Handerhan, the commissioner of the Bel Air Women’s Lacrosse League, places cones on the corners of the field minutes before game time, gathers the two teams, readies the game time stopwatch, flips the scoreboard back to zeroes and grabs her pen. There’s two chairs at the scorers table, but one of them is empty. Today, she’s the scorekeeper, stat compiler, time keeper and historian, maintaining one eye on the game while fielding questions about how, and why, this league that she’s played an integral role in assembling has persisted for more than three decades.

None of this gets old for Handerhan, 61, who was around for the league’s founding in 1992 and has led it through uncertain times and growth. The league, playing its 33rd season this summer, consists of five teams with players ranging from 14 years old to some in their 50s, most local but others coming from several counties and states. There’s high schoolers looking to stay fit over the summer, young adults looking to meet friends and mothers playing alongside their daughters.

They’re all here — Ewing Street Park nestled less than a mile away from Bel Air’s Main Street — for different reasons but drawn to the same unique opportunity.

“When I was in my 20s, there really wasn’t that much opportunity for women beyond college to play,” said Handerhan, a Catonsville native who played lacrosse at University of Richmond and now lives in Bel Air. “It was either softball or soccer. It’s just nice that there’s another option for ladies to continue to play.”

The Bel Air Women’s Lacrosse League has taken several forms since its founding. They’ve played in parks across Harford County, including Bel Air middle school for a time, but now call the private and quant Ewing Street Park home.

They play every Tuesday and Thursday night from the first week of June through the end of July — each team plays about 10 regular season games, weather permitting. A semifinal and championship game are slated for the end of the month. The league has played every year since its creation, even during the pandemic impacted summer of 2020.

Most players are local, but some come from Baltimore and Cecil counties. And a few make the half-hour drive from just over the Pennsylvania line. There’s nine mother-daughter pairs in the league, Handerhan said.

Amy Clough, 53, has played since the 1990s. She took a break to raise her two daughters. One of them, Aurora, 22, has played since her sophomore year at Fallston seven years ago. She used to watch her mom compete from the sidelines. Now, they share the field.

“That was pretty much me,” Aurora said, pointing to a group of kids playing nearby. “Then high school came around and she was like, ‘You should play.’”

“Everybody’s so forgiving out here,” Amy added. “Everyone’s friendly. That’s a huge draw for me. Everyone just wants to have a place to play. I’m just grateful that they let us — let me — at my age. It feels rare. It’s a rare thing.”

Cari Biscoe is one of Handerhan’s top volunteer helpers, arriving early to set up the field and managing other aspects of the league’s operations. Her two daughters, Addison, 18, and Molly, 16, play. Like Aurora Clough, they were once the younger children running around the sidelines watching mom.

“I like being able to play with her. I enjoy it. Sometimes she yells at us, but it’s fun,” Molly Biscoe, a rising junior at John Carroll who’s in her second summer with the league, said through a smile.

The league is not without its challenges. Participation has dipped in recent years as club leagues pluck talented high school and college-aged players away. The league once also fielded a junior level. There’s just one level now, but promising regrowth helped the league expand from four to five teams in 2025. Handerhan credits the Bel Air Recreation Committee’s increased social media presence for helping word spread.

“We’ve had our battles,” Cari Biscoe said. “But since COVID, we’ve been able to bring back that resilience.”

Handerhan is also some of the players’ biggest cheerleaders. Between answering questions and jotting who scored the latest goal, she’s shouting words of encouragement or coaching tips to players as they maneuver around defenders to attack the net.

She hasn’t taken the field herself for several years now, but Handerhan is still spending her Tuesday and Thursday nights here. She doesn’t see herself — or the Bel Air Women’s Lacrosse League — slowing down any time soon.

“So they don’t have to stop,” Handerhan said as she updates the score board and tells referees the time. “I just want to let it be known that you don’t have to stop after you have kids. You can come back and play with us. You can get married and come back and play with us. And when your kids get older, you come back and play with them.”

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The shortstop played through that injury two seasons ago, then got an MRI after it concluded to determine where his recovery stood. It revealed a more disruptive issue: impingements in both hips, which required immediate surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process.

If it wasn’t discovered then, Rhine said, it would have been eventually. And had that been in college or the pros, it would have set him back longer — or potentially ended his playing days.

It took a few weeks into this past spring, but Rhine eventually finally felt like himself again and completed a stellar final campaign with the Patriots, whom he led to a Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference championship on his way to being named The Aegis baseball Player of the Year.

“It was kinda questionable if I was even going to be able to play,” Rhine said. “It’s a blessing in disguise that they found it when they did.”

The Alabama commit and Gatorade Maryland Baseball Player of the Year hit .449 and got on base at a .662 clip this season for John Carroll, which boasts a few more college signees. Rhine was originally committed to Maryland, but when coach Rob Vaughn left the Terps for the Crimson Tide, the shortstop followed.

Rhine strained his hip flexor slipping on wet turf just before his junior season began. He didn’t miss time, though he now acknowledges that he wasn’t fully healthy two springs ago. Then the two hip surgeries forced him to sit out of baseball activities for about six months.

The Rhines’ kitchen became a makeshift batting cage, as a pitching machine tossed foam balls at him while he sat in a chair and gently swung a bat. When he did return, he opened this past season not playing every day or serving as the Patriots’ designated hitter. He returned to shortstop when MIAA conference play started.

He still never lost that powerful hack. It led him to becoming Harford County’s best player and has him on a path to the top league in college baseball — or the draft. Rhine participated in the MLB draft combine earlier this month in Arizona and is Baseball America’s 24th-ranked high school prospect.

“Showing people that I was back healthy — because there was probably a year and a half where I wasn’t playing 100% — was really good to see,” Rhine said.

Coach of the year

Jeff Burrows, North Harford

Burrows’ Hawks reached the state semifinals and finished the season with a 18-5 record before coming up just short of the championship — the deepest any Harford County team went in the state tournament. Burrows was also voted the UCBAC Coach of the Year by his peers.

All-County first team

Jackson Armiger, North Harford, senior, shortstop

Armiger’s 27 hits and 11 doubles were seventh and second, respectively, in the UCBAC this season, and he led the conference with 27 stolen bases.

Bryce Bauer, Havre de Grace, senior, pitcher-shortstop

Bauer, named the UCBAC Player of the Year by the conference’s coaches, led the circuit in hits and triples and was second in innings pitched and strikeouts.

Casey Carpenter, John Carroll, senior, first baseman

Carpenter, along with Rhine, anchored the infield for the MIAA A Conference champs and is a UNC Wilmington commit.

Joey Coudon, John Carroll, junior, infielder-outfielder

Rhine called Coudon, who slugged 15 home runs this season, “probably the most underrated player in Maryland.”

Kevin Emerson, C. Milton Wright, senior, outfielder

Emerson led the UCBAC in home runs this spring with five; only four other players had more than two.

Matt Hart, North Harford, senior, pitcher-infielder

Hart’s 40 1/3 innings, 1.49 ERA and 68 strikeouts were each top six in the UCBAC.

Collin Kight, North Harford, junior, pitcher-first baseman

Kight was the ace for a pitching staff that pushed the Hawks to the state semifinal game.

Tre McInnes, Patterson Mill, junior, catcher

McInnes recorded nine doubles and 21 RBIs for the Huskies.

Brooks Mueller, John Carroll, senior, pitcher

Mueller was the Patriots’ top pitcher and is committed to UMBC.

Luca Santoro, Fallston, senior, catcher-outfielder

Santoro his .455 with 24 RBIs for the Cougars.

CJ Scism, Harford Tech, senior, pitcher

Scism was named the UCBAC Pitcher of the Year by the conference’s coaches, posting a 0.70 ERA with a conference-leading 92 strikeouts over 50 1/3 innings.

Noah Thomas, Patterson Mill, senior, pitcher-infielder

Thomas’ six wins were second most in the UCBAC.

All-County second team

Reese Conley, Fallston, junior, first baseman-pitcher

Sean Ellis, North Harford, sophomore, pitcher

Mason Hemelt, Patterson Mill, sophomore, outfielder-pitcher

Zach Lane, Harford Tech, junior, infielder

Zach Loewe, Fallston, senior, outfielder

Jack Morrill, Aberdeen, senior, outfielder

Quinn Pierce, John Carroll, junior, pitcher

A.J. Rodgers, Havre de Grace, senior, infielder

Logan Scheeler, Patterson Mill, sophomore, infielder

Braxton Stocking, Bel Air, junior, infielder-outfielder

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She’d always been a productive pitcher, hitter and fielder for Patterson Mill, but also felt she hadn’t lived up to the potential she showed during summer ball and other ventures outside of the high school circuit.

But this spring was different. It was her last with the Huskies, the last for veteran coach Jeff Horton and the last ride with the top five in Patterson Mill’s lineup. With an understanding that so many integral pieces were leaving together, it made 2025 a memorable one for Baldwin as she finally lived up to who she always knew she could be and earned The Aegis softball Player of the Year.

“I thought I finally was able to perform how I wanted, pitching, hitting and fielding wise,” Baldwin said. “It was nice for it all to come together. I was really motivated and wanted to end on a good note. I’ve always been a better player than what I exhibited in high school, like in the summer and stuff I would do better. Everyone’s always hard on themselves, but I was happy I performed up to my standards.”

This spring was Horton and several of the team’s assistant coaches’ final seasons with the Huskies. It was more of an unspoken understanding that this group’s days together were waning, Baldwin said. “It was in the air. We didn’t talk about it, but we knew it was there,” she said. “We really wanted to go out on top, because it was like he was graduating with us, too. All five of our seniors, we were very motivated and wanted for ourselves and each other.”

Patterson Mill fell short of its lofty aspirations. After a 17-1 regular season, the Huskies bowed out in the regional final in a 8-6 loss to Fallston, prematurely ending what was in line to be a memorable season. Still, the energy that permeated throughout a group that knew its time together was limited was palpable.

Baldwin was at the center of that. The pitcher and infielder hit .500 with three home runs. In the circle, she went a perfect 6-0 with a 2.24 earned run average across 50 innings. It was a realization of her fullest potential, fueled by wanting to player with her friends and for Horton for as long as possible.

“Even though we didn’t end how we wanted to, the way our team came together — just the environment we had in practices and games was unmatched. We got along so well. Me and Izzy [Hiebler] when I was pitching, or me and Savannah [Reedy] when I was at second and she was at short, everything flowed so well. When we lost, obviously we were upset we didn’t make it to the state tournament, but we were more upset that we weren’t going to play together again.”

Coach of the year

Brian Frist, Fallston

Frist’s Cougars went 13-5 in the regular season and 15-6 overall, capped with a region championship with a victory over Patterson Mill.

“Fallston is always prepared to play,” an opposing area coach told The Aegis. “His team does not make many mistakes and takes advantage of mistakes and weaknesses of other teams, which I conclude is a very well coached team.”

All-County first team

Kallissa Coats, John Carroll, senior, infielder

Coats, a Towson commit, did it all for John Carroll, hitting .556 with a team-leading nine home runs.

Abby Marmen, Fallston, junior, infielder

Marmen’s eight home runs led the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference.

Savannah Reedy, Patterson Mill, senior, infielder

Reedy was in the middle of the uber-productive Huskies lineup, slashing .426/.520/.590 with eight extra-base hits this season.

Shiloh Wall, Harford Tech, senior, infielder

Wall’s 18 RBIs led the Cobras, and she pitched to a 1.22 earned run average.

Bayleigh Carstetter, Havre de Grace, senior, outfielder

The blazing Carstetter patrolled center field for the Warriors and was a perfect 28-for-28 on stolen base attempts.

Savannah Claycomb, John Carroll, junior, outfielder

Claycomb hit .492 and scored 23 runs as the Patriots’ leadoff hitter. She also pitched to a 3.26 earned run average across 34 1/3 innings in the circle.

Kenzie Knight, Patterson Mill, senior, outfielder

Knight slugged .652 and scored 34 runs for the Huskies.

Sofia Gallahue, Bel Air, senior, outfielder/pitcher

Gallahue hit .534 with a 1.436 on-base-plus-slugging percentage for the Bobcats. She also dominated in the circle with a 2.38 ERA and 101 strikeouts, and in the outfield with zero errors committed all season.

Emily Hildt, John Carroll, sophomore, pitcher/first base

Hildt led the Patriots with 35 RBIs and hit .532. She pitched to a 2.50 ERA and a 7-2 record.

Izzie Youngworth, C. Milton Wright, junior, pitcher

An opposing coach said Youngworth, who missed the first two weeks of the season with an illness, “can do it all” and has a “phenomonal glove that makes the difficult plays seem routine.”

Kinsey Mentzer, Havre de Grace, senior, catcher

Mentzer hit .491 with four home runs as one of two Warriors on the All-Aegis first team.

Ava Wimer, North Harford, senior, utility

Wimer was also named first team All-UCBAC by the conference’s coaches.

All-County second team

May Ambrose, Fallston, sophomore, catcher

Valeria Gutierrez, Edgewood, senior, pitcher

Izzy Hiebler, Patterson Mill, senior, catcher

Aubrey March, Patterson Mill, senior, infielder

Leah McGivern, Bel Air, sophomore, designated player

Ashley Merson, Joppatowne, senior, pitcher

Sofia Ortiz, Edgewood, senior, infielder

Mary Pfaff, Fallston, junior, pitcher/utility

Mandi Redmiles, Patterson Mill, sophomore, pitcher

Lyric Strong, Harford Tech, junior, outfielder/shortstop

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Years later, after Swartzendruber’s Fallston boys lacrosse team played in its fourth state championship game in the senior’s career, the Cougars’ dynamic goal scorer is The Aegis boys lacrosse Player of the Year. With 44 goals and 12 assists, he led an unrelenting attack that powered Fallston to a Class 1A state runner-up finish, making a slew of individual memories along the way.

“Obviously, it sucks that we lost the state championship game, especially in the way that we did,” Swartzendruber said. “But when you break it down, I’ve been to three state championships in a row. It’s really the journey.”

Swartzendruber had been eyeing those goal and assist totals since his junior season. Fallston coach Patrick Mull conducts exit meetings after every spring with returning players. There, Mull gave Swartzendruber a benchmark to reach for: 40 goals and 20 assists.

Just short on the assist tally but eclipsing the scoring mark, Swartzendruber led Fallston to a 18-2 overall record, including an appearance in the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference title game and another state final.

“That slips under the radar for me sometimes, like I don’t even realize how lucky I am,” he said.

By most metrics, it was an undeniably successful season. But Fallston has higher hopes. The Cougars squandered a seven-goal lead in the second half of the championship contest, allowing eight unanswered scores in the game’s final minutes to drop what appeared to be a sure victory.

Swartzendruber and his fellow seniors have been wrestling with the aftermath of that loss in the weeks since. The devastating defeat stings. But reaching the state championship every year of their careers might be equally as impressive, lengthening a dominant run and maintaining Fallston’s status as the area’s premier developmental program that year after year produces players like Swartzendruber.

“Now, I’m a senior and at the top of the pipeline. It’s cool to see that that’s how it can go,” he said. “It’s good to know the program is in good hands for years to come.”

Coach of the Year

Andy LeBrun, C. Milton Wright

LeBrun, in this third season leading his alma mater, captured the renewed UCBAC title game with an upset victory over Fallston and led his Mustangs to a state quarterfinal appearance and 10-5 overall record.

All-County first team

Chace Allen, Aberdeen, senior, attack

Allen was also named first-team All-County by the area’s coaches.

Gabe Bravo, Havre de Grace, sophomore, attack

The lone sophomore on the All-Aegis first team led a young Warriors squad that returns several key players next season.

Tyler Morris, C. Milton Wright, senior, attack

Morris is one of two brothers and six C. Milton Wright players to appear on the All-Aegis first team.

Jaden Riley, Fallston, senior, attack

Riley scored four goals in the Cougars’ state championship game defeat.

Braxton Marchand, C. Milton Wright, junior, midfield

Marchand was the lone short-stick defensive midfielder to be named first-team All-County by the area’s coaches.

Gavin Morris, C. Milton Wright, senior, midfield

Morris was also named first-team All-County by the area’s coaches.

John Okougbo, Aberdeen, senior, midfield

Okougbo helped Allen form a potent duo for the Eagles.

Dylan Sander, C. Milton Wright, senior, midfield

Sander, a repeat All-Aegis first-team member, is committed to Mount St. Mary’s.

RJ Wilhelm, Patterson Mill, senior, midfield

Wilhelm, who also stars in football for the Huskies, was also named first-team All-County by the area’s coaches.

Kyle Ashman, C. Milton Wright, senior, defense

Ashman led a defense that pushed the Mustangs to an UCBAC title and state semifinal appearance.

Owen King, Fallston, senior, defense

King anchored Fallston’s defense, which allowed an average of fewer than four goals per game in the state tournament.

Cooper Savelle, Fallston, junior, defense

Savelle partnered with King to form an imposing back line for the Cougars.

Ben Gaughan, Bel Air, senior, defense

Gaughan, one-third of Bel Air’s “Huggies,” led a Bobcats team that reached the state quarterfinals.

Zach Curry, C. Milton Wright, senior, goalie

Curry stunted Fallston in the UCBAC title game, holding the then-two-time defending state champions to six goals in the victory.

Dominic Foster, Fallston, senior, faceoff

Foster was critical in the Cougars’ dynamic offense and powered so many of his team’s lopsided victories.

All-County second team

Jarred Burton, Edgewood, junior, defense

Nate Chanoski, Fallston, senior, attack

Garrett Diblasi, C. Milton Wright, junior, face-off

Jack Friskey, Fallston, senior, midfield

Aedan Gilbert, John Carroll, senior, midfield

Caleb Kerr, North Harford, senior, midfield

Sam Levi, C. Milton Wright, junior, attack

Peter Myers, Bel Air, senior, midfield

Carter Priet, North Harford, junior, defense

Grayson Pohlner, C. Milton Wright, senior, defense

Brendan Rey, Fallston, junior, midfield

Ethan Smith, North Harford, freshman, goalie

Grant Smith, Bel Air, senior, attack

Trent Wrzosek, Harford Tech, senior, midfield

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She did so essentially playing out of position on the lacrosse field. She’s more comfortable on defense, where she plays on the club circuit and will play in college at Temple. But for Bel Air the last four seasons, she was asked to take on more of an offensive role in the midfield.

She can break down in immense detail the intricacies of each position and their differing responsibilities. By playing — and excelling — at both, she’s found a fresh outlook on the sport that she hopes bodes well at the next level and propelled her to an impressive finish at the high school level.

“I really wanted to attack the goal more. Going through the season, I really improved in my confidence,” Feick said. “It really opened my mind to other possibilities.”

Feick totaled 65 goals, 23 assists, 87 draw controls and 51 caused turnovers for the Bobcats this spring, doing it all for a team that reached the Class 3A state quarterfinals.

Playing in a variety of roles opened the senior’s eyes to how lacrosse is played at different positions. Now, when she’s on defense looking to keep the ball out of the net, she can go inside the mind of the opponent running toward her with the ball in her stick and the goal on her mind.

“It’s one thing to play defense and watch the offense do it,” Feick said. “But when you’re actually on offense, you can get into their mindset a little bit and understand what they’re trying to do when approaching you.”

Now, Feick turns her attention to Temple, where she’s already begun getting to know her future coaches and teammates. She’s confident what she learned at Bel Air, on the lacrosse field and in the classroom, fuels similar success at the next level.

“I’m really proud of myself for accomplishing high academic achievements in addition to sports. It’s hard to balance,” said Feick, who took 11 AP classes and participated in the biomedical program this school year. “It’s really impressive to me.”

Coach of the year

Maddie Ricucci, Fallston

Ricucci’s team parlayed an up-and-down regular season into another deep postseason run, reaching the 1A state semifinals and finishing the campaign with an 11-6 record. The Cougars also claimed an Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference title in this spring’s renewed conference championship game format.

All-County first team

Camryn Dauphinais, Fallston, sophomore, attack

One of the only sophomores on the All-Aegis team, Dauphinais scored 25 goals with six assists.

Pieper McCue, John Carroll, junior, attack/draw specialist

In addition to 106 draw controls, McCue added 22 goals and was also named to the All-IAAM team.

Emma Jankowiak, C. Milton Wright, senior, attack

Jankowiak tallied 84 goals with 41 draw controls and 10 assists this season.

Madeline Tunney, Patterson Mill, senior, attack

Tunney’s 36 goals and 15 assists anchored the Huskies’ attack unit.

Sam Wolfkill, C. Milton Wright, senior, attack

Wolfkill’s 56 goals and 15 assists partnered with Jankowiak to form a dynamic attack duo for the Mustangs.

Darby Doehring, Bel Air, senior, midfield

Doehring posted 83 draw controls for the Bobcats with 13 goals and 15 assists.

Riley Manzo, Bel Air, senior, midfield

Manzo’s 74 goals were among the best in the UCBAC this spring.

Grace Marchetti, John Carroll, senior, midfield

Marchetti, also a member of the All-IAAM A Conference team, collected 59 draw controls, the most in program history for a non-draw specialist.

Sophie Molyneux, Havre de Grace, junior, midfield

Molyneux tallied 39 goals and 14 assists this season.

Olivia Parker, Fallston, junior, midfield

Parker’s 57 draw controls led the Cougars, and she added 23 goals, four assists and three forced turnovers.

Emily Wilson, North Harford, sophomore, midfield

Wilson collected 59 draws and 45 ground balls for the Hawks.

Natalie Wirth, Fallston, senior, midfield

Wirth did it all for the Cougars, posting 34 goals, 37 draw controls and seven assists.

Reagan Cadden, North Harford, senior, defense

Cadden anchored North Harford’s defense with 22 caused turnovers and 32 ground balls, while also tallying three goals.

Marisa Dixon, Fallston, sophomore, defense

Dixon tallied 25 ground balls and 15 forced turnovers for Fallston’s back line.

Alexa Lang, John Carroll, senior, goalie

Lang, a University of South Florida signee, battled bullying and surgeries throughout her childhood to blossom on the field.

All-County second team

Cammie Appleby, North Harford, freshman, attack

Sammie Bender, John Carroll, senior, midfield

Delaney Burrows, Bel Air, senior, attack

Payton Chase Patterson Mill, senior, midfield

Sam Chittum, Patterson Mill, junior, attack

Peyton Dawson, North Harford, junior, goalie

Gabriella Eraso, Patterson Mill, senior, defense

Sarah Fatkin, Bel Air, junior, defense

Abby Howes, Fallston, junior, defense

Rylie Madsen, Patterson Mill, junior, attack

Kenzie Milich, C. Milton Wright, junior, midfield

Lena Rockhill, C. Milton Wright, senior, attack

Natalie Schromsky, Fallston, junior, midfield

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Athlete of the Year

Destiny Coleman, Woodlawn, junior

Seeing how fluidly Coleman clears a hurdle before sprinting to the finish, it’s hard to fathom that there was a time when she wasn’t too fond of the event.

“Actually, I was afraid of hurdles,” she said. “But my coach saw something I didn’t, and he told me one day I was gonna practice hurdles and I never stopped.”

“She showed a lot of aggression, a lot of natural ability,” Woodlawn coach Joey Young said. “I’m big on hurdles, or specialty events with the kids. I ended up teaching her how to three-step in one practice. She learned it in two hours. She was a natural. I felt like it was something she could easily pick up on.”

Her fears soon subsided, and Coleman began sprinting toward record times.

She won the Class 4A state title in the 100-meter hurdles in 13.25 seconds, smashing the previous state meet all-class record of 13.64, though she won’t get credit because of the windy conditions the day of her race.

She also finished as state runner-up in the 300 hurdles and third in the 100-meter dash. She ran on Woodlawn’s state-title winning 4×100- and 4×200-meter relays and the runner-up 4×400 team — which Coleman takes more pride in.

“I feel like every time we win a state title or break a record, I feel like it’s more than just breaking a record. It’s not only an individual thing, it’s a team thing,” she said. “What we accomplish as a team is way better.”

Coleman was a state champion last year in the hurdles but became more dedicated to her craft after a spectacular indoor performance. At The Armory Hispanic Games in New York, Coleman won the 55-meter hurdles in 7.75 seconds, which was the best time in the United States at the time.

She gained more national attention in April at the Mt. SAC Relays, winning the top high school division of the 100 hurdles in 13.37 seconds, beating the top-rated runners nationally.

“I had a lot more dedication this year both mentally and physically,” she said. “Last year, I wouldn’t say I was new, but I was new to hurdles. I wasn’t maybe taking it as serious as I should’ve. But after the Hispanic Games, that’s when I was like, ‘OK, I got to lock in. If I’m setting these times at the beginning of the season, just imagine what I can do if I keep working at it.'”

Coleman started running AAU in eighth grade during the heart of the pandemic. She said that her mother gave her the choice of going into high school if she wanted to keep running AAU or join a school team.

“I wanted to try something new,” she said of her choice to join Woodlawn. “It would be a different opportunity to meet people and do something different.”

Heading into her senior year, Coleman said she’s drawn interest from Texas Tech, LSU, Mississippi and Florida State. She said her college choice will come down in part to her relationship with her future coaches.

“If you have a good personality, and whether you just want me because I’m fast or you can train me to be better than I am now,” she said.

Coach of the year

Bernard Williams, McDonogh

McDonogh is in the midst of an Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland dynasty. That’s never easy for a new coach to walk in to, yet Bernard Williams was able to continue the success Phil Turner established before departing last offseason.

Williams led the Eagles to their fourth straight IAAM A Conference championship.

“To be honest, it was a lot of pressure,” Williams said. “We had a reputation for winning the conference the last three years. I had never been head coach before, so I was real apprehensive at first, but I realized we had a good support staff.”

Williams and his staff built a well-rounded team. McDonogh fielded the area’s best sprinter as well as All-Metro first-team selections in mid-distance, throws and pole vault. There were also stars in hurdles, jumps and distance.

The Cooper sisters, Elise and Elena, are two Division I commits that are a foundation to build off of at any meet they compete in, a virtual lock for at least 40-50 points. But Williams and the Eagles were able to supplement the superstars with a full lineup of talented athletes.

“All of those girls made us look good,” Williams said. “With Kelsey [Coley] and Morgan [Heard] taking one-two in hurdles, Julia [Norris] winning shot and discus, and then other people like Caroline [Birdsall], who did great in pole vault, but also did great in long jump and triple jump and on 4×4. That senior group pulled together in all different events and made it happen.”

First team

Caroline Birdsall, McDonogh, senior

Birdsall cleared 11 feet to win the pole vault at the IAAM A Conference championships. She won the event at four meets this season and had a best vault of 11-9 1/4 at the Penn Relays.

Madisyn Bobb, Harford Tech, senior

Bobb was a key piece of the Cobras’ Class 2A state team championship. She won the state title in the 200 (24.7 seconds) and was the runner-up in the 400 after winning the event at regionals. She was also the state runner-up in the 100 hurdles.

Rebecca Burgee, Southern-AA, senior

Burgee was a three-time gold medalist at the 2A state meet, winning the 400 (56.57), 800 (2:19.17) and anchoring Southern’s winning 4×400 relay. She also ran on the runner-up 4×800 relay.

Elena Cooper, McDonogh, senior

Cooper, a Stanford commit, was the IAAM A Conference long jump champion. Her top jump of 20 feet, 10 inches at the East Coast International high school meet was the best in all of Maryland this season.

Elise Cooper, McDonogh, senior

Cooper, a Texas commit and the area’s premier sprinter, won IAAM A Conference titles in the 100 (11.88), 200 (23.84) and 400 (53.75).

Dana Doubek, Broadneck, sophomore

Doubek had the best pole vault in the area and second best in Maryland, clearing 12 feet at the Golliday Invitational. She won Anne Arundel County and 4A East Region titles and finished third at states.

Bianca Durant, Howard, senior

Durant won the 3A 200 meters in a personal record time of 23.82 seconds. She was also state runner-up in the 100. She was the 3A South Region champion in both events.

Winter Evans, Harford Tech, senior

Evans won 2A state championships in the 100 (12.18) and 100 hurdles (14.01). She was also the 2A East Region champion and state runner-up in the high jump. Her season-best height of 5 feet, 5 inches was the best of any metro-area jumper.

Eliza Fox, Hereford, junior

Fox won the high jump in six meets this season, including the Baltimore County championship and 2A North Region championship. Her best jump this season was clearing 5-4.

Alicia Hall, Oakland Mills, senior

Hall excelled in the triple jump. Her 3A state championship-winning distance of 39-9 1/4 was the fourth-best distance in Maryland, according to athletic.net. She also secured Howard County and 3A South Region championships among her seven wins.

Julia Norris, McDonogh, senior

Norris was the area’s top thrower this season. She won IAAM A Conference championships in shot put and discus. Her top marks of 42-0 (shot put) and 134-2 (discus) were each the fourth best in Maryland, according to athletic.net.

Sylvia Snider, Hereford, senior

Snider closed out her highly decorated distance running career with a 2A state title in the 3,200 (10:57.6). She added a state runner-up finish in the 1,600 and third-place finish in the 800.

Ava Staley, Winters Mill, sophomore

Staley was one of the area’s best high jumpers this season. Her best jump was clearing 5-4 to win the 2A West Region championship. She was the Carroll County champion and finished fourth at states.

Marella Virmani, River Hill, junior

Virmani finished as 3A state runner-up in the 1,600 and was third place in the 800. She was Howard County champion in both events and the South Region champion in the 800. She was also a key piece of the Hawks’ state record-setting 4×800 relay.

Second team

Tessa Altshuler, South Carroll, freshman

Destiny Baker, Harford Tech, senior

Sedona Clarke, Broadneck, sophomore

Kelsey Coley, McDonogh, senior

Alexandra Collier, Spalding, junior

Devin DeGannes, Dulaney, senior

Maddie Drylie, Hereford, junior

Ariyah Edwards, City, senior

Aurlani Irvin, Woodlawn, sophomore

Madisen Morgan, Harford Tech, senior

Fiyinfoluwa Popoola, Western Tech, senior

Sydney Rhodes, Howard, senior

Ava Snyder, Liberty, freshman

Ogechi Uzoukwu, Western Tech, senior

Lauren Virmani, River Hill, junior

Final Top 15 poll

Rank, team

1. McDonogh

2. Woodlawn

3. Oakland Mills

4. Harford Tech

5. Hereford

6. Howard

7. Broadneck

8. Crofton

9. Maryvale Prep

10. Century

11. Western

12. Mount de Sales

13. River Hill

14. Severna Park

15. Southern-AA

Others considered: Atholton, Centennial, City, Randallstown, Western Tech

Have a news tip? Contact Anthony Maluso at amaluso@baltsun.com, 567-230-6024, x.com/TonySunSports and instagram.com/TonySunSports.

Player of the Year

Gavin Metrick, Reservoir, senior, pitcher

Before embarking on his senior campaign, Reservoir pitcher Gavin Metrick garnered some sage advice from a current major leaguer. Metrick listened carefully to the Boston Red Sox star, and then he decided to make some modifications.

The result was a final season to remember, including The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro Player of the Year honors.

“Before the season started, I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the Boston Red Sox spring training,” Metrick said. “There, I had the chance to talk to many Red Sox players, including Jarren Duran, someone who places a lot of emphasis on the mental side of the game. I asked him if he had any goals coming into the season after his stellar performance last year. He told me he didn’t believe in setting specific goals — just in giving his all every single day. His reasoning was that if he fell behind on any goal, it would create unnecessary pressure.”

Sound logic for sure, but not exactly what Metrick decided to settle on in preparation for the 2025 season.

“When I got home, I applied my own spin on his philosophy,” Metrick said. “I printed out the [Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches] preseason All-State list — a list I wasn’t on — and taped it on my bedroom wall. It became a daily motivator to keep pushing and improving.

“Every day, I left my room looking at the list as a reminder that there was still more work to be done on my part to get better. Rather than chasing individual stats or accolades, my goal was to give everything I had every single day — for myself, my teammates, and my coaches.”

Metrick did just that as a potent dual-threat contributor on a Reservoir squad that compiled a 20-2 record, including a regional championship, that concluded with a Class 4A state semifinal loss to eventual champion Walter Johnson.

“Gavin made some goals for this season after not having a great junior year,” Gators coach Adam Leader said. “He worked out, worked on his pitching and arm strength, and it really paid off for him.”

On the mound, Metrick compiled a 5-0 record, a minuscule 0.35 ERA, and a mind-boggling 75 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings. He pitched 6 2/3 innings of a combined no-hitter against sixth-ranked River Hill (18-5) and struck out 16 batters against Glenelg (14-5).

“Gavin has great command of his pitches,” Leader said. “He is able to read swings of players and attack any weakness he recognizes. His pitches move a lot, which kept players off-balance.”

Offensively, Metrick batted .429 with 22 RBIs, 20 runs, four doubles, two triples, a home run and 11 stolen bases. He struck out only once this past season.

“Preparation and self-belief: I made this a mental priority this year,” Metrick said. “In every situation, I was as prepared as I possibly could be. So, no matter what happened, I knew I couldn’t have done anything more. That gave me peace of mind throughout the year.”

Metrick will continue his career at Towson University, where he will major in business management.

Coach of the Year

Darrion Siler, John Carroll

Like a prophet from ancient times, John Carroll coach Darrion Siler foresaw a dramatic rise for his program when inspecting his current squad of talented seniors at their first practice some four years ago.

“Honestly, I’ve believed it since this senior class were freshmen,” said Siler, whose squad was anchored by seniors Casey Carpenter, the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference Player of the Year, catcher Dallas Brooks and ace Brooks Mueller, among others. “We’ve been building toward this for years. I’ve always felt this program was capable of breaking through to the top, and we’ve been knocking on that door for a while now.”

Add in some extra motivation from last year’s narrow playoff miss and a successful spring break trip to Alabama, and Siler had all the necessary ingredients to capture the program’s first MIAA A crown. The Patriots did so in grand fashion, sweeping all four of their postseason games.

“We were the most complete team,” said Siler, whose squad went 28-8 and 14-4 in the league, good enough for the tournament’s top seed. “We had elite starting pitching that gave us a chance to win every time out, and our bullpen was a trusted group of guys we could put in tough situations and know they would get the job done.

“Defensively, we played clean baseball. On offense, we trusted each other, stuck to our plan, and executed. It seems like every game someone else stepped up and delivered a big hit, everyone in the lineup had the moment this year. Incredible. In the playoffs, we outscored our opponents 2 to 1. That’s not luck. That’s focus. That’s trust.”

The Patriots showed that dominance throughout the final month of the season, winning their final 10 games, including a combined 8-4 sweep of fourth-seeded Mount Saint Joseph (13-11) in the semifinals and a combined 12-6 sweep of second-seeded Calvert Hall (23-11) in the championship series.

“This group climbed the mountain step by step,” Siler said. “Last year was tough. We missed the playoffs by a game, and it really stung. That was a wake-up call: Nothing in this league is given. So, the guys made a decision this offseason that they weren’t going to let that happen again. We were going to make a statement. That hunger showed up in the weight room, in practices, in how they carried themselves.

“Early in the season, we were still figuring things out, but each week we got a little better. The culture matured. The standard got raised. And by the end of the year, we were playing some really great baseball. Everyone was on the same page, whether it was the ace on the mound or the last guy off the bench, we were all rowing in the same direction.”

First team

Caden Blanck, Severn, senior, first baseman-pitcher

Blanck, a University of Richmond commit, earned MIAA B Conference Player of the Year honors by recording a 0.54 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 39 innings on the mound and a .420 batting average with 13 stolen bases at the plate.

Casey Carpenter, John Carroll, senior, first baseman

Carpenter earned MIAA A Conference Player of the Year honors by compiling a .401 batting average, 12 home runs — including a two-run shot in the A Conference final — 49 RBIs and 49 runs.

Joey Coudon, John Carroll, junior, infielder-outfielder

Batting from the leadoff spot, Coudon ignited John Carroll’s potent offense, batting .368 with a team-high 15 home runs and 60 runs to go along with 40 RBIs and 28 stolen bases.

Anderson Dang, River Hill, senior, catcher

Dang was a defensive stalwart behind the plate and a force in the box, batting a sizzling .563 with six home runs, 27 RBIs, 30 runs, six doubles and a pair of triples for the Hawks.

Will Haacke, Calvert Hall, senior, outfielder

This James Madison University commit batted .418 with 19 extra-base hits, including seven home runs, with 32 RBIs and 30 runs.

Eli Livingston, St. Paul’s, senior, outfielder

The Maryland commit was a force at the plate (.415 average, six doubles, six triples, five home runs, 24 RBIs, 26 runs, 16 stolen bases) and in the outfield, including a pair of assists while committing just one error.

Braeden Martin, Spalding, junior, shortstop

Martin, an All-MIAA selection, guided the Cavaliers (23-10) with a .418 batting average, .500 on-base percentage, nine doubles, two homers, 19 RBIs, 27 runs and 12 stolen bases.

Brooks Mueller, John Carroll, senior, pitcher

Mueller anchored a stingy pitching staff, leading the Patriots to the MIAA A crown by compiling a perfect 12-0 record with a 2.61 ERA, 60 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings and a .228 batting average against.

Will Rhine, John Carroll, senior, infielder

Rhine, the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year, batted .420 with seven home runs, 10 doubles, 32 RBIs and 35 runs. He will continue his career at the University of Alabama.

Brayden Robinson, Spalding, senior, pitcher

Robinson, an All-MIAA selection, was a dominant force on the hill for the Cavaliers, collecting a 6-2 record with 62 strikeouts and a 1.34 ERA as opponents hit a mere .186 against the talented right-hander.

Mike Swick, Broadneck, senior, outfielder

Swick, who has committed to Frostburg, paced the Bruins (21-2) with a .462 batting average, .583 on-base percentage, eight doubles, five triples, three home runs, 33 RBIs, 34 runs and 10 stolen bases.

Aidan West, Long Reach, senior, infielder

This slick fielding middle infielder, who is headed to North Carolina State, batted .538 with five home runs, 30 RBIs, 29 runs and 34 stolen bases.

Second team

Leo Antwerpen, McDonogh, junior, pitcher-first baseman

Kaden Barmer, Calvert Hall, senior, outfielder

Peter Bashore, Calvert Hall, senior, pitcher

Nick Cicale, Broadneck, senior, catcher

Aidan Ciurca, Hereford, junior, pitcher

Noah Forman, Broadneck, senior, pitcher-first baseman

Andy Lambert, McDonogh, sophomore, utility player-pitcher

Seth Rosenfeld, Long Reach, senior, infielder

Matt Russell, Reservoir, senior pitcher-shortstop

Carter Shanks, Liberty, junior, pitcher-third baseman

Nathan Wines, Spalding, senior, pitcher

Final Top 15 poll

Rank, team, record

1. John Carroll (28-8)

2. Calvert Hall (23-11)

3. Broadneck (21-2)

4. Reservoir (20-2)

5. Spalding (23-10)

6. River Hill (18-5)

7. Mount Saint Joseph (15-12)

8. Towson (16-3)

9. Liberty (15-3)

10. McDonogh (17-11)

11. Boys’ Latin (17-5)

12. Severn (17-5)

13. Chesapeake-AA (15-7)

14. Long Reach (15-5)

15. Gerstell (13-5)

Others considered: Centennial (12-5), Curley (17-13), Glenelg (14-5), Hereford (16-8), North Harford (18-5-1)

Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13.

Player of the Year

Brynn Jones, Northeast-AA, junior, shortstop

For Brynn Jones, it’s all about the work ethic. Just ask her coach, Joe Hart.

“I’d be out working on the field and I’d look over and see her and her dad practicing,” Hart said. “That’s what set her apart, her work ethic and her leadership. She leads by example. That’s why she is as successful as she is.”

That work ethic and her ability to display it on the field made Jones The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro Player of the Year. The Eagles were the best team in the area this year, and Jones was a major reason.

“After we lost to Chesapeake in the playoffs the year before, I thought this would be our year. We didn’t get our ultimate goal [of winning a state title] but we still had a great season,” she said.

Much of that was because of Jones. The junior was a leader in the batter’s box, hitting .558 with a .614 on-base percentage while 10 of her 43 hits went for extra bases. She was a force as a runner, too, recording 14 steals for Northeast (21-2).

She also played perhaps the toughest position in the infield and had a .960 fielding percentage. Hart said that Jones’ willingness to learn and improve is one of the things that sets her apart from others.

“She played with Caitlyn Cornwell as a freshman, and she was like a sponge,” he said, referencing the former Northeast star who plays at Maryland. “She got a lot from that, and now she is passing some of that on to others.”

Anne Arundel County was stacked this season, with the likes of Arundel, Broadneck, Chesapeake, Severna Park and Crofton on the schedule. The Eagles managed to go undefeated in the county, with both losses coming to teams from Southern Maryland. Northeast trailed eventual state champion Chopticon 4-0 in the Class 3A state semifinals before rallying in the fourth inning to tie the game. The Braves, however, scored five runs in the fifth to put the game away.

“They were a good team, and we did our best,” Jones said. “We had a great year, and I’ll always remember my teammates and our closeness, and the lessons I learned. It was truly a blessing.”

Coach of the Year

Anna Pallozzi, Glenelg

Ask Anna Pallozzi about her team and you’ll be surprised by her answer.

“In the kindest way possible, I can honestly say I’ve never met a more obnoxious group of girls in my life,” she said. “They were crazy but they were also lots of fun.”

Pallozzi took a group of young, experienced players to the Class 2A state semifinals to be named The Sun’s All-Metro Coach of the Year. The Gladiators finished 17-4, losing 3-2 to eventual state champion Huntingtown in the seventh inning.

“The wound is still a little fresh,” Pallozzi said. “We surprised a lot of people, though, and in some ways, I think we surprised ourselves. This was the school’s first time winning a regional championship in 15 years.”

The pitching of All-Metro second-team selection Bella Wisniewski paced Glenelg. A four-year starter, she led the team from the circle and compiled a 1.11 ERA for the season.

Pallozzi, in her third year as the varsity coach, grew up with the team. She coached at Hammond before becoming a teacher and JV coach at Glenelg in 2022.

In her three years as varsity coach at Glenelg, she has compiled a 50-9 record. The team won the Howard County title for the second straight year, then finally got over the hump, defeating Middletown for a regional crown. The Gladiators had lost in the regional final the previous two seasons.

From there, the Gladiators pulled out a 3-2 win over defending Class 2A state champion Rising Sun in the quarterfinals. It looked like they would be in the state championship game, but they couldn’t hold a 2-1 sixth-inning lead against Huntingtown.

Pallozzi said the thing she will remember most about this team was the camaraderie and joy they played with.

“It was always my goal to make it fun,” she said. “We had a special season this year, and that’s exactly what happened.”

First team

Lily Baldwin, Patterson Mill, senior, pitcher-utility player

Baldwin hit .500 for the Huskies with 19 extra-base hits and 40 RBIs. She compiled a 2.24 ERA in 50 innings as a pitcher and a .965 fielding percentage.

Madison Burris, Northeast-AA, junior, outfielder-first baseman

A key piece of the area’s best team, Burris hit .429 with a .494 on-base percentage. She recorded 33 hits, including eight for extra bases, and five steals.

Kallissa Coats, John Carroll, senior, shortstop

Coats led the IAAM A Conference champions with a school-record nine home runs, including a two-run shot in the title game victory over Spalding, and a .556 average. A four-year varsity player, she will play for Towson University next year.

Kimani Dennis, Dulaney, junior, infielder

The core of the Lions’ offense and a great fielder, Dennis led Dulaney to the Class 3A state semifinals. She had a .516 average and a .667 on-base percentage with seven home runs.

Abbie Frisvold, Reservoir, senior, utility player-catcher

A great fundamental player, Frisvold led the Gators with a .689 batting average, .744 on-base percentage and 46 RBIs. A four-year starter, she will play for UMBC next season.

Kenzie Knight, Patterson Mill, senior, outfielder

Knight led the Huskies to an 18-2 record with a .566 batting average, a .645 on-base percentage and 16 stolen bases. She will play softball for Syracuse next season.

Abby Magdar, Mt. Hebron, junior, pitcher

Magdar was the leader in the circle for the Vikings, posting an 11-0 record with a 1.66 ERA and 105 strikeouts. A power hitter, she also batted .559 with a .629 on-base percentage and 11 home runs.

Abby Marmen, Fallston, junior, infielder

Marmen led the Cougars to their first regional championship in 16 years with 30 hits, including eight home runs and six doubles. She also contributed a .556 batting average with 38 RBIs.

Presley McGinty, Northeast-AA, junior, pitcher-third baseman

A great all-around player, McGinty compiled a 7-2 record with a 1.51 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings. She also was stellar at the plate, batting .453 with a .517 slugging percentage with 17 RBIs and six stolen bases.

Cessi Prince, Spalding, senior, pitcher

Prince led the Cavaliers to the IAAM A Conference regular-season title with a 1.35 ERA and 146 strikeouts. She had a 13-strikeout game against eventual conference champion John Carroll and will play at Saint Peter’s University next season.

Madison Schupple, Dulaney, sophomore, pitcher

A lights-out pitcher, Schupple compiled a 13-2 record with a 1.15 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 109 1/3 innings, including a perfect game against Catonsville in the Class 3A North Region I final. She also hit .330 at the plate.

Second team

Anna Bristol, Arundel, junior, pitcher-center fielder

Taylor Castle, Northeast-AA, senior, catcher

Lindsay Cavey, Chesapeake-AA, senior, outfielder-pitcher

Savannah Claycomb, John Carroll, junior, outfielder

Marley Connor, Crofton, senior, third baseman-pitcher

Rylan Crisafulli, Broadneck, sophomore, pitcher

Kayleigh Fyffe, Northeast-AA, senior, pitcher-outfielder-third baseman

Kendall Jackman, Francis Scott Key, senior, outfielder

Audrey March, Patterson Mill, junior, infielder

Zoe Pachoca, River Hill, senior, shortstop

Cambell Sagin, Reservoir, senior, infielder

Bella Wisniewski, Glenelg, senior, pitcher

Final Top 15 poll

Rank, team, record

1. Northeast-AA (21-2)

2. Dulaney (17-4)

3. Glenelg (17-4)

4. John Carroll (12-5)

5. Fallston (15-6)

6. Spalding (13-3)

7. Patterson Mill (18-2)

8. South Carroll (12-4)

9. Marriotts Ridge (11-4)

10. Arundel (16-5)

11. Mt. Hebron (14-2)

12. Chesapeake-AA (12-4)

13. Broadneck (15-5)

14. Mount de Sales (10-5)

15. Reservoir (14-6)

Others considered: Catonsville (9-8), Centennial (12-6), Crofton (13-8), Francis Scott Key (8-7), Manchester Valley (13-5)

Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13.

Player of the Year

Peyton Forte, Calvert Hall, senior, attackman

The No. 1 Cardinals (16-2) considered themselves grinders in attacking a season that reached its full potential in winning the coveted Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference crown.

Forte best represented the sentiment with a stellar 53-goal, 17-assist senior season that was filled with clutch moments. What better way to cap a fine high school career than scoring the tying goal with 13 seconds left in regulation and then providing a nifty championship-winning assist in overtime as the Cardinals claimed an 11-10 win over then-No. 1 Spalding?

“Everyone stepped up throughout the year, and I had a good series of games where it was just my day. I couldn’t do it without all the guys I played with, and it was just a great year,” said Forte, who contributed four goals and an assist in the title game.

Weighing college options after recently decommitting from the Naval Academy, Forte reached a higher level in his fourth varsity season, paying close attention to details with small adjustments to his game that paid big dividends. He opened the postseason by scoring three goals in a 12-10 semifinal win over three-time defending league champion McDonogh.

“He was just all in. He’s always been a great teammate and I think he modeled everything for us this season,” Calvert Hall coach Bryan Kelly said. “We try to stress that it’s substance over style, and I think there’s a lot of times you have to break that in kids. Peyton really focused on the substance over style in order to be the best Peyton Forte and help our team win.”

Coach of the Year

Bryan Kelly, Calvert Hall

Calvert Hall had a tall order come playoff time, needing to avenge its only two regular-season losses to bring home the MIAA A championship.

Mission accomplished.

After ousting three-time defending champion McDonogh in the semifinals, the Cardinals had plenty left to knock off the country’s top-ranked team, Spalding, in overtime.

The season’s final moments proved a microcosm. Defenseman Jermaine Anderson with a takeaway, ground ball and outlet pass with 20 seconds left in regulation to set up Forte’s tying goal with 13 seconds left. A defensive stop to start overtime, followed by a precise give-and-go connection between Forte and Jackson Mitchell, resulted in the game-winner from Mitchell.

Kelly promoted team play, accountability and attention to detail that was efficiently converted from gameplans to the field.

“Where they ended up is pretty remarkable. You look back on the season and you think about some of the things that were difficult, challenging and they all turned out to be for the best,” Kelly said. “I just felt like as a team, we realized that none of us could do this thing without everybody being all in and doing what they’re supposed to do. Our guys did that — they played great team lacrosse.”

Completing his 30th season, Kelly, now a two-time Coach of the Year recipient, has a 350-138 record with six conference titles. The Cardinals finished the season ranked No. 1 nationally by USA Lacrosse and Preps Lacrosse.

First team

Jermaine Anderson, Calvert Hall, senior, defenseman-long-stick midfielder

The North Carolina commit was across-the-board sturdy for the Cardinals, collecting 31 ground balls while causing 25 turnovers and adding five goals and an assist. In the title game, he made the defensive play of the season with a caused turnover, ground ball and outlet pass to set up the tying goal with 13 seconds left in regulation.

Luke Bair, St. Paul’s, senior, midfielder-attackman

A repeat first-team selection and four-year varsity player, Bair brought dynamic and fearless skills and a cannon shot to lead the No. 7 Crusaders (9-8) to the MIAA A quarterfinals. The North Carolina commit enjoyed his second straight 50-plus goal season, scoring 56 times and adding 10 assists this spring.

Ben Cuomo, Calvert Hall, senior, faceoff specialist

The area’s most dominant faceoff specialist was hugely instrumental in Calvert Hall’s run to the MIAA A championship, bringing quality leadership in addition to his dominant play at the X. The Yale commit won 78% of his faceoffs (238 of 305) — allowing the Cardinals to control the tempo — and added five goals and three assists.

Greyson Dunn, Spalding, senior, defenseman

A three-year varsity player, the versatile, 6-3 Delaware commit settled in at close defense and thrived in consistently handling the opponents’ top attackman. Leaning on gifted physical traits, smart positioning and dogged determination, he finished with 58 ground balls and 31 caused turnovers in Spalding’s fine season.

Jack Fish, Severna Park, senior, attackman

A second-team pick last season, Fish closed out a sensational, do-everything four-year career with a 57-goal, 25-assist senior season to lead No. 5 Severna Park (16-1) to its unprecedented ninth straight state title. The UMBC commit capped his career with a two-goal, one-assist effort in the Falcons’ 11-4 Class 3A state championship win over Towson.

Bogue Hahn, McDonogh, senior, midfielder

A four-year varsity player, the Syracuse commit was a highly refined offensive player who consistently brought energy, purpose and leadership for the Eagles. A part of three championship teams, he showed a knack for stepping up in big moments and capped his career with a 37-goal, 16-assist senior campaign.

Matt Higgins, Boys’ Latin, senior, attackman

As the lone starter back for the No. 4 Lakers (13-5), the repeat first-team selection brought high skills, leadership and grit to thrive in the lead role while making teammates better. The Maryland commit consistently produced in big moments, finishing with 44 goals and 39 assists in reaching the MIAA A semifinals.

Robby Hopper, Spalding, senior, long-stick midfielder

The 6-foot-5 Virginia commit was a game-changing force all over the field in leading the No. 2 Cavaliers (18-2) to the MIAA A title game. A four-year varsity player, his agility, length, pace and game sense led to 11 goals, eight assists, 71 ground balls and 33 caused turnovers this season.

Brendan Millon, McDonogh, senior, attackman

Rated the country’s top prospect in the 2025 class, Millon was a three-time All-Metro selection who capped his stellar four-year career with 50 goals and 34 assists to lead the No. 3 Eagles (12-6) to the MIAA A semifinals. The Virginia commit played a major role in pushing McDonogh to three straight conference crowns.

Cooper Pasko, Loyola Blakefield, senior, midfielder

A sensational dodger with a wicked shot to create instant offense, Pasko finished with 35 goals and eight assists in leading the No. 6 Dons (11-7) to the MIAA A quarterfinals. The Lafayette commit, a two-year varsity player, also proved valuable at wing on faceoffs with his knack for scooping up ground balls.

Aidan Seibel, McDonogh, senior, goalie

The repeat first-team pick brought prototype goalie traits — smart positioning, quick hands and vocal leadership — to lead the Eagles to the MIAA A semifinals. Playing behind a largely inexperienced defense, the Maryland commit had 151 saves with a .550 save percentage while allowing fewer than eight goals per game.

Second team

Hudson Arrup, Towson, junior, attackman

Ryan Criswell, Spalding, senior, faceoff specialist

Roman Dodson, St. Paul’s, senior, midfielder

Garrett Held, Boys’ Latin, senior, goalie

Ryan Hudson, Mount Saint Joseph, senior, faceoff specialist

Jack Iannantuono, St. Paul’s, senior, attackman

Owen King, Fallston, senior, defenseman

Jackson Mitchell, Calvert Hall, senior, midfielder

Brady Mollot, Spalding, junior, attackman

Brody Reese, Mount Saint Joseph, senior, defenseman

Jay Rodgers, Gilman, senior, attackman-midfielder

Eli Schaller, McDonogh, senior, midfielder

Brady Stangle, Calvert Hall, senior, goalie

Landon Williams, Severna Park, junior, midfielder-defenseman

Final Top 15 poll

Rank, team, record

1. Calvert Hall (16-2)

2. Spalding (18-2)

2. McDonogh (12-6)

4. Boys’ Latin (13-5)

5. Severna Park (16-1)

6. Loyola Blakefield (11-7)

7. St. Paul’s (9-8)

8. Broadneck (13-4)

9. Fallston (18-2)

10. Towson (15-5)

11. Mount Saint Joseph (10-8)

12. Gilman (4-12)

14. St. Mary’s (6-10)

15. Howard (12-4)

Others considered: Curley (11-5), Glenelg (12-5), Hereford (11-5), Severn (5-11), South River (11-5)

Have a news tip? Contact Glenn Graham at ggraham@baltsun.com, 410-332-6636 and x.com/GlennGrahamSun.

Player of the Year

Emma Penczek, Manchester Valley, senior, midfielder

Some day, when Manchester Valley midfielder Emma Penczek looks back on one of the most storied high school careers in state history, she’ll think about the championships she helped win and the records she shattered. But those accomplishments will take a backseat to something a bit less tangible, though more important in her eyes.

“All the accolades and accomplishments are amazing, but I think the best thing that has happened to me in my four years of high school is the amount of friendships that I’ve built with a variety of people,” Penczek said. “Those friendships have truly made an impact on my life, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.”

The Clemson commit also wouldn’t change the results of her unparalleled senior season, in which she racked up 89 goals, 56 assists, 124 draw controls and 39 caused turnovers, capped by a four-goal, four-assist performance in a 17-9 win over Glenelg in the Class 2A state title game. All told, her top-ranked Mavericks finished 19-0, outscoring opponents 354-62 to earn a No. 4 national ranking, and No. 1 among public schools, by USA Lacrosse.

The perfect season capped a career in which Penczek broke the Carroll County record for goals (329), eclipsing the 307 scored by former Century star Katie Schwartzmann, who went on to become a two-time Tewaaraton Award winner at Maryland in 2012 and 2013. Penczek also shattered school records for career points (487), assists (158) and draw controls (437) while winning a pair of state titles along the way.

Now, the 18-year-old is set to begin her college career at Clemson, departing for the summer semester this month. She plans to major in sports communications while playing for a team that’s become a burgeoning national power after only its third year of competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Still, she said there always will be something special about her senior year at Manchester Valley.

“It was so surreal. This team was so special,” she said. “This senior class … we all grew up together playing rec lacrosse. Being able to go out with an undefeated season and winning the state championship with this group of girls was so amazing. I couldn’t picture a better way to end.”

Coach of the Year

Brian Reese, Maryvale Prep

In his fourth year at the helm, Reese led Maryvale Prep back to prominence as a lacrosse powerhouse, helping the Lions overcome a few midseason hiccups to capture their first Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference title since 2002 and rank as high as No. 3 in the country.

To get there, the Lions first had to figure out a way to overcome consecutive one-goal regular-season losses to McDonogh and Spalding. After some late-season introspection, Maryvale Prep tightened up its game and did its best work in the A Conference playoffs, first rallying from a 6-2 deficit to score a 9-8 overtime win against McDonogh in the IAAM semifinals, then roaring back from a 4-2 deficit to topple Spalding, 7-5, in the final.

“I think we learned a lot about ourselves in those [losses], and were able to fix some deficiencies and play a lot better in the playoffs,” Reese said.

The 1998 Maryland graduate and former All-America defenseman has been a driving force since coming to Maryvale Prep from Glenelg Country, where in 2017 he was named The Baltimore Sun’s co-Coach of the Year.

In the seven seasons before Reese took over, Maryvale Prep regularly languished in the bottom half of the A Conference standings, averaging three wins a year against league opponents. Since then, it has averaged 9.5 wins in conference and has 22 underclassmen set to return next season, including his All-Metro daughter, Cayden.

“We’re built to last,” he said. “It’s not a flash-in-the-pan type of thing or catching lightning in a bottle.”

Success is nothing new to Reese, who was also Major League Lacrosse’s coach of the year in 2009 with the Denver Outlaws, and was part of his wife Cathy Reese’s coaching staff when the Terps won a national title in 2010. Still, he said this season will always be a memorable one.

“It’s special for our girls because it’s something they haven’t done before, but I think they’ve always wanted to do,” Reese said. “They helped put Maryvale back on the map.”

First team

Brynn Bartlett, Howard, junior, midfielder

The three-year starter and UMBC commit was the definition of an impact player for the Lions, racking up 64 goals, 45 assists, 114 draw controls and 25 caused turnovers. She already has the 10th-most points in county history.

Maria Bragg, Severna Park, junior, midfielder

In her third year as a starter, the Florida commit was dominant all over the field, finishing with 37 goals and 16 assists to go along with 33 caused turnovers and 94 draw controls for the Class 3A state finalists.

Mckenzie Brown, McDonogh, senior, defender

This Northwestern-bound lockdown defender was also the Eagles’ biggest spark in transition. Aside from causing 17 turnovers and scooping 17 ground balls, Brown’s speed sparked several fast breaks for a team ranked near the top of the national rankings.

Jenna Cratin, Marriotts Ridge, sophomore, midfielder

This sophomore’s speed, uncanny explosiveness and consistent ability to make defenders pay helped lead the Mustangs to the Class 3A state championship. She finished with 56 goals and 27 assists to go along with 98 ground balls, 78 draw controls and 17 caused turnovers.

Ella Davis, Spalding, junior, goalie

The left-handed Virginia commit allowed just 6.3 goals per game against IAAM A Conference competition, frequently coming out of the cage to break up scoring chances and leading the Cavaliers to five one-goal wins, including two in the playoffs.

Sofia Herrera, St. Paul’s, senior, defender

The leader of a defense that held opponents to six goals or fewer nine times, this Maryland commit racked up 24 ground balls and caused seven turnovers while marking the opponent’s top threat. She also used her standout speed to spark the Gators’ transition game.

Kit Laake, McDonogh, junior, defender

The Maryland commit dominated defensively for IAAM A Conference regular-season champs, causing 25 turnovers and scooping 31 ground balls while always taking on the opponent’s top offensive threat. She is ranked as the nation’s top junior defender by Inside Lacrosse.

Nora Lopes, Broadneck, junior, midfielder

The Louisville-bound midfielder dominated at both ends of the field, finishing with 69 goals and 12 assists in leading the Bruins to their fifth straight Class 4A state title. Her standout speed made her a constant threat in transition.

Leah Miller, South Carroll, senior, midfielder

The Maryland commit did it all for the Class 1A state champions, finishing with 86 goals and 14 assists while winning 97 draw controls, scooping 41 ground balls and forcing 17 turnovers. Despite constant face guards, she scored at least five goals in nine games.

Emma Mohn, Maryvale Prep, junior, attacker

The Yale commit was a standout dodger and shooter who paired with Cayden Reese up front to lead the Lions to their first IAAM A Conference title in 23 years. She finished with 40 goals and 10 assists against the area’s toughest competition.

Cayden Reese, Maryvale Prep, junior, attacker

Despite facing constant face guards and double teams, the Maryland commit led the IAAM A Conference champions with 38 goals, 24 assists and 70 draw controls, frequently drawing in defenders and setting up goals with early passes.

Kayleigh White, Glenelg, senior, midfielder

The Howard County Player of the Year and High Point commit finished with 71 goals and 21 assists, connecting on an impressive 74% of her shots. The three-year starter also had 108 ground balls and caused 14 turnovers.

Second team

Sophie Baer, Manchester Valley, senior, defender

June Barber, Towson, senior, attacker

Tessa DeLuca, Maryvale Prep, senior, goalie

Paige Feick, Bel Air, senior, midfielder

Taylor Fique, Manchester Valley, sophomore, midfielder

Ava Fossati, McDonogh, junior, attacker

Caroline Hoskins, St. Paul’s, senior, midfielder

Erin Hussey, Severna Park, senior, midfielder

Kaitlyn Magdar, Mt. Hebron, senior, midfielder

Sienna Miller, Broadneck, senior, attacker

Ella Jane Ostrowski, Spalding, junior, attacker

Molly Robison, Broadneck, sophomore, goalie

Avery Saviano, Severna Park, senior, defender

Final Top 15 poll

Rank, team, record

1. Manchester Valley (19-0)

2. Maryvale Prep (13-5)

3. Spalding (12-5)

4. McDonogh (14-3)

5. St. Paul’s (12-4)

6. Broadneck (17-3)

7. Marriotts Ridge (15-4-1)

8. Severna Park (18-3)

9. Notre Dame Prep (10-7)

10. South Carroll (16-3)

11. Glenelg (16-4)

12. Towson (13-3)

13. South River (9-4-1)

14. Severn (8-7)

15. Mount de Sales (9-6)

Others considered: Century (12-5), John Carroll (6-8), Liberty (11-5), Mercy (12-2), St. Mary’s (10-9)

Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13.