Maryland high school basketball news and notes (2/20/2024)
After heartbreak the previous two seasons, Gerstell Academy’s girls basketball team had a “championship or bust” mentality this season.
“We knew the goal was to be at Stevenson this year,” said Gerstell coach Shane Stem.
The Gerstell Academy girls basketball team celebrated the 2024 IAAM B Conference championship after two years of heartbreak.
Photo by Derek Toney
The Falcons made the IAAM B Conference final at Stevenson University where they captured their coveted first championship with a 41-39 victory over John Carroll.
“The past few years we persevered through all the adversity, all the losses and we just used them as growing moments,” said Gerstell senior guard Annie Jackson, who had 14 points to close out her stellar career as the program’s all-time leading scorer, “and having the growth mindset to get where we are right now.”
The Carroll County school debut as the newest IAAM member in the 2018-19 campaign, finishing 3-22 (1-10 in B Conference play) with a 14-game losing streak. The Falcons went 10-11 (5-6 in B) the next season before the 2020-21 season never materialized because of COVID-19.
Gerstell lost to Concordia Prep in B2 semifinals in 2021-22 (14-5 overall) and St. Timothy’s in last season’s B semifinals.
The Falcons believed the stage was set this season with St. Timothy’s up in the A league, as well as Mercy, which moved to the A the season before after winning the B1 championship in 2021-22.
“We took it as an opportunity to get better and better and use it to our advantage,” said Gerstell senior post Eniyah Stinette. “We’ve been working for this moment.”
It was a “one shining moment” for Stinette, who scored the game-winning basket with 19 seconds left in regulation and had a steal with about two seconds left to clinch the landmark victory.
Gerstell went undefeated in B play (13-0) this season.
“It’s been a labor of love,” said Stem, who took over the program in 2018. “A lot of miles, a lot of tears, a lot of work.”
History for Calvert Hall's Brendan Johnson
There haven't been many highlights for Brendan Johnson in his Calvert Hall varsity career. The Cardinals finished last during the Baltimore Catholic League season.
His efforts, however, did not go unnoticed, earning BCL Player of the Year honors. The 6-foot-3 senior guard is the first player of the year honoree from a last place team.
“It’s a blessing and an honor knowing the history of this league and my school being one of the oldest schools,” said Johnson. “Being able to receive this award and join the long list of Calvert Hall legends who won this award is just a blessing.”
Calvert Hall's Brendan Johnson showcases his 2024 BCL Player of the Year award while posing with BCL Commissioner Jack Degele.
Photo by Derek Toney
Johnson, who will play for Division II Merrimack College next season, is averaging 26.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2 steals for the Cardinals (16-18 overall, 3-11 BCL).
In 1992, Kenny Gardner from 7th-place St. Maria Goretti was selected BCL Player of the Year.
Cardinals coach Gary Neal, a former NBA player, said Johnson has evolved as a scorer.
“As a junior, he was more focused on being a shooter.This year, he’s changed his mindset and is being aggressive and being a scorer,” said Neal, who was a standout at Calvert Hall in the mid-1990s before playing for LaSalle and Towson universities. “I think being able to get to the line, seven, 10 times a game plays a big part in being efficient.”
Public league titles to be decided
The final week of the state public season will feature several league championships.
Tuesday evening at Morgan State, defending Class 1A state champ Edmondson rallied from a 11-point fourth quarter deficit to dethroned City, 50-45, in the Baltimore City boys final. Poly girls won its eighth title since 2012 with a 44-35 decision over Western.
In Baltimore County, Overlea won its first boys championship in more than 30 years with a 77-69 win over defending league and Class 4A state champ Parkville. The girls title game will take place Friday with defending champ and reigning 1A titleist Pikesville hosting Loch Raven.
The Prince George’s County finals will be Friday with Bowie and Gwynn Park vying for the boys championship and Charles H. Flowers, winners of three straight titles, taking on Oxon Hill in the girls match.
Saturday, the Anne Arundel County title games will be played at Arundel. South River plays Severna Park for the boys championship, and Broadneck takes on South River in the girls game.
