Last season, the Howard County girls basketball program showcased its strength, with Howard winning the Class 3A state title and River Hill reaching the state quarterfinals. This season, the county is more wide open after the graduation of standout performers Gabby Kennerly and Samiyah Nasir from Howard, as well as the transfer of star post player Meghan Yarnevich. However, the Hawks return a strong group led by senior Taylor Shane, junior Dylan Watson and sophomore Camille Nesmith, while Atholton, Hammond, and Oakland Mills also bring back key returners.
The regular season play begins Tuesday and runs through Feb. 22, with the playoffs beginning Feb. 28 and the season ending March 15-16 with state championships at the Xfinity Center at the University of Maryland. The Howard County public schools are spread between three classes and four regions.
Here is a look at each of the county teams:
Atholton
Coach: Steve Anderson, first season
Last season: 15-9, 3A East Region II finalist
Top returners: Senior Kendi Caldwell; junior Gisiah Griffen
Newcomer to watch: Sophomore Mikele Griffen
Centennial
Coach: James Stefan, first season
Last season: 3-18
Glenelg
Coach: David Ebbe, sixth season
Last season: 12-11
Top returners: Seniors Maria Garbis and Reese Holden; junior Jordan Henggeler; sophomore Emmy Dello Russo
Hammond
Coach: Ayanna Jones, second season
Last season: 16-5
Top returners: Senior Nia Green; junior Sara Yarnell
Howard
Coach: Scott Robinson, 13th season
Last season: 26-1, Class 3A state champions
Top returners: Senior Oluwadamilola Daniel (F); junior Riley Watson (G); sophomore Alana Harrison (G)
Long Reach
Coach: Keith Williams, fifth season
Last season: 3-18
Top returners: Junior Morgan Enlow; sophomores Sydney Nance and Jaiden Bryant
Marriotts Ridge
Coach: Sarah Miller, seventh season
Last season: 9-11
Top returners: Juniors Lamees Bazzi and Olivia Ober
Mt. Hebron
Coach: Tierney Ahearn, sixth season
Last season: 12-8
Top returners: Senior Leen Jawhar; sophomore Pearl Prasartkarnka
Oakland Mills
Coach: Michael Coughlan, first season
Last season: 14-7
Top returners: Juniors Destiny Macharia and Heaven Alexander; sophomores Adey Alexander, Chloe Grenway and Jeriah Shipp
Reservoir
Coach: Deb Taylor, ninth season
Last season: 8-15
Top returners: Senior Gabi Burian (G); juniors Alissa Young (G) and Jasmin Shelton (F)
