TOWSON, Maryland – The latest stop on our annual tour of some of the top high school basketball state tournaments took us to Maryland this past weekend. The SECU Arena, home of the Towson University Tigers, is a gorgeous venue and the perfect size for this event and some “March Madness” Maryland style.  The place was rocking (Literally, thanks to some great high school pep bands!) all weekend, and we got to witness some epic performances wrapping up the 2017 season.  Not lacking of future college talent, members of the Maryland’s strong 2017 class fought it out one last time to go out a winner.

One of the top seniors in action, George Washington-bound Chyna Latimer, had a great final weekend of her high school career.  Her capped 23 point performance led Patterson Mill to a 1A State Championship. Highly touted senior guard Abby Meyers (Princeton) had a valiant effort for Walt Whitman in a great 4A championship match up with Catonsville who was led by versatile forward Jen Gast (UMBC). Sharpshooting Kamrin Weimer (Fairleigh Dickinson) had strong performances in both the semis and finals for Southern Garrett while Longwood commit Stephanie Guihon scored in droves for Largo.

For complete semifinal and championship box scores and results, follow the link below.

http://www.mpssaa.org/2017-girls-basketball-state-semifinal-and-final-game-stats/

There were plenty of potential future college players on hand still weighing their collegiate options in the 2017 class and beyond.  Here are a few names of note from the land of the Chesapeake Bay and crab cakes.

Jameila Barrett – 2018 – 5-8 – Guard – Catonsville – Foul trouble limited minutes in first half…Patience with the ball showed…Demonstrated maturity in her passing ability on the screen and roll

Mallory Conroy – 2019 – 5-11 – Guard/Forward – Marriotts Ridge – Solid, fundamental wing…Smart, tenacious rebounder at times…15 foot range is there…Can stretch to the three point line…Handles it some in open court

Deaisha Cox – 2020 – 5-4 – Point Guard – Southwestern – Long-limbed point guard…Has some glide to her game when she handles it…Jump shot is a work in progress…Raw for a guard but has handles and physical tools

Makayla Daniels – 2019 – 5-8 – Guard – Frederick – 47 point performance led Frederick to a state title…Vocal, mature player…Scores off the drive…Excellent handles…Hits the three off the bounce and on the move…Great feet in traffic to get to the rim…Aggressive on defense…Not afraid to mix it up on the boards

Jasmine Dickey – 2018 – 5-10 – Guard/Forward – Catonsville – Took game to another level…30 points and 11 boards in a State Championship victory…Energy and intensity always present…Strong rebounder…Can take it coast to coast…Dangerous as a driver from the wing…Athletic tools play well in the post despite limited height

Laina Holler – 2020 – 5-5 – Guard – Southern Garrett – Freshman guard already getting minutes…Fundamental and smart…Three point range…Doesn’t play shy…Watch

Lyric Fortune – 2017 – 5-8 – Guard – Southwestern – Available senior guard…Driver from the wing…Plays with attitude and fire…Needs to improve as a jump shooter for the next level

Piajah Johnson – 2018 – 6-1 – Post – Pocomoke – Big body down low…Has a soft touch and simple move set inside…Vocal on D…Needs continued conditioning and skill work…Has a base to build from

Ryan Jones – 2017 – 5-5 – Point Guard – Atholton – Senior point guard…Still available…Quick…Good passer…Prefers the right hand on the drive to finish…Big time buckets down the stretch in state championship game

Olivia Meyers – 2017 – 6-2 – Forward – Walt Whitman – Lanky face up forward…Handles it fine for a forward…Can attack from the high post…Three point range…May be destined for another court in college (tennis)

Lucie Passwater – 2018 – 6-2 – Post – Patterson Mill – Skilled big…Showed growth in her game…Has the willingness and ability to grab a board and start the break on her own…Interesting prospect with her skill set in the post

Courtney Roth – 2018 – 5-9 – Guard – Southern Garrett – Stocky guard…Can drive and hit the three…16 points, 9 rebounds in the state title game…Useful player at the right level

Maraiyah Smith – 2017 – 5-8 – Guard – New Town – Still available…Produced in the 2A Championship victory with 20 points…Can score at all levels…Has some skills and athletic tools to help the right team at the next level

Teirra Thomas – 2020 – 5-8 – Guard – Pocomoke – Freshman wing…Can hit the three and the runner…Played a mature game…Led in scoring with 13 points in a state semi-final…Young with plenty of room to improve

Fran Vanegas – 2017 – 5-7 – Guard – Atholton – Versatile off guard…Can shoot the three off the bounce and on the move…Also drives often…Can get to the line

Monet Wade – 2017 – 5-9 – Guard/Forward – Frederick – Unsigned Senior “tweener”…High motor…Can score inside…Has the handles to penetrate…Athlete…Plays hard

Tania White – 2018 – 5-11 – Guard – Largo – Physical, bigger guard…In attack mode with the ball…Wants to get to the rim…Good play in spurts…Has promise with a higher motor