Class 4A
No. 5 Western (23-3)
vs. Frederick (23-3)
When: 5 p.m. today
Where: UMBC
Outlook: The Doves are making their second straight appearance in the state final four, having lost a 68-67 heart-breaker to eventual champ Suitland in last year's semifinal. Latia Few nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer that appeared to give the Doves the victory, but officials said she got her shot off after time expired. Before they can think about a possible rematch, the Doves must get past the Cadets, who posted the best record in school history with only one senior starter. Their top gun is 5-10 sophomore guard Ashley Bush (14.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists), and two others average in double figures -- 6-0 junior forward Laura Jobe (12.1 points, 9.0 rebounds) and 6-1 center Katie Brennan (11.2 points, 10.3 rebounds). The Cadets have a height advantage with four starters 5-10 or taller; the Doves have only one starter at 5-10, senior center Crystal Falline. Frederick's first-year coach Mike Bono said his team prefers a set offense, looking to set picks and screens for three-point shooters Bush and Jobe. However, the Baltimore champs like to run and score on transition. Coach Artie Uhlich's Doves, who have won 15 straight, rely on a team effort led by Few (15 points) and Joy Gorham (12 rebounds). The Doves score an average of 18 more points a game than the Cadets, averaging 75.5. They have outscored opponents by an average of 36.7 points a game. The Cadets average 57.5 points and have won by an average of 14.2.
Class 3A No. 9 Milford Mill (21-4)
vs. Wheaton (18-4)
When: 9 p.m. today
Where: UMBC
Outlook: In their second straight final four, the Millers want to go one step farther than last year's runner-up performance. They plan to start by avenging a 62-39 loss to the Knights in last season's title game. Both teams bring new looks to this game. Wheaton isn't as overwhelming as last year's undefeated juggernaut, and while the Millers bring back the same up-tempo style, they rely on some new players. The game could come down to a battle between the Millers outside game and the Knights inside game, although both teams average 42 rebounds. Wheaton first-year coach Chuck Johnson worries most about Milford's 5-8 junior guard Mandakova Clark (27.4 points, 3.0 assists, 3.3 steals), who almost single-handedly took over the 66-60 region final win over Fallston. A 5-4 junior, Quante Toney (14.8 points, 3.5 assists) is the other half of the Millers' stellar back court. The four-time Baltimore County champs will need a big game from both to counter the loss of 6-0 forward Chante Alexander, out for the season with torn knee ligaments. Kara Peterkin, a 6-1 senior forward, and Tiffany Johnson, a 6-1 junior center, average 9.2 points and 12.4 rebounds between them. The Knights, however, have their strength in 6-1 junior center Keka Agba (22.7 points, 17.1 rebounds), although 5-9 senior guard Maia Saffel (19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds) is close behind. Look for coach Pam Wright's Millers to run, although they also set up plays for Clark, a 37.6 percent three-point shooter. The Millers average 70.5 points a game and have scored more than 100 points three times; the Knights average 62.2 points. The edge on defense also goes to Milford Mill, which allows an average of 40.7 points; the Knights give up 52.1.
Class 1A
Hereford (20-7)
vs. Allegany (23-3)
When: 9 p.m. tomorrow
Where: UMBC
Outlook: Most of the Bulls weren't even born the last time Hereford appeared in a state final four. That was 1982, and the Bulls reached the championship game that year. They will go after their first state basketball title against a Western Maryland team that has never been to the tournament. In the regional final, the Bulls avenged last year's loss to Rising Sun with a 47-43 victory in the semifinals. Then they beat Pikesville, 41-36, in the final. The Campers' region final was even closer -- a 53-52 win over Smithsburg. The Campers have won 20 of their last 21 games. Hereford has won 14 straight, relying on team balance with no one scoring in double figures. Led by 5-10 junior forward Tara Clarke (9.6 points, 10.2 rebounds) and 5-5 sophomore guard Gina Allen (9.1 points, 6.3 assists, 5.8 steals), the Bulls score an average of 54.6 points a game. The Campers, however, average 63.8 points and have a trio of 5-10 girls averaging in double figures -- junior guard Cassie Murray (15 points, 5.7 assists), junior forward Tracey Little (19.8 points, 9.8 rebounds) and sophomore center Teandra Smith (12.1 points, 7.5 rebounds). Little already holds the school record for career points and rebounds. The Bulls like to press, giving an average of 35.2 points -- a few less than the 39.3 the Campers allow. Bulls coach Trinette Tucker, concerned that the Campers play a more physical game than her team is used to facing, is having her team scrimmage the boys team.
Girls basketball playoffs
At UMBC Fieldhouse
State semifinals
Today's games
Class 4A
Meade vs. Suitland, 3 p.m.
Western vs. Frederick, 5 p.m.
Class 3A
Northern-Calvert vs. DuVal, 7 p.m.
Milford Mill vs. Wheaton, 9 p.m.
Tomorrow's games
Class 2A
Parkside vs. Central, 3 p.m.
North East vs. Urbana, 5 p.m.
Class 1A
Cambridge-South Dorchester vs. Glenelg, 7 p.m.
Hereford vs. Allegany, 9 p.m.
State finals
Saturday's games
Class 2A, 1 p.m.
Class 4A, 3 p.m.
Class 1A, 6 p.m.
Class 3A, 8 p.m.
Pub Date: 3/11/99