10 Players To Watch In The 4A State Final Four
The Maryland Public School State Tournament are down to four teams in the respective classes. While each class has its share of great players, there may not be a deeper pool than the 4A. Perry Hall (24-2) will face Annapolis (17-8) at 7 pm while Wise (21-0) will take on Quince Orchard (23-2) at 9 pm this evening. Both games will be played in the Xfinity Center at the University of Maryland.
Here are 10 players to watch:
Anthony Higgs (Perry Hall): One of the two twin towers for Perry Hall is junior forward, Anthony Higgs. The 6’8″ forward has been spectacular this season averaging 15.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per contest. Higgs is garnering high Division 1 interest and it’s evident when he gets a chance to display his athleticism in transition. If you’re looking for a highlight, this guy will be the one to give it to you.
Laquill Hardnett (Perry Hall): Junior forward Laquill Harndett is the other twin tower on Perry Hall. Also standing at 6’8,” Hardnett plays a little more of a point forward role for the Gators. That doesn’t mean he won’t rise up on an opposing defender when given the opportunity. Hardett and Higgs were named Co-Baltimore County Player of the Year last week. He is averaging 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Like Higgs, Hardnett is projected to be a high Division 1 prospect. Their production will be mandatory if Perry Hall wants to advance to their first ever state championship game.
Chris Jones (Annapolis): Senior guard Chris Jones has been the leader for Annapolis all season. His averages of 18.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists can attest to the fact that he is the engine that makes the Panthers go. He has the capability to score in bunches, and quickly. In their last game regional semifinal against North Point, Jones buried five three’s and scored 29 points to help the Panthers advance.
Trey Gross (Annapolis): Senior forward Trey Gross will have quite the task against Perry Hall considering his is Annapolis’ tallest starter at 6’4″. But the Panthers have battled against being undersized for much of the season and Gross has been the strength that is needed inside. He is averaging 13 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
James Rider (Perry Hall): Senior While Higgs and Hardnett handle the majority of the scoring load, the rest of Perry Hall’s starters score at a very balanced rate. James Rider is a pure scorer who depends on utilizing a couple of dribbles to get to the mid-range for a jumper. While he has the ability to shoot the long ball as well, Rider takes advantage of the floor being so spread out in ways to get an easier shot.
Michael Speight (Wise): Senior guard Michael Speight is a 6’2″ guard with offers from schools including USC, Towson, and James Madison amongst others. Speight is averaging 18.6 points per game for Wise and has the potential to finish a game with 25 or more points every time he steps on the floor.
Brandon Howell (Wise): Senior guard Brandon Howell is the three-point marksman for Wise. He is averaging 14 points per game, which ranks second on the team behind Speights. Howell has had multiple games with six made three’s, so he is a lethal threat from outside and has helped Wise finish big wins this season.
Darron Barnes (Wise): Senior forward Darron Barnes is an explosive do-it-all type of player for Wise. Along with being able to score efficiently, Barnes is also a menace on the glass. He has recorded 14 games with double-digit rebounds. Whenever Barnes has the ball, have your camera ready. He may pull off something similar to this:
John Fierstein (Quince Orchard): Senior forward John Fierstein is Quice Orchard’s tallest player at 6’5″. When he first got to Quince Orchard, he played point guard until he had a growth spurt that forced him to play more power forward/center. Because of this, Fierstein is extremely versatile for his size. He is averaging 14 points and nine rebounds per game this season and will be a key piece in getting past Wise.
Matthew Kelly (Quince Orchard): Senior guard Matthew Kelly and Fierstein are the inside-out combo for Quince Orchard. Kelly has made 40 three-pointers this season, which leads the team with the next player coming in at 25. Even though he is 5’8,” Kelly uses his quick release to get his shot off over bigger defenders. It has obviously worked tremendously thus far.
Feature Photo Credit: John Bowers/Varsity Views