695Hoops Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's finally time. The 2024-25 high school season is underway and it's time to take a look at the top teams in the 695-beltway area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Frances Academy- The Lady Panthers look like the most complete team in the area to me. They lost to McDonogh last year in the IAAM championship game and they look set to make a run back to Stevenson University for another crack at it. They have size with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569084' first='Dahni' last='Suggs']</strong> holding down the paint and stellar guard play with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='332124' first='Amora' last='Alston']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='303118' first='Sydney' last='Sutton']</strong> and <strong>Mone't Edwards.</strong> I like the addition of senior transfer [player_tooltip player_id='455588' first='Heidi' last='Williams'] to put them over the top. She is the ultimate glue player that will bring toughness and versatility to the mix. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. McDonogh- The defending IAAM A conference champions lost a lot but will be a tough out if their returning players take a step forward. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='786431' first='Mya' last='Clark'] is ready. She played with a ton of confidence in the fall and summer and is ready to put her name in the mix for player of the year consideration. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='785457' first='Jada' last='Russell'] will have to provide steady play at the point guard position and sophomore transfer [player_tooltip player_id='941078' first='Kiri' last='Faimanifo'] will have to hold down the fort in the middle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. St. Mary's- This is a team to watch because they defend at a high level and have one of the best players in the area in junior [player_tooltip player_id='433799' first='Bailey' last='Harris']. She commands a ton of attention and has some solid players around here. [player_tooltip player_id='433841' first='Alexandra' last='Vandiver'] is one of the most dangerous shooters in the DMV, and the team should get steady guard play from junior [player_tooltip player_id='433959' first='Kendall' last='Williams']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. St. Vincent Pallotti- There's a lot to like about this squad. I'll start with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='433800' first='Arianna' last='Harris-Mott']</strong>, last year's defensive player of the year. She's a game changer on defense but has added some things to her offensive arsenal. Point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304882' first='Autumn' last='Edison']</strong> is back from her knee injury and should provide stability at the position as well as a perimeter spark on defense. Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='946898' first='Jordan' last='Carey']</strong> could be a surprise contributor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. Rosedale Christian Academy- Coach Long has quietly put together a strong team that plays one of the toughest schedules in the area. The backbone of the team is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='798406' first='London' last='Harvey'],</strong> a senior forward-center who is headed to Longwood University. She's tough and smart and provides vocal leadership. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='433839' first='Kiamyani' last='Scott'] will provide the buckets for this team. She's one of the top scorers in the state and frequently draws double teams. The team picked up a late transfer in point guard Deja Harry which will pay dividends, as she will take the ball handling pressure of Scott and help keep the team organized. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. Baltimore Poly- The defending 3A state champions are not as deep as last year, but I still like their chances. They have one of the most spectacular players in the area in [player_tooltip player_id='1056947' first='London' last='Elliott'], last year's freshman of the year. She's dangerous and a threat to erupt at any time. I like what senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='539737' first='Brianna' last='Pope'] brings to the table in terms of leadership, defensive presence and the ability to provide scoring. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. Pikesville- The defending 1A state champions are back with a dangerous starting backcourt of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569087' first='Mariah' last='Jones-Bey']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='539785' first='Nyjae' last='Malik-El']</strong>. These two can get buckets with the best of them and they both defend at a high level. The Panthers have some young guard depth and some intriguing young frontcourt players. Look for the Panthers to round into shape and make another run in 1A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. Roland Park- This team has size in senior <strong>Erin Mille</strong>r who controls the boards and provides some scoring as well. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='433964' first='Brooklyn' last='Stewart']</strong> will be one of the top scorers in the area this year and is joined in the backcourt by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='901317' first='Kadence' last='Adero']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='791217' first='Naomi' last='Koldobskiy']</strong>. This is one of the most dangerous shooting trios in the area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. <strong>Our Lady of Mt. Carmel</strong>- This team will be competitive every game. They are well coached and have a nice core of players who play well together. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692222' first='Kiersten' last='Rurka']</strong> is a dangerous shooter and a good passer. She'll be joined in the backcourt by pre-season freshman of the year candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='864319' first='Jaylah' last='King']</strong>, who can hold her own with anyone. [player_tooltip player_id='538907' first='Amya' last='Goodsell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='888806' first='Caryne' last='Nelson'] will provide defense and versatility. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. Oakland Mills- I have the Scorpions as the favorites in Howard County. They have an abundance of shooters in [player_tooltip player_id='565885' first='Destiny' last='Macharia'], [player_tooltip player_id='620771' first='Chloe' last='Grenway'] and [player_tooltip player_id='616557' first='Heaven' last='Alexander']. When they get hot at the same time, they are tough to beat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11. Howard- The Lions will be in the mix in Howard County. This is a disciplined and well coached group that can defend. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='433843' first='Alana' last='Harrison'] to lead the way with [player_tooltip player_id='395829' first='Riley' last='Watson'] and Kelsea Campbell playing key roles. A freshman to watch is [player_tooltip player_id='986103' first='Kelsey' last='Wimmer']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12. Archbishop Spalding- The Cavaliers have some talent and should move up in this list quickly if they can get some chemistry on the court. Freshman Vanessa Flood looks very impressive and senior post [player_tooltip player_id='370206' first='Whitley' last='Watkins'] is a force to be reckoned with. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>13. Western- The Doves will be in contention for the Baltimore City championship and by the time the playoffs arrive, Coach Townsend will have them competing at a high level. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801797' first='Jaden' last='Hunt']</strong> and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='691980' first='Madison' last='Byrd']</strong> will do most of the scoring and will keep the team in every game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14. John Carroll- Look for Coach Jim Stromberg to keep this group competitive every game and play above their heads. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='755090' first='Vivian' last='Carrico'] and [player_tooltip player_id='239464' first='Alyssa' last='Hughes'] will be the feature players as the Patriots try to return to the IAAM B conference championship game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>15. South River- Look for South River to pick up another Anne Arundel County championship. [player_tooltip player_id='395828' first='Skylar' last='Woodyard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='416814' first='Raegan' last='Ogle'] will lead the way and should get some key contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='395831' first='Karlee' last='Hawkins']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->