South I

Kaleah Anderson (Glen Burnie) and Chloe Greenway (Oakland Mills) earned MVP honors in a back-and-forth battle. Anderson got things rolling early, knocking down a three to open the scoring—setting the tone for a game full of shot attempts on both sides. A standout from Anne Arundel showed out as well, making a big impact throughout the game. Anne Arundel led 37-29 at the half, but Howard County came out of the break firing, going on a 12-0 run to flip the momentum. Lauer caught fire in the second half, drilling a logo three and following it up with another from the top of the key. Howard County took a 64-60 lead with just over 3 minutes left and held a one-point edge with 30 seconds remaining. But Anne Arundel responded with a clutch bucket to take the lead late. Anne Arundel escapes with a 69-68 win. 🔥

Howard County saw two teams make championship appearances and three win their region this season. Glenelg and Reservoir powered their way to have a chance at a title. Howard made it to the state bracket. Here are CSZ’s awards for the best of the county this season: Team of the Year - Reservoir Gators Reservoir tied for the best regular-season record at 16-4 and won a county-high five playoff games. The Gators hit the ground running in December, winning all six of their games and keeping opponents under 40 points in four of them. Their seven-game win streak to open the year showcased that this year’s team would not take a step back, leading the county once again. A January lull, which had a 1-4 stretch for the Gators, proved to be the outlier in the year. Reservoir returned to its winning ways in February and carried that momentum for the rest of the season. Since the start of February, they won 12 straight games, including the playoffs, before the championship against the Poly Engineers. A 57-34 loss to that Poly team ended the playoff run, but Reservoir still managed to defy expectations by remaining at the top of the county. Coach Deb Taylor reflected on what she and her players accomplished this season. “At the beginning of the season, I didn’t think we would win as many games as we did…We graduated 2 all-county players and people thought we would be down. Instead, we won our first county championship and made school history,” Coach Taylor said. Most Improved Team - Glenelg Gladiators Glenelg boosted its record by six regular-season wins and eight total this year, turning the page after finishing under .500 in 2025. The Gladiators built early momentum and sustained it this year. They won their first five games of the season with a key one early against a talented Mt. Hebron team. In CSZ’s preseason power rankings, we placed Glenelg seventh with concerns about the team’s defense. The 2025 team had a 3-9 record when the defense allowed more than 40 points. The Gladiators allowed 40 points in the same number of games this season, but showed the offensive grit to overcome it. Glenelg improved by three wins in the stat to have a 6-6 record in those games, including the playoffs. Their playoff journey featured four blowout wins, taking down Southern, Wilde Lake, Frederick Douglass and Williamsport. The dominance carried into the start of the championship game, but Glenelg got outlasted by Manchester Valley, who won its first championship in the process.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=D54dWL_wzic 🏀🏀 ROAD TO UMBC MPSSAA GIRLS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 🆚 (2) Poly vs (5) Reservoir 📍 UMBC, Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena 📝 Kmillz (MFVAllSportsNetwork) In Game Two of the Championship double-header at UMBC, we found ourselves getting ready to capture two teams previously filmed during the playoffs. It’s kind of a treasured moment due to MFV has watched each team fight their way through adversity to get right to this stage. Now it’s set for one team to achieve the coveted 3A Girls State Basketball trophy. MFV was so excited to see this battle transpire. 1ST HALF - This was the half of testing. What did these ladies really have in them? I speaking for both sides. Poly started off adding the firsts points by free throws, as one of their star teammates #2 London Elliott, was fouled attempting a three pointer. (These two teams had many star players, especially coming off their benches.) However, the pace of the game shifted in favor of the Gators, with a Tre, and a few inside attacks to the basket. It was a bit of test for the Lady Engineers as they struggled at times making shots. Quickly getting over their frustration, Poly tried to step back in it. Reservoir went in to the half up five points, 22-17. 2ND HALF - The Comeback Half. This is where the Engineers locked in. While the Gators fought hard to protect their lead, the turnover ratio favored Poly. Elliott had a good number of them. On one steal, she electrified Engineer fans drawing a foul at the end of the play. And it was with such energy, Poly gained the victory and were crowned champions, winning states 54-37. TO THE GATORS, hats off to you ladies, you played an absolute excellent game. You gave it all you got and couldn’t be more proud of you. I truly love how your fans cheered loudly as you were honored for being state finalist. You guys are a great team. Keep working hard.

TO THE ENGINEERS, so PROUD of what you accomplished here. Glad that you made the necessary changes to achieve greatness. You ladies were classy and great at what you do on the court. It is so obvious you spend your time well in the gym not getting moved by what others may say. TO THE BOTH OF YOU, you guys are well coached. Each of your coaches and leaders should take a bow. It was truly an honor capturing you. Hope the highlights bring each of you much exposure. MFV MVP - London Elliott (24 points)

Poly got off to a somewhat slow start against the Gators, struggling early in the first quarter to find their rhythm on both ends of the floor. The team had difficulty getting their offense going, and the Gators were able to take advantage of that early momentum. However, once the first quarter came to an end, Poly began to settle in and find their groove. The players started communicating better, moving the ball more effectively, and working together as a unit. As the second quarter progressed, Poly slowly chipped away at the deficit and built confidence with every possession. Their defense tightened up, forcing tougher shots and creating opportunities in transition. The momentum really began to shift late in the half when Poly knocked down a huge three-pointer right at the halftime buzzer, energizing both the bench and the crowd. That moment seemed to spark the team and gave them the boost they needed heading into the locker room. When Polytech came out for the second half, they looked like a completely different team. They played with intensity, confidence, and a clear sense of purpose. Their ball movement improved, shots began to fall, and the defense continued to apply pressure. From that point on, Poly showed dominance on the court, refusing to back down and never giving up as they fought their way back into the game and took control.

On Thursday evening, the 22-2 Poly Engineers faced off against the 21-4 Reservoir ‘Gators in the 3A Girls Basketball state championship. The second round of the state bracket featured the ‘Gators knocking out the top-seeded Edgewood Rams in a 17-point victory, while the Engineers took down the defending state champion South River Seahawks 39-34. Baltimore Polytechnic opened the game with five made free throws from junior guard London Elliott to put them ahead, but the blue and orange quickly responded, going on a seven-point scoring run. Elliott finished the quarter having contributed all nine of her team’s points, but they trailed by one after eight minutes. In the second, the ‘Gators dominated even more. After Poly briefly retook the lead, Reservoir went on a 12-4 scoring run that lasted for the final 5:38, led by four points from sophomore forward Blythe Pietryka and three from Chloe-Theresa Nguena, before junior Annie Wethington nailed a deep three with seven seconds left on the clock, allowing the ‘Gators to take a 22-17 lead into the locker room. With a five-point deficit at the break, Poly head coach Kendall Peace-Able explained that, in the locker room, she focused on where her team had room for improvement to come back and win the game. “We talk about where we need to place emphasis,” Coach Peace-Able said. “In the first half, our shots were a bit rushed. We had to go into our bag… doing what the game needed.” This message was exactly what the team carried onto the court. Early in the third, the Engineers began a full-court press defense, allowing the team to come within one point of the lead within three and a half minutes. It took 4:42 for the ‘Gators to score their first points of the quarter, with Chloe-Theresa Nguena contributing four of the team’s eight points in the half. By the end of the third, the Engineers had regained the lead, outscoring their opponent 16-8, capping off the dominant quarter with a catch-and-shoot three from London Elliott. In the fourth quarter, the navy and orange continued to dominate. The Poly defense held their opponents to just seven total points, with just two coming from the field. Meanwhile, the Engineers added 21 points to the scoreboard, led by ten more from Elliott, plus six from senior Kachella McGuire and another four from junior Skylar Brown. By the time the final buzzer went off, the Engineers had secured their third state title in the last five seasons, defeating the ‘Gators 54-37. Despite the loss, Reservoir head coach Deb Taylor remains thrilled with how the season played out. “We graduated two all county players last year and people thought we would be down. Instead, we won our first county championship and made school history… no other Reservoir team has made a state championship,” Coach Taylor said. With the win in their pocket, London Elliott, who contributed 24 of her team’s 54 points, had a simple message when thinking about the future. “Don’t doubt us.”

Lockdown defense and a huge second half secured the victory.

The 3A Girls basketball championship is underway at UMBC, and after 16 minutes, the Reservoir Gators lead the Poly Engineers 22-17. Poly got off to a 5-0 lead with London Elliott hitting five free throws in two minutes, but the Gators battled back, led by four first quarter points from Leah Lauer and four second quarter points from Blythe Pietryka. Tune into NFHS Network for the second half of the final game for this Thursday!

Reservoir led 21-20 at halftime and created separation in the second half to punch their ticket. Chloe Theresa scoring a game high 17 points!

Yesterday Saturday March 7th Reservoir girls team won against Howard in the state quarterfinals. It was a heated game with even one point margins at times. Both teams worked incredibly hard the whole game. This was an emotional game for Howard as they have five seniors on the team. All five played and worked their hardest. Reservoir has three seniors who also all played and worked equally as hard. Number 14 on the Reservoir team stood out as the tallest on the court, she was a powerful defensive player. She flawlessly blocked shots, but she also was a great offensive player and appeared to score with ease. Viewers should look to watch her in the future. Both teams worked well with each other and really both shined as strong teams. Viewers should look forward to seeing these teams next season!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=71_P4-d5hhU

Reservoir Gators made program history and advanced to the state semifinals for the first time. They’ll take on top-seeded Edgewood in the next round.

Two 16-win teams will face off in the first county championship game of the basketball season. This playoff season will feature five teams with at least 15 wins and two of the best are kicking off the slate. Oakland Mills and Reservoir meet for the second time this season with all of the playoff pressure. The Scorpions’ path to another state championship appearance, including the possibility for redemption of the 2025 team, will start against a nearly flawless Gator squad. The Gators are a similar juggernaut that could be poised for a deeper run than last season. An early January hiccup did not slow them down at all before the playoffs. Tomorrow’s county championship could be the best game of the season and recent history from both teams suggests that the matchup will be fiercely intense. Oakland Mills has found success in February matchups against Reservoir. Since the 2021-2022 season, the Scorpions are 3-1 in those matchups with a point differential of +29. That February success also extends to other matchups. Oakland Mills has not lost a game in the month since Feb. 21, 2024, against Hammond. Reservoir’s road trip should not slow their momentum at all. The Gators are 9-1 away from their court. They have won each game where they scored at least 30 points. Defense will be key to winning against Oakland Mills for the first time in three years. The Gators allowed at least 60 points in the last three games against Oakland Mills. Their current season high allowed is 52, which came in an out-of-county matchup against Notre Dame Prep on January 10. February has seen the best defensive performances yet. Opposing teams have eclipsed 40 points just once in eight games. The Scorpions will be the toughest assignment because of their offensive consistency. Oakland Mills has scored at least 55 points in home games since Jan. 7 against Wilde Lake. On the season, they have reached that mark in six of their eight home games. A majority of the February schedule had at least 65 points scored. The Scorpions and Gators will face off at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow for the county crown.

Sam Feher 21 points with 3 3s. Leah Lauer played 32 minutes and handled the PG slot with precision.

Sherwood vs Gaithersburg Played tonight Sherwood 36 Gaithersburg 41

Girls basketball in recent days has seen a shift in participation in different areas. Around more pro leagues like the WNBA, there has been more exposure for women and girls to really showcase their abilities as athletes. This type of exposure is something that should also be seen in more high school sports departments. Guilford Park high school, for example, is a newer school that is trying to build all its programs from the ground up. One major thing we look for is inclusiveness on and off the court so that we can really cement ourselves into the county and make a stronger name for ourselves. That same presence and exposure matters — especially at a time when participation numbers are shifting. “Yes, participation numbers are fluctuating,” coach Fizzelle said. “Often female athletes will say they don’t know how to play basketball. Tryout numbers can be as many as 22.” On paper, 22 may not seem alarming. But for a program trying to build depth, confidence, and long-term stability, fluctuation creates uncertainty. The reasons behind it are layered. Some people have different reasons not to participate in certain sports. While some can feel that a sport isn’t for them, some are actually just scared to try out because they have no prior experience with the sport or they think they just won’t be good at it. “I think there is a decline because people are apprehensive about playing a new sport,” coach Frizzelle explained. “They often compare themselves to other female athletes that have been playing basketball for over a decade, and that can be discouraging.” Comparison has become a silent opponent. With highlight reels and social media clips constantly circulating, stepping into a new sport can feel intimidating. Many girls assume they’re already behind before they even try. Instead of seeing the court as a place to grow, they see it as a stage where they might not measure up. In reality, some of the best athletes start from not knowing how to play at all to becoming one of the greatest athletes to do it. Coaches will build you up and help you achieve your goals to the best of their abilities. Nothing is ever given to us, it has to be worked for in order to obtain it and appreciate it. Inclusiveness in the sport is something we hope to achieve in a time where numbers may be going down. It’s important for girls to know they belong in any sport they want to play in and be great at it!

Senior night. Senior Chloe Theresa Nguena has team high 21 points.

51-43. Blythe Pietryka 18Sam Feher 12Chloe Nguena 9Leah Lauer 6Sydney Shelton 6Outstanding team defense. One of the best first quarters in the county by both teams. 23-17.

Chloe Nguena 20 points. Leah Lauer 11 points. Blythe Pietryka 13 points. Team with 8 3s.

Lady Hawks fought to the end led by Gabby Sane and Olivia Creighton with 14 and 10 points respectively

Coach Deb Taylor got her 300th career win. Sam Feher 14 points. Leah Lauer 10 points. Chloe Nguena 10 points.