Player of the Year
Akeema Richards
WesternYoung but exceptionally talented, the sophomore guard led the Doves to their second straight Baltimore City crown and a repeat appearance in the Class 3A state final.
An offensive threat from inside and out, Richards shot 54 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range. She averaged 14.3 points to lead the No. 5 Doves. She also led the team in assists with 4.3 and steals with 4.9, while grabbing 4.9 rebounds.
Richards, who also defended the opposition's best player, scored 20 points in the city final, a 53-47 victory over City. She also thwarted the Knight's upset intentions by scoring 12 of her 15 points in the fourth quarter of the Doves' 49-44 regular-season win.
Coach of the Year
Jackie Boswell
Seton KeoughA young team returning only two starters did not prevent Boswell from guiding the Gators to a 22-7 finish and the area's No. 3 ranking. Among their local rivals, the Gators lost to just two teams -- twice each to No. 1 St. Frances and to then-No. 2 Towson Catholic. In the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference semifinal, they lost a heartbreaker to eventual champion St. Frances, 58-57.
The City Coach of the Year for a second straight season, Boswell preaches defense first. As always, her team was fundamentally sound and relied on full-court pressure and tough half-court defense to frustrate opponents. Her team had impressive early wins over then-No. 4 Arundel and Oakland Catholic, Pa., which had beaten St. Frances a few weeks earlier.
First Team
Name, School, Class, Pos.Mischa Minor Western Senior Guard
Akeema Richards Western Soph. Guard
LaShay Taft City Fresh. Guard
LaKisha Walker St. Frances Senior Guard
Mi-Khida Hankins St. Frances Senior Forward
Sheree Ledbetter Southside Senior Forward
Asya Bussie Seton Keough Soph. Center
Kandice Green St. Frances Junior Center
Second Team
Name, School, Class, Pos.Breaira Barksdale City Soph. Guard
Jasmine Barksdale Roland Park Junior Guard
Meshelle Davis Walbrook Senior Guard
TaNika Jeffers St. Frances Senior Guard
Dawnae Roberts St. Frances Senior Guard
Ashley Covell Dunbar Junior Forward
Teaunsha Robinson Poly Senior Forward
Allie Emala Bryn Mawr Senior Center
Note // Teams selected by Katherine Dunn after consultation with The Sun staff and area coaches.