Bold Predictions for the 2018 Season

Predicting the season can be debatable as no one really knows the outcome of a season before it starts.  It's a long season and so many variables can change outcomes from injuries, transfers, foul trouble and sometimes just good luck.  Last years results can give us a guide but with the landscape changing from year to year here are a few not so obvious predictions that I may happen this season. &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="color: #0000ff"><strong>2018-19 WCAC Champions</strong></span></span> <span style="color: #993300"><em>Bishop McNamara:</em></span> The defending champions St. John's may have something to say about this one especially returning the league player of the year Azzi Fudd and 6'4"  Malu Tshiteng-Mutumbo (North Carolina signee)  anchoring the middle.  This one, however, may not be as far fetched as it sounds.  McNamara made a nice run last season and are probably the deepest team in the league returning basically everyone, adding 6'3" sophomore Kayla Thomas and freshman Yonta Vaughn just adds to that depth.  Teams obviously will be looking the stop the N.C. State signee and all-met Jakia Brown-Turner but with Aliyah Matharu being one of the most deadliest scorers in the region this may be the money pick. &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="color: #0000ff"><strong>2018-19 SMAC Conference Champions</strong></span></span> <span style="color: #993300"><em>North Point:</em></span> Many are feeling that Chopticon, Westlake and St.Charles are the teams to beat this year especially with North Point losing <strong>Synia Johnson</strong> to transfer.  <strong>Latavia Jackson</strong> and <strong>Kennedy Davis</strong> return to the Eagles but, they should get huge contributions by two dynamic freshmen <strong>Analecia "Cookie" Hawkins</strong> and <strong>Natalie Johnson</strong>. &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="color: #0000ff"><strong>2018-19 IAAM Champions:</strong></span></span> <em><span style="color: #993300">Roland Park:</span></em> Conventional wisdom in Baltimore says that St. Frances Academy with back to back championships and <strong>Angel Reese</strong> who many consider the best player in Baltimore should repeat again.  The Reds, however, have loads of talent returning with <strong>Janiah Henson</strong>, R<strong>ain Green</strong> and <strong>Mir McLean</strong>.   The retirement of Coach Scott Buckley will definitely have an impact but, I can see this team rallying around the new coach. &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="color: #0000ff"><strong>Baltimore Public Schools Win All 4 Maryland State Championships:</strong></span></span> <span style="color: #993300"><em>Howard, Poly, Oakland Mills, Pikesville:</em></span> PG County has been the holding down the trophies in recent years but, I can see the tide changing.  We've learned repeatedly in Maryland public schools that one star player can make the difference.  4A Howard's <strong>Marisa Sanchez-Henry</strong>, 3A Poly's Dasia Townes, 2A Oakland Mills' <strong>Kobie Scott-Pearson</strong> and 2A Pikesville's <strong>Teliah Saunders</strong> should be the difference makers.