2A/3A East Girls Basketball Preview
The Gladiators were close to .500 play last season and will be relying on young but talented players this season.
Photo by: Susan Shaffer
Returning to the starting lineup this year is senior guard Justine Allen, who averaged about six points a game last season.
Photo by: Brian Schallhorn
Northwood will be led by two senior returners; Sina Gharma and Sarah Morgan.
Photo by: Susan Shaffer
Written by: Dave Vatz
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD -
Blake Bengals
The Bengals had a great run last season, falling to Eleanor Roosevelt in the 4A State finals, and will play at the 3A level this season. Coach Patricia Gilmore returns two very solid senior players who will be a force: guard Christine Weithman, who was injured part of last year but still was a big scorer down the stretch, and forward/guard Gabi Hall, an athletic rebounder who can put a lot of points.
Also returning to the starting lineup is senior guard Justine Allen, who averaged about six points a game. Blake will need to replace the production of guard Danielle Douglas, who is at Bryant University after averaging over 17 points a game last season, plus Faye Dunston, their primary forward and defensive player.
Einstein Titans
The Titans will be looking to replace much of last year's production after their 6-18 season, losing to Paint Branch in the Round of 32 in the 3A tournament. Last year's team leading scorer and rebounder returns, junior Hayes Linebaugh, who averaged 8.5 points and 11.6 rebounds a contest.
Senior forward Hannah Moore is a very versatile player, averaging 5.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, while also being a three point threat. The team will be young and needs to replace the production of some seniors, but Coach Tim Hobbs's squad has good potential.
Kennedy Cavaliers
The Cavaliers had some early success in last year's season but ultimately had problems down the stretch and will look to turn things around this year after losing only one senior to graduation. Senior Shanta Jordan was a huge all-around player last season that could score, rebound and assist, and will be key to Kennedy's success.
Two other players that are important to Coach Kevin Thompson's team are junior Breauna Walker, who played well towards the end of last year, and sophomore frontcourt player Jalen Carter, a good rebounder.
Northwood Gladiators
The Gladiators were close to .500 play last season and will be relying on young but talented players this season. Northwood will be led by two senior returners, Sina Gharma, a quick and reliable shooting guard, and Sarah Morgan, a forward that can shoot and rebound well.
Sophomore Janelle Silver will take up the point in her first year starting, who Coach Jeffery Rackey says is "explosive and runs the offense well." The biggest loss in graduation was Flora Amayo, a big double-double threat who now plays for Salem International.
Rockville Rams
No information provided.
Wheaton Knights
The Knights have nowhere to go but up from last year's winless season and they return some players with good playing time. Junior guard Aimee Hart was one of their more consistent scorers last season and should be an important backcourt player again.
In the paint, junior Jennifer Wood is the go-to-player for play down low. The team will need to improve its overall shooting, as last year's squad only scored above 32 points once, so Coach Jae Hwang will have work to do.
