Introducing the Stars of Mt. Zion Prep Academy

<p>Maryland's #4 ranked Mt. Zion Prep Academy has a starting lineup filled with college commits and looks primed for a deep run in the state playoffs. Under Coach Sam Caldwell, they play an up-tempo, in-your-face style for all 32 minutes, a pace most teams struggle to sustain over the course of a full game.</p>   <p>Virginia Academy managed to keep things tight early, taking a 23–21 lead into halftime. However, Mt. Zion's constant pressure began to wear them down in the second half, forcing turnovers and dictating the flow of the game. That sustained intensity ultimately opened the gap, as Mt. Zion pulled away for a convincing 63–50 win.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> Backcourt Bullies:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Karmen has multiple offers on the table, a reflection of her versatility and college-ready skill set. She can effectively play either point guard or shooting guard, handling the ball with ease in both the open floor and the half-court game. Offensively, she is comfortable creating her own shot by getting to the rim, while also spacing the floor by consistently knocking down the long ball.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">On the defensive end, her size translates well to the college level, allowing her to guard positions one through three full court. She shows a strong understanding of angles and timing, with a particular knack for reading opposing ball handlers and generating on-ball steals. Her two-way impact makes her a complete and reliable guard prospect.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Peyden is the Warriors' floor general, commanding the offense without letting her opponent dictate the tempo. She runs the floor with poise, making smart reads while keeping her team in control. Offensively, she has a reliable stop-and-pop pull-up jumper, which she uses effectively off the pick or when exploiting gaps in the defense.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, she is just as impactful. Her footwork is sound, staying low and sliding efficiently, with her hands actively pressuring ball handlers and staying in their space. That combination of offensive control and defensive intensity makes her a true two-way leader on the court.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Feisty Forwards:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Alexis, who also has multiple offers on the table, is dynamic with the ball from anywhere on the court. Her Division I size and skill allow her to seamlessly play either point guard or forward, giving her team flexibility on both ends.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">She is a natural downhill scorer, particularly dangerous in the open court where her speed and strength make her tough to contain. Alexis plays with relentless energy—her tank is never on empty—making her exciting to watch as a fan, while demanding attention and effort from teammates when she's on the floor.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Promise is the ultimate energy player, constantly challenging her opponent with relentless effort—there's never a play she doesn't attack. Defensively, she is disruptive in the passing lanes and relentless on the boards, making her presence felt across the court.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Offensively, she is a natural slasher, preferring to attack the rim and absorb contact to generate extra points. Her combination of height, athleticism, and intensity allows her to effectively play positions two through four on both ends, making her a versatile and high-impact contributor in every facet of the game.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stretch Five:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Portia is a true game changer when her deep shot is falling, able to shoot over defenders effortlessly and stretch the floor. Her range forces opposing defenses to adjust, opening space for her teammates.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">She is equally versatile off the ball, capable of playing both the wing and in the post. That flexibility allows her to exploit mismatches and keeps defenses guessing, making her a key weapon on both ends of the court.</p>

Maryland's #4 ranked Mt. Zion Prep Academy has a starting lineup filled with college commits and looks primed for a deep run in the state playoffs. Under Coach Sam Caldwell, they play an up-tempo, in-your-face style for all 32 minutes, a pace most teams struggle to sustain over the course of a full game.