Aleah Queen, like her older sister, former Old Mill point guard Anisha Queen, is an outstanding student who contributes to her basketball team.

Queen is a starting guard for the Patriots, who played in last night's county championship game against No. 3 and defending champion Arundel. This is her third varsity season with the Patriots after one year of junior varsity.

Queen carries a 4.19 grade point average with a 1,540 SAT score and is a Maryland Distinguished Scholar and member of the National Honor Society and Student Government Association.

What was it like playing on the varsity the previous two seasons with your sister, Anisha?

It was a lot of fun. We had been playing together since we were little and had a great chemistry.

While you played with Anisha and now this year without her, do people compare you to her?

Always, but we're two different people. We each had our strengths, and Anisha had hers as a point guard and leader. She taught me a lot about leadership.

How does this year's team compare to last year's, which lost the county final to Arundel but then upset the Wildcats in the 4A East regional final?

This year's team lacks height. Last year's team won games inside, while this team uses speed and a strong perimeter game. But our post players have done well.

Has this team surprised you?

Somewhat, by winning a lot of close games. We've really come together as a team. We're young, with only four seniors, and three of them who start. The team is close and does things together.

What are your thoughts on the league overall?

It's been tougher and more balanced. We knew we had to come out strong to get back to the county championship.

What's been the highlight of your high school career thus far?

Beating Arundel in the region final last year. It felt so good to finally beat them, even though we were overwhelmed in the state semifinals.

What are your plans for college?

I'm going to attend Towson University. Probably won't play basketball but will concentrate on studying education, because I want to be a teacher like my mom [Shelby Queen]. My mom has been a teacher for over 20 years and teaches first grade at Shipley's Choice. Sometimes, I help her set up her room. And I have the patience to work with younger kids, because I have a lot of cousins and work with younger kids at summer camp.

What are you involved in at church?

I got involved with the Adopt-A-Road Program. We cleaned up a road in Elkridge and named it after my grandmother, who passed away last March. We named it Emma Louise Blackston Road after her. I was really close to my grandmom. And I sing in the choir at my church. I like all kinds of music from R&B; to hip-hop to gospel to oldies.