 teams can make a final four run. We cannot forget about upstart Milford Mill. As always these are merely predictions, as we know anything could happen. “That’s why we play the game”- Herm Edwards
Final Four Teams: Oakland Mills, Howard, Poly, South River, (River Hill-Same Region as Oakland Mills)
Champ Game: Howard vs Poly: State Champ Prediction: Poly
#1- Poly – Defending 3A State Champions- Head Coach: Kendall Peace Baltimore City
The State Champion Lady Engineers are back to claim their 3rd State title in 4 years. Led by Brianna Pope, Alexia Smothers and Sophomore London Elliott their defense is what makes this team so dominant over the years. The defensive clinic that leads to open layups overwhelms their opponents. Coach Peace does a masterful job getting the most out of her players. Her system has given the Engineers their championship pedigree and for this reason they will be seeking another City Championship as well.
Players to Watch: London Elliott, Alexis Smothers, Brianna Pope
#2 Howard – Head Coach: Scott Robinson Howard County
The State Champions of the 22-23 school year return with Seniors Abbey Ward and Point guard Riley Watson. Alana Harrison, Kelsea Campbell and Kadirah Carroll round out this seasoned group of Lady lions. It is often said that styles win fights. Howard is one of those teams that do not beat themselves. Their defense and the ability to make free throws should keep them in all games and win the big ones. In a one game playoff game Riley Watson is just as poised as any point guard in the state. We are hoping to get the Poly-Howard matchup again in the finals however with Oakland Mills and River Hill, the task of winning Howard County will be a task itself.
Players to watch: Abbey Ward, Kadirah Carroll, Kelsea Campbell, Alana Harrison, Riley Watson
#3 Oakland Mills - Head Coach- Mike Coughlan: Howard County
Coach Coughlan has a championship roster this year. They looked great in the fall league and are poised to be amongst the best teams in the state this year. Led by Seniors Heaven Alexander, Destiny Macharia, and Junior Chloe Greenway the Scorpions the favorites to win Howard County. The 12/5 game vs Howard should set the tone for Howard County supremacy early.
Players to Watch: Heaven Alexander, Destiny Macharia, Chloe Greenway.
#4 South River – Head Coach- Mike Zivic Anne Arundel County
With Superstar seniors, how could you not be excited about this year. Skylar Woodyard and Karlee Hawkins return for one more shot at a state title. The Anne Arundel County champions should win the county easily and sophomore Cami Burke should be a key contributor as well. With South River playing teams from various counties throughout the state, it should help give them some experience matching up with more physical teams that they will see in the state playoffs.
Players to watch: Cami Burke, Karlee Hawkins, Skylar Woodyard
#5 River Hill – Head Coach- Teresa Waters Howard County
Coach Waters returns Junior Camille Nesmith and All County-All Met Dylan Watson to a State Semifinals team. They should be among the three teams in Howard County competing for a County and State Championship This year. Just like most of the other teams in the region, defense will be the name of the game for the Clarksville, Maryland School.
Players to watch: Camille Nesmith, Dylan Watson
Commentaires