Saturday, January 20th
It will be hard to to follow up this version of the Public vs. Private Challenge. This was the 5th one in six years so we probably have five more left. It seems like these events have a shelf life of about 10 years if done properly. 42 teams from the same region in one day under one roof is a spectacle that is hard to match. We started out at John Carroll on one court on a Friday night and a Saturday with 11 teams. Our first all tournament team was stacked with players like Dionna White (Georgetown), Danielle Edwards (Clemson), Bri Jones( Maryland, CT Sun) and Tasia Butler (James Madison). Many more exceptional players have participated and we will keep that tradition alive going forward.
After this year's results the private schools have taken the lead in the overall series, 30-27.
The overall atmosphere and vibe was excellent all day. Mercy and Forest Park started the day with a competitive contest and we rolled straight through from there. Spectators arrived at 8am for the first game and we could feel the excitement buidling througout the morning, as buses arrived and the gyms and hallways filled up. This is strictly a DMV affair (with an occasional visitor from PA), so it is also one of the biggest social events for girls basketball in this area. One of the best parts of the event is mingling with everyone throughout the building and watching everyone enjoy the games. The worst part is that I do not ever get to watch a complete game because I have to watch at least some part of each game. Below is a complete list of all the game results with the all tournament team to the right. Hope to see you all at the Senior Shoot Out on March17 at Baltimore City Community College.
Court 1
Old Mill 49, Mt. Desales 36
A fast start by Old Mill put Mt. De Sales in a hole that they never dug all the way out of. The Patriots made four 3 pointers to take a 26-7 lead after one and held off a couple of Sailor rallies. Sydney Faulcon scored 14 and grabbed 15 rebounds for Old Mill while Destiny Galloway added 9.
Wise 54 St. John's Catholic 49
Katelyn Parker had a big game for Wise who came up from PG county. Parker scored 14 points to lead them to the win. Kayla Cooper had 13 and 12 for St. John's.
Institute of Notre Dame 50, New Town 24
Sophomore Eniya Russell scored 21 points as the Indians turned up the heat in the second half and cruised past the Titans. La'Shyra Williams added 11 for IND.
Roland Park 50, Western 46
In one of most exciting games of the day Roland Park held off a furious Western rally behind 19 points and 15 rebounds from Mir Mclean. Ja'niah Henson added 15 for the Reds. Freshman Vashae Rideout scored 13 for Western.
Bishop McNamara 70, Catonsville 54
Jakia Brown-Turner scored 30 points and Christina McPhail added 14 to help the WCAC power put away a tough Catonsville squad. Senior Jasmine Dickey scored 24 for Catonsville.
Howard 64, John Carroll 51
Taylor Addison scored 25 points for Howard and Marisa Sanchez-Henry scored 12 and played stellar defense to spark Howard past the Patriots who were led by Jordan Wakefield's 15 points.
McDonogh 67, Long Reach 32
Jessica Booth scored 16 for the host team McDonogh and they made quick work of one of Howard County's best teams. Taleah Dixon and Kayla Lyles both scored 13 for the winners while Lyric Swann paced Long Reach with 15.
National Christian Academy 51, Poly 42
This was the most intense game of the day with both teams using pressure and physical play to gain control at times. Senior guard Zenzele Vital led National Christian with 12 points. Poly kept it close by scrapping all the way to the end, but couldn't generate enough scoring to catch up. Brashae Rice scored 14 points for Poly.
Court 2
Mercy 43, Forest Park 34
Jasmine Franklin scored 17 points for Mercy as they were able to hold off Forest Park. Nakiyah Johnson led Forest Park with 18 points.
St. James 42, Franklin 40
This was a back and forth affair that went down to the last possession. Crista Bartlett scored 16 for St. James (Hagerstown) while Dominque Doss scored 20 points for Franklin.
St. Mary's Ryken 55, Milford Mill 17
Senior Jakayla Brown scored 17 for Ryken and they were never challenged by the Millers who are now 1-8.
South River 45, Maryvale 40
Sophomore Ashlyn Burrows dropped 27 points for South River and they held off a late rally to prevail. Molly Mcaleer scored 13 for Maryvale.
Rock Creek Christian Academ 82, Eleanor Roosevelt 53
Rock Creek broke open a close game behind 16 points from Taleah Washington and 14 from Sonia Smith. Taylor McCormick led Roosevelt with 15.
St. Vincent Pallotti 50, Pikesville 48
This was an action packed game with a standing room only crowd that went down to the last possesion. Freshman Anani Humprhey scored 16 points and Jania Hall added 13 for Pallotti. Kayla Jackson led Pikesville with 14 points.
Archbishop Spalding 47, Mt. Carmel 33
In one of the two exhibition games of the day Taysha Bender scored 11 points for Spalding as they cruised past Mt. Carmel.
City College 53, Garrison Forest 26
16 points from Mya Henson was the spark that City need to roll past Garrison Forest 53-26. Nia Cowling scored 10 for Garrison.
Court 3
Gerstell 43, Friendly 26
Gerstell used a balanced attack to pull away from Friendly of PG county. Jillian Wilson had 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks to lead the way.
Coppin Academy 55 Timothy's 52 Overtime
In a spirited back and forth battle Kayla Henderson was the difference scoring 18 and scoring the basket that sent the game into overtime. Tylea Galloway added 16 points and Dura Tasman scored 17 for St. Timothy's.
St. Andrew's Episcopal 34, Notre Dame Prep 29
Ali Mikaele led St. Andrew's Episcopal with 15 points as they held off a tough NDP squad. Guard Nicki Swam scored 10 for NDP.
Westlake 55, St. Paul's 43
Jasmine Gholson scored 15 to lead Westlake. Destiny Ryles led St. Paul's with 15.
St. Mary's 57, Glen Burnie 39
Whitney Albert scored 15 for St. Mary's as the pulled away in the second half to put away Glen Burnie.
Taylor McCormick, Eleanor Roosevelt
