With SMAC basketball season quickly approaching, the teams are practicing hard and preparing to play. For each team the ultimate goal is to be crowned state champions at the Xfinity Center in College Park in early March. To get you ready for the season, this preview will walk you through all the teams.
We encourage you to get out and attend these games. Support local athletics and enjoy some great games in the process.
North Point Eagles
The Eagles come into the season coached by Jimmy Ball, in his 8th season at North Point. His players are highlighted by junior power forward Malik Brown, who last season averaged 12 points and nine rebounds per game, and senior shooting guard Joshua Holmes who had 6 points per game last season.
Game to see: vs Thomas Stone, February 13 6:30 p.m., North Point High School. This is a matchup of the top two schools in SMAC last season.
Great Mills Hornets
The Hornets are led by first season head coach Brian Weisner. Senior guard Trevon Porter leads Great Mills coming off of a junior season that saw him average nine points per game, and is looking to improve that number in 2014/2015.
Game to see: vs Leonardtown, January 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Great Mills.
Lackey Chargers
Coached by 1st year coach Pierre Bland, the Chargers are led by senior point guard Jordan Wood who averaged 10.2 points per game last season.
Game to see: vs North Point, February 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Lackey High School
Patuxent Panthers
The Panthers of Patuxent High School look to continue to improve their record, having increased their win total in each of the last three seasons. The Panthers are led by Coach Nick Wilson. Coach Wilson is backed by his returning scoring leader from last season, junior point guard Darus Maddox who averaged 11.4 points per game last season.
Game to see: vs Calvert, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Calvert High School
Leonardtown Raiders
Led by Coach Dave Holland, Leonardtown looks to continue their winning ways, having won 10 or more games four years in a row. Senior forward Sam Sweet leads the team averaging 16 points per game last season.
Game to see: the season opener vs Great Mills on December 5, 6:30 p.m. at Great Mills High School
Calvert Cavaliers
Coached by Jeremy Kurutz, the Cavaliers look to regain their success from 2012 when they won the 2A South championship. They are led by senior guard Brenan Hempstead, who averaged 14.1 points per game.
Game to see: vs Huntingtown, December 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Calvert High School.
St. Charles Spartans
In their inaugural season, the Knights are led by head coach Brett Campbell. They are led into the season by junior guards Sean Scott, and James Selby.
Game to see: vs LaPlata, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Charles. This will be the Spartans first ever home basketball game.
La Plata Knights
The Knights basketball program is led by third year coach James Douglas. By his side stands senior guard Jordan Oakley, who last year averaged an astonishing 19.1 and 10.7 rebounds per game.
Game to see: vs North Point, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. at LaPlata High School
Huntingtown Hurricanes
Huntingtown is led by coach Nick Coates, in his third year at the helm of the Hurricanes. Their leading rebounder from last season, junior center Ryan Albert, is returning this season. Albert averaged 8.7 rebounds per game last season.
Game to see: vs Thomas Stone, January 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Huntingtown high School.
Northern Patriots
Northern has a new head coach this season. Coach Donald Hammond takes the reins of a talented Patriot team. His returning leading scorer from last season is senior forward Sammy Thomas. Thomas averaged a healthy 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season.
Game to see: vs Calvert, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Northern High School. This game on opening night of the season renews the oldest rivalry in Calvert County High School Basketball.
McDonough Rams
McDonough is led into the season by Head Coach Dave Rooney. They return 4 year varsity starter Wendell Cullum. Cullum is the point guard, and averaged 11.1 points and 4.6 assists per game. Cullum tallied 4 double doubles last season.
Game to see: vs Lackey, December 12 at 6:30 at McDonough high school.
Westlake Wolverines
Coached by Ed Mouton, the Wolverines would like to improve upon their 2013 which saw them standing as the Maryland 3A state runner-ups. They return 3 starters from last season, spotlighted by shooting guard Dominic Espeleta. Espeleta averaged an eye popping 22.6 points per game last season.
Game to see: vs North Point, January 21 at 6:30 at Westake High School. This should be a great game matching two SMAC powerhouses.
Chopticon Braves
Coached by Glenn Larnerd, Jr., Chopticon would like to improve their 2013 season that saw them win 13 games. Point guard Tyler Mills can surely help that, as he averaged a respectable 21.2 points per game last season.
Game to see: vs Westlake, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Chopticon High School.
Thomas Stone Cougars
The Cougars are coached by head coach Dale Lamberth. They would like to regain their success from 2011 when they were a state finalist. Issiah Fluker can help bring them back. The senior point guard averaged seven points, nine assists, and six rebounds per game. Fluker recorded the school’s first triple double last season.
Game to see: vs North Point, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Thomas Stone High School. North Point will look to avenge the two losses that Stone handed them last season.
Enjoy the 2014 / 2015 SMAC Boys Basketball season. If you attend a game and take photos, we encourage you to submit them to TheBayNet.com through our gallery page.
