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 4A REGION Preview: “Just Play & Have Fun.”
Last year Clarksburg hoisted the 4A state title over Bethesda. It was the battle of Montgomery County. They should be back in the mix; however, another Montgomery County program will be my preseason pick to win it all. Western added some star power with the Byrd sisters. North Point is one of the most physical and well coached teams in the state. Flowers returns super sophomore Ava Redmond. Seneca Valley returns 5 Seniors and a dynamic Junior Point guard in which any of them can take over the game on both ends of the court. All four teams I can truly see winning it all. They will all be in my “Top 10” State Overall rankings to start the year off. With so many lofty expectations, we just want these teams to “Just Play & Have Fun” they understand the task at hand. As always these are merely predictions, as we know anything could happen. “That’s why we play the game”- Herm Edwards
Final Four Teams: Western, North Point, Seneca Valley, Flowers
Champ Game: North Point vs Seneca Valley: State Champ Prediction: Seneca Valley
#1- Seneca Valley – Head Coach: Ali Hashemzadeh Montgomery County
For the second year in a row, I am doubling down on the Germantown School from Montgomery County. This group has been together for a while. I have been saying for years that this is one of my favorite programs to follow. Led by Seniors Sharpshooter Mina Hashemzadeh, combo guard Teagan Phillips, and the lighting quick Jayden Addison they will be a tough out in the playoffs. The thing that makes this team complete are the post players Brielle Watson and Danika Barnes. The 3-team race in the county should come down to Bethesda, Clarksburg, and Seneca Valley. With the experience of this team, I just feel as though this is truly their year. They have one task and that is to “Just Play and Have Fun” and all the accolades and superlatives will fall in place.
Players to Watch: Ava Sampson, Danika Barnes, Brielle Watson, Mina Hashemzadeh, Jayden Addison, Teagan Phillips.
#2 North Point – Head Coach: Michael Serpone Charles County
The North Point Eagles from Charles County return key players from the State Semifinals run. They are led by Senior’s Carson Burwell, Karrington Boyd, and Kailyn Rapp. Mya Gant, Layla Woodyard, and Kelechi Aliche are back as well contributing to this championship run. The defense of and physicality of North Point makes them one of the best teams in the state by far. The amount of pressure they can put on the ball coupled with the Carson Burwell’s ability to play Maestro on offense really makes this team dynamic. This program has appeared in 8 Final Fours, 2 State Title games, and a state championship.
Players to watch: Carson Burwell, Karrington Boyd, Layla Woodyard, Mya Gant, Kelechi Aliche, Kailyn Rapp
#3 C.H. Flowers - Head Coach- Roderick Hairston: PG County
Coach Hairston is back for another year to capture a District and State Championship. With a wealth of talent back and in my opinion the best defensive scheme in the State. The jaguars never allow teams to get in their offense comfortably. This team is led by Super Soph. Ava Redmond, and All County performers Alana Joy, Faith Okonkwo, and Kyla Graham. We cannot forget key players Briana Steve and London Miller. This team can truly win it all. Last year they fell short in the State Semifinals, however that experience could put them at Xfinity Center in the spring of 2025.
Players to Watch: Alana Joy, Ava Redmond, Briana Steve, Faith Okonkwo, Kyla Graham, London Miller
#4 Western – Head Coach- Tasha Townsend Baltimore City
Every Year Coach Tasha gets the most out of her players. This year will be no different. Home of the oldest all girls public school in the nation, the Doves are poised to compete for the City Championship and a State Championship. Only a few years removed from their last state championship in 2022, Western brings back and adds some key players. This year they will be led by Iyanna Bell, Jaden Hart, Paris Knight, Kayla Maxwell, Michaela Hammonds, Mackenzie Byrd, and the dynamic playmaker Madison Byrd.
Players to watch: Madison Byrd, Jaden Hart, Paris Knight, Mackenzie Byrd, Michaela Hammonds, Kayla Maxwell.
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