695Hoops Public vs Private Challenge Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The annual Public versus Private Challenge at McDonogh was once again impacted by a small weather event. This year only a couple of counties got scared and shut their teams down, so we were able to get 17 of the scheduled 24 games in. We'll take what we can get with this event. There were several outstanding performances recognized during the event, so let's get to it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aryanna Ebanks, Catonsville, 2025, Center </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148101,"width":"312px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/20250111_114030-rotated.jpg?w=461" alt="" class="wp-image-1148101" style="width:312px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aryanna set the tone early in this game and never let up. She provided physical play in the paint and controlled the boards. She was recognized for her double-double with an MVP award </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Heidi Schmidt, Dulaney, 2025, Guard </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148112,"width":"302px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/20250111_192111-rotated.jpg?w=461" alt="" class="wp-image-1148112" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heidi was clearly the MVP for her team as they held off a tough Gerstell Academy team. The athletic guard was instrumental in breaking the press, led the team in scoring and provided leadership throughout the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839317' first='Maddie' last='Poole'], Springdale Prep, 2027, Guard </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148128,"width":"306px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/20250111_204955-rotated.jpg?w=461" alt="" class="wp-image-1148128" style="width:306px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the second time in a month I had to hand over an award to Maddie. She keeps Springdale in every game with her scoring, playmaking and leadership. This was another good outing for the sophomore sensation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854457' first='Sydney' last='Thompson'], St. Mary's Ryken, 2025, Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148140,"width":"293px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/20250111_163017-rotated.jpg?w=461" alt="" class="wp-image-1148140" style="width:293px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sydney turned in a solid performance to lead Ryken to a win over Wise. The strong and physical guard put up a twenty-point game and helped Ryken hold off every Wise rally. She was strong on defense as well, guarding multiple positions and crashing the boards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='455389' first='Mariah' last='Hardy'], St. Timothy's, 2025, Wing </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148141,"width":"290px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/20250111_120008-rotated.jpg?w=461" alt="" class="wp-image-1148141" style="width:290px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mariah was dominant in this win over a scrappy Western team. She slashed to the basket and finished through contact. When they cut off lanes to the hoop, she showed off her range from the perimeter. At 6'1" she's a nightmare matchup on both ends of the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1261362' first='Amyah' last='Heyliger'], Severn, 2027, Point Guard </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148076,"width":"278px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/20250111_191339-rotated.jpg?w=461" alt="" class="wp-image-1148076" style="width:278px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amyah's quickness and ball handling skills were on full display in this one. Old Mill had no one who could stay in front of her and she exploited it all game. She scored and set up her teammates for easy buckets on their way to a comfortable win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->