GIRLS BASKETBALL

Player of the Year Jess Harlee Fallston

Area coaches call Harlee, a sophomore who was also the Harford County Player of the Year last season, one of the most difficult players to prepare for. In addition to being a scorer, she is skilled in every other aspect of the game.

Harlee averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists per game this season and helped lead the Cougars (21-4) to the Class 3A East regional final. She did this while battling an eye injury that sidelined her for five games in January.

Coach Vern Brown calls her a "point-forward" who can handle and distribute the ball well.

Coach of the Year Michael Harris Joppatowne

Joppatowne was hit hard by graduation last season, losing 10 seniors and all five starters, and was forced to give significant playing time to underclassmen. Harris got the youngsters to click quickly, guiding the Mariners to the Class 1A South regional title game.

"He did a tremendous job," Bel Air coach Calvin Skelton said. "He managed to sweep us, beat Fallston once, and he came dangerously close to beating C. Milton Wright. With losing all he lost, I can't figure out how he did that."

Having talented underclassmen helped. Freshman shooting guard Zameria Jones could score in bunches and sophomore forward Britney Thorton averaged a double double (10 points, 10 rebounds). With such young talent on the roster, Joppatowne should be a force in the county for the next few years.

The team

Player School Year Pos.

Zameria Jones Joppatowne Fr. G

Tiffany Taylor Aberdeen So. G

Julie Trinchere C.M. Wright So. G

Jess Harlee Fallston So. F-G

Lauren Houck C. Milton Wright Sr. F

Maddie Salamone Bel Air Jr. F

Brittney Thorton Joppatowne So. F

Joanna Catalano Aberdeen Sr. C

Arlana Roland Bel Air Sr. C

Lindsay Howard Fallston Sr. C

Note: The team was selected by Stefen Lovelace after consultation with The Sun staff and area coaches.