Mike Daniel
The area had a number of coaches who did fine jobs, with Milford Mill's Albert Holley and Dunbar's Cyrus Jones leading their teams to state titles and Darnell Dantzler guiding Edmondson to its first Baltimore City crown. But no coach met the inevitable challenge Daniel faced in leading his No. 1 Knights (23-2) to their second straight Class 2A state title.
Before dominating the state tournament - cruising past Easton, 62-38, in the semifinal before coming away with a 56-45 win over Gwynn Park in the title game - the Knights had to survive the demanding North region, which also featured Lake Clifton, Digital Harbor and Edmondson.
Daniel prepared his team for the added pressure from the first day of practice, stressing defense, having fun and keeping an eye on the final prize.
With senior center
comfortably taking on the lead role and the addition of John Carroll transfer guard Nick Faust, Daniel was able to put all the pieces in the right places.
The veteran coach was quick to credit the tireless work of his assistants - Jerard Rucker, Mitch Wise, Phil Hahn, Tony Biggers, Brian Winfield and Derrick Wise.