Unsung Heroes of MoCo and PG County

<p>This week's focus comes from two influential counties surrounding Washington, D.C.—Montgomery County (MoCo) and Prince George's (PG) County. The players featured do not get consistent attention but their production and impact speak for themselves. Each bring a level of skill, competitiveness, and basketball IQ that warrants recognition, regardless of spotlight or branding.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Springbrook High, Silver Spring MD</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Gabby is a true facilitator who consistently finds gaps in the defense to put her teammates in position for opportune baskets. She also has the awareness and natural feel for the game to create her own scoring opportunities when needed. Comfortable driving through traffic or stopping on a dime for the pull-up after reading the defense, she shows strong control and decision-making. In her 12/19 game, Gabby accounted for 14 of her team's 21 points, underscoring her overall impact.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sherwood High, Olney MD</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Annelyn guided her team to a commanding victory on 12/19. Early on, she was effective as a one-person press, scoring five straight points and setting the tone. As the game progressed, she shifted into a true point guard role, settling the offense and distributing the ball. When needed, Annelyn knocked down prompt three-pointers and could get to the basket when plays broke down, showing composure and versatility throughout.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wise High, Upper Marlboro MD</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Melanie plays with a relentless motor and brings consistent effort on every possession. Her length allows her to defend both backcourt players and forwards, and she does a strong job cutting off opponents by sliding her feet without fouling. Offensively, she looks to attack the basket by identifying and exploiting vulnerable spots in the defense.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Salliah is a valuable, versatile player that every team and coach appreciates. Her size and ability to guard in open space allows her to play multiple positions from the three through the five, and she is comfortable handling the ball off a defensive rebound. Offensively, Salliah is most effective around the elbow, where she uses a quick first step and her left hand to get to the rim. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Freshman Watch List</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Symone is a solid combo guard with a strong understanding of the game and is on track to make an impact at the varsity level in the near future. She consistently knocks down the three when given time and space, and her quick first step allows her to get to the basket when defenders close out.</p>

This week's focus comes from two influential counties surrounding Washington, D.C.—Montgomery County (MoCo) and Prince George's (PG) County. The players featured do not get consistent attention but their production and impact speak for themselves. Each bring a level of skill, competitiveness, and basketball IQ that warrants recognition, regardless of spotlight or branding.