PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Amanda Hernandez
Arundel
Hernandez, a three-year starting setter, was the on-court leader of a team that went 14-0 in the regular season, including 11-0 in the county.
In mid-October within a four- day period, Hernandez led the Wildcats to their first victory over Severna Park in at least 25 years and a sweep of Broadneck. Hernandez had 28 assists and eight blocks against Severna Park, and 28 assists, three kills and two blocks over Broadneck.
No. 7 Arundel (15-2) did not lose until the county championship match to No. 6 Severna Park and then to Class 4A state champion Broadneck in the East region semifinals.
"Without Amanda, we would have been a .500 team, " said coach Greg Legrand. "She made everybody look better.
Hernandez, also an All-County selection last season, averaged 7.6 assists per game with a total of 428. In addition, the 5-foot-9 Hernandez had a serving percentage of .961, 52 kills and 253 digs as perhaps the county's most versatile player.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Romonzo Beans
Broadneck
The chances of winning a second consecutive Class 4A state championship did not look good for the Bruins, who had only two returning starters. They lost to both Severna Park and Arundel in the regular season, failing to make the county title match for the first time since 1998.
However, Beans never doubted his players, and his low-key demeanor, steady hand and strategic use of his bench guided the team through the playoffs.
"I let them know when I made changes, you've got to be ready and it's not about you; it's about us," said Beans, who is Coach of the Year for the second time in three years and has 99 wins in eight years.
"It's about setting goals. They started feeling like they owned the court out there and got mentally tough."
A 3-0 win over Arundel in the 4A East region semifinals launched the Bruins' title run.
Broadneck (16-3) joined Severna Park (1991-93) as the only county teams to repeat as state champions when the Bruins defeated Perry Hall, 15-3, 15-7, 15-4, in the state final.
That came after a 3-0 sweep of previously unbeaten Gaithersburg in the state semifinals.
FIRST TEAM
Lynn Cipollone
Severna Park
After showing great promise as a sophomore, Cipollone was the Falcons' go-to hitter. The 5-10 junior led the No. 6 Falcons (14-5) in kills (126) and served 91 percent (212-for-232) with 43 aces. She also had 165 digs.
Hallie Fuller
Broadneck
A four-year starter and three-time All-County setter, Fuller averaged 6.3 assists, 1.5 kills, 1.6 blocks and served 94 percent. She was the Most Valuable Player in the highly competitive Gwynn Park Tournament, tallying 43 assists. She also had 48 assists in the Bruins' key sweep of Arundel in the regionals.
Melissa Golob
Broadneck
This senior's all-out hustle and defense inspired the 4A state champion Bruins. Golob was all over the court in posting 80 kills, 110 digs and serving 91 percent as the county's top defensive specialist. She had seven kills and six digs in the 3-0 win over Arundel in the East semifinals.
Laura Hertzman
Severna Park
The 5-9 senior emerged as one of the county's top front row players. A rare left-hander delivering from the right side, Hertzman complemented Cipollone well in leading the Falcons to their second straight county title. She had 96 kills, served 81 percent (79-for-97) with 23 aces and had 58 digs.
Tiffany Johnson
Arundel
College coaches already have an eye on this powerful and athletic 5-11 sophomore hitter. Also outstanding in basketball, Johnson has an exceptional vertical leap. She had 180 kills and 100 blocks, including 43 kills and 31 blocks in two matches against county champion Severna Park.
Cristin Van Dyke
Broadneck
A lanky, 6-2 senior, Van Dyke was a consistent front row player for the 4A state champions. Van Dyke paced the Bruins in kills (235) and blocks (120) and was a leader on the court. She averaged nearly 3.0 kills and 2.0 blocks in sweeps of Arundel, Gaithersburg and Perry Hall in the playoffs.