Wow! The old statement “time flies when you are having fun”, so true. We are at the end of the regular season. The state tournament playoff games are about to start and dreams of making a run at the state championship. We are going to take a look at the teams in Baltimore City and county, and see the teams that have a chance to challenge for the state crown. This is the Baltimore top 5.
- Poly- This team is the most complete team coming out of the Baltimore area, boosting three division one commits. They have major senior leadership. Arguably, the city player of the year senior Dasia Towns, VCU commit, has had an awesome year. They have a huge inside presence with the LSU commit senior Ajaya Petty, by far the most dominant player in town. Senior Point guard Cache Wilson, UMES commit, is a crafty point guard, one of the best at leading her team, is super motivated to get a state title before she leaves. Senior shooter Jada Gross very underrated player in the area, but nevertheless a key cog to the Poly engine. Sprinkle in the support from an awesome supporting cast coming off the bench and you got a favorite to watch.
- Pikesville- The back to back county champs, and reigning 2A state champ looking to put another ring on their finger. Led by junior Kris Sterling, one of the best shooters in Baltimore has rounded out her game to also be a force in the paint. Senior Charia Roberts, Loyola Greyhound commit owns the glass. The senior sharp shooter Tyra Robinson is ready to make a major impact for the champs. Don’t overlook the contributions of the freshman Amaya Moore. The freshman plays a glue role that is important to a title run.
- Western High School- They have a remarkable trio of guards. Ny’Ceara Pryor, Gabby Johnson, Sanyiah Gray. They are very different offensively but all dialed in defensively. They could make a deep run, and spoil the hopes of some other unassuming teams. Besides the trio they have a good supporting cast. Pryor is in the city player of the year discussion, having an amazing sophomore season.
- Western Tech High- Coming fresh of the county championship game.This team is led by Senior Tiffany Manning, their all-time leading scorer, looking to make a deep run. This team has been the cinderella all year. They won’t be a easy out for nobody.
- Forest Park- This team is as tough as it gets they play hard and try to get turnovers. Their defense is their offense. In order to beat them you will have to be able to handle the pressure. Neah Henry and Dorothea Banks should be a shoe in for the all city team. Easily one of the most exciting teams.
The honorable mention schools are New Town High, City College, and Coppin Academy. All of these teams with something to prove. Coppin Academy is always in the mix and maybe be the scariest of the honorable mention teams.
Other Notable players to watch:
- Dasia Townes- Poly (VCU)
- Josiah Mickens- Forest Park
- Tenea Robinson- Poly
- Da’Brya Clark-Poly
- Cheria Roberts-Pikesville
- Ty Robinson-Pikesville
- Sydney Stokes-Western Tech
Baltimore should make their presence felt, the question is can they bring home the title. Just getting to Towson state won’t be easy. The second and third rounds will be the toughest grind. The sad thing for the seniors it is the end of the road, for everyone else it is the unofficial beginning of club season. Club team tryouts are around the corner and teams are going to be scouting heavy for the best talent. Good luck to everyone!
