Before moving ahead to the second half of the girls basketball season, take a look back at what a number of local teams accomplished during the winter break, including tournament victories by Atholton and Oakland Mills. Those two teams are also scheduled to meet in a crucial Columbia showdown on Jan. 8.
Oakland Mills Tournament
With three straight victories heading into the winter break, Oakland Mills has been building momentum. The Scorpions rode that momentum to victories over Western Tech, 68-64, and Brunswick, 54-36, to win their own holiday tournament on Dec. 27.
"I am very happy with how hard the girls have been working. They are continuing to work together and improve as a team," coach Christina Hewitt said. "It's been fun to watch their growth from game to game."
Senior point guard Tori Diggs scored 43 points in the two games to earn tournament MVP honors.
Juniors Ny'Jayah Lockwood (31 points) and Theda Jackson (28) were named to the all-tournament team.
Springbrook Invitational
Atholton answered a stiff challenge in the opening round, then cruised to victory in the championship to win the Springbrook Invitational for the second straight year.
Against Thomas Johnson, the Raiders trailed by six at halftime, 25-19, but came back strong to win, 55-40. In their second game, the Raiders routed the host Blue Devils, 53-23.
"Overall it was a really competitive tournament," coach Julia Reynold said.
Chelsea Mitchell (40 points), Sage Mayhew (17) and Ryan Jones made the all-tournament team.
Wilde Lake also competed in the tournament, losing to host Springbrook, 53-45, in the opening round.
Howard Holiday Mixer
Howard High School hosted a mixer on Dec. 29 and 30 that also included crosstown rival Centennial. Both Howard County schools represented themselves well. The host Lions defeated Mount de Sales, 58-32, and Liberty, 59-53, while the Eagles defeated Liberty, 57-40, and Mount de Sales, 66-25.
Natalie Talley led Howard with a combined 28 points in the two games, followed by Emileigh Scott with 21 and Berit Batterton with 20.
Anna Mitchell racked up 42 combined points, while Ally Driscoll poured in 30 for the Eagles.
Although Centennial and Howard did not play each other, the Lions and Eagles already have two meetings on their schedule.
Howard defeated Centennial, 58-55, in triple overtime on Dec. 17, and the Eagles will host the rematch on Feb. 5.
Laurel Tournament
Hammond and Marriotts Ridge competed in the nearby Laurel tournament, each with mixed results.
Shawnice King, Kathryn Witt and Lauryn Terry led the Golden Bears to a victory against Northwestern, 67-52. Against Quince Orchard, Hammond rallied back from a 14-point deficit to tie it, 22-22, at halftime, but fell behind by 20 points in the second half.
"We really had a great game against Northwestern. They really stuck to the gameplan," coach Raymona Reid said. "We are getting better every week."
The Mustangs defeated St. Charles, 62-58, led by Sarah Blalock (14 points), Casey Sullivan (11) and Brianna Held (10).
In their second game, the Mustangs fell to Easton, 45-31. Carly Miller led her team with 10 points in the loss.
Milford Mill Tournament
Mt. Hebron defeated Frederick, but then lost to undefeated C. Milton Wright for its first setback of the season.
"They had two 6-foot-2 girls. They did an awesome job with the post. They were a tough team," said coach Tony Bell, whose team bounced back with a 60-32 win over Long Reach on Jan. 5. "It was humbling. I think we needed that. It couldn't have come at a better time."
Governor's Challenge
River Hill competed in the Governor's Challenge at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury. The tournament featured a girls division for the first time this winter.
The Hawks lost to Catonsville, 64-35, on Dec. 29, and to Mardela, 58-42, on Dec. 30.
Sydney Poindexter led River Hill with 21 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks in the two games. Jess Hopkins added 16 points, seven assists and five steals, while Chelsea Buchiane chipped in 14 points and four rebounds. Annie Clark (10 points) and Ali Hovet (9) also contributed.