The Lions reached the Class 4A state championship for the first time and Elbeck was the biggest reason why. The senior forward scored the eventual game-winning goal in Howard's 2-1 win over then-No. 10 Catonsville in the North region final on Nov. 4. In Saturday's 2-0 win over then-No. 4 South River in the state semifinals, she had one goal and one assist. Elbeck, who has committed to play soccer at George Mason, has fine speed and foot skills and has good field sense to distribute to teammates. This season, she has 17 goals and six assists. No. 6 Howard will take a 12-4 record into Saturday night's state title game against Walt Whitman.
Others considered: Jessica Hopkins, River Hill, soccer; Jessie Karcz, Westminster, volleyball; Jensyn Koontz, North Carroll, field hockey; Olivia Laurenzano, South River, soccer; Katie Leisher, Manchester Valley, cross country.