Player of the Year

Marcus Hatten, Mervo, Sr., G: Possibly the area's best senior, Hatten, a 6-foot-2 combination guard, was a consistent force for a young Mervo squad this season. A repeat All-City/County first-team selection, Hatten averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 assists and 9.1 rebounds for the Mustangs, who were knocked out of the Class 4A regional playoffs by Dulaney. Flashy at times, Hatten was relentless on the court -- driving to the basket, hitting long-range jumpers and grabbing rebounds, sometimes with little rest. "He's a complete player and does whatever to be successful," Mervo coach Woody Williams said of his four-year starter. "He makes others around him better, and he's the hardest worker in practice." In 23 games, Hatten had four quad doubles and 12 triple doubles. American, Richmond, Temple and Virginia Commonwealth are interested in Hatten.

Coach of the Year

Craig Amos, Pikesville: As a player, Amos carried Milford Mill to the 1988 Class 1A state championship, ending a 25-year drought for Baltimore County. As a coach, Amos guided the northwest Baltimore County school to its first state semifinal appearance since 1985, losing to North Dorchester in the 1A championship game last weekend at the University of Maryland. Pikesville went 18-8 during the season, including a 65-63 victory over defending 1A state champ Forest Park in the North Region semifinals. In two seasons, Amos, a former assistant at Milford Mill and the all-time leading scorer at St. Joseph's in Philadelphia, is 28-18.

The first team

Reggie Bryant, Calvert Hall, Sr., G: Bryant again was Calvert Hall's go-to guy this season. Bryant, 6-3, averaged 23.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists, winning Catholic League Player of the Year honors. With opposing defenses focusing on him, Bryant was still able to get to the basket with his slashing moves. "He playing more within himself," said Calvert Hall coach Mark Amatucci. "Last year, he was forcing things, but this season, he's taking what has been given to him and has been consistent." Canisius, Central Florida and La Salle are recruiting Bryant.

Dontaz Dean, Dunbar, Sr., C: Playing a solid, yet secondary role behind last season's Player of the Year Jamal Brown (now at Maine Central Prep), Dean was the force inside for the No. 1 Poets. A chiseled 6-foot-7, Dean averaged 15.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 5.1 blocks for Dunbar, which claimed the city and Class 2A state championship. A strong rebounder and scorer on the inside, Dean can also take a defender outside the paint. "He's the glue that kept us together," said Dunbar coach Lynn Badham. Dean will attend a prep school next season.

Donnell Dobbins, Forest Park, Sr., G: Though Forest Park went 7-13 during the season, Dobbins was a thorn in the side of all the teams in the city league. Dobbins, 5-10, averaged 30.1 points and 10.2 assists for the Foresters, who were edged by eventual Class 1A, North Region champ Pikesville in the semifinals. Against the city's three state semifinal teams -- Dunbar, City and Lake Clifton -- Dobbins averaged 31 points, including a season-high 37 against City. "He's the best guard in the city," said Forest Park coach Greg Warren of Dobbins, who scored in double figures in all but one game this season. Albany, Towson and UMBC have been in contact with Dobbins.

Todd Galloway, City, Soph., G: Galloway, who transferred from St. Frances, provided an immediate impact for the Knights this season. A 5-foot-10 point guard, Galloway averaged 18.1 points, 6.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds for the Class 3A state semifinalists. Aggressive to the basket, Galloway controlled City by creating opportunities for teammates or taking over the scoring load when needed. "He's our team-leader and an all-out great athlete," said City coach Daryl Wade. Galloway had a season-high 36 points against Wilde Lake in the Class 3A, North regionals, and 23 in a 62-60 loss to Gwynn Park of Prince George's County in the state semifinals.

Tamir Goodman, Talmudical Academy, Jr., G: Some have criticized the level of competition Goodman faced this season, but few have questioned his ability. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 35.4 points, 7.5 assists and 6.5 rebounds for the small Jewish school in Pikesville. An excellent outside shooter, Goodman's passing skill may be his best attribute. "At his worst, he's entertaining. At his best, he's breathtaking," said Talmudical Academy coach Harold Katz. Goodman, who scored an area-best 50 points against CHEN, has orally committed to the University of Maryland.

Keith Jenifer, Towson Catholic, Jr., G: Jenifer is near the top of the list of promising juniors in the area. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 assists and 5.4 rebounds, leading the Owls to the Catholic League regular-season championship. Mainly a shooting guard his first two seasons, Jenifer had to play some at the point, and was still effective. "He's probably one of the most versatile guards around," said Towson Catholic coach Mike Daniel. Jenifer was a first-team selection on the All-Catholic and Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A League teams.

Isaiah Johnson, Southern-B, Jr., F: Like his team, Johnson overcame a sluggish start to help Southern to the Class 4A, North Region finals. Johnson, 6-7, averaged 18.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists for the Bulldogs, who won 16 of their last 17 games. A versatile performer, Johnson has solid ball-handling and outside shooting skills for his size. Johnson, who will be too old to play in high school next season, will attend a prep school.

Lafonte Johnson, Dunbar, Sr., G: After transferring from Towson Catholic, where he was a first-team All-Metro pick a year ago, Johnson made the transition to floor leader for the top-ranked Poets. The area's best point guard, Johnson, 5-8, averaged 18.1 points, 6.7 assists and 5.2 steals for Dunbar. A tremendous ballhandler, Johnson can break down defenses with his quickness and passing. "He's by far one of the best guards in the area," said Dunbar coach Lynn Badham. Johnson, a repeat first-team All-City/County pick, has attracted interest from Cincinnati, Coppin State, George Washington, St. Joseph's and Temple. He may attend a prep school next season.

Romas Krywonis, Dulaney, Sr., C: The Player of the Year in Baltimore County as voted by the league coaches, Krywonis was the reason Dulaney dethroned defending Class 4A North champion Mervo in the region quarterfinals. Krywonis, 6-8, averaged 25.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks for the Lions. Imposing in the post, Krywonis can score facing the basket and runs the floor well. "He's the best player I've ever coached as far as work ethnic," said Dulaney coach Rod Norris. "Romas accepts all challenges, and has made dramatic improvements. He's determined to succeed." Krywonis, who scored a season-high 43 points against eventual county runner-up Catonsville in December, is being recruited by several colleges and is also considering a prep school.

Melvin Scott, Southern-B, Soph., G: Scott, whose brother, Charles, was an All-City/County and All-Metro selection last season, may be the area's best sophomore. The 6-2 guard averaged 21.4 points, 5.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 4.9 steals, helping Southern to the Class 4A, North Region finals. Scott was often the Bulldogs' offensive catalyst with his outside shooting. "He has tremendous abilities, but he's young," said Southern coach Meredith Smith. "He's only going to get better." Scott scored a season-high 34 points against Mervo.

The boys teams

Player of the Year: Marcus Hatten, Mervo

Coach of the Year: Craig Amos, Pikesville

First team

Name, School, Class, Position

Reggie Bryant, Calvert Hall, Senior, Guard

Dontaz Dean, Dunbar, Senior, Center

Donnell Dobbins, Forest Park, Senior, Guard

Todd Galloway, City, Sophomore, Guard

Tamir Goodman, Talmudical Acad., Junior, Guard

Marcus Hatten, Mervo, Senior, Guard

Keith Jenifer, Towson Catholic, Junior, Guard

Isaiah Johnson, Southern-B, Junior, Forward

Lafonte Johnson, Dunbar, Senior, Guard

Romas Krywonis, Dulaney, Senior, Center

Melvin Scott, Southern-B, Sophomore, Guard

Second team

Earl Carr, Southwestern, Senior, Guard

Teoine Carroll, Lake Clifton, Junior, Guard

Owen Daly, McDonogh, Senior, Guard

Richard Johnson, Milford Mill, Junior, Guard

Sean Johnson, Mount St. Joseph, Senior, Forward

Steve Johnson, Towson Catholic, Senior, Guard

David Lunn, McDonogh, Junior, Forward

Tim Payne, St. Frances, Junior, Center

Ishmael Robinson, Woodlawn, Junior, Forward

Miguel Wilson, Carver, Senior, Guard

Team selection

The Baltimore Sun 1998-99 All-Baltimore City/County boys and girls basketball teams were selected by Derek Toney and Katherine Dunn, respectively, after consulting with The Sun staff and area coaches. Pub Date: 3/16/99