3 Maryland Class 4A Matchups We’re Excited to See

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parkville vs. Perry Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It wasn't so long ago that Perry Hall was turning out D-1 prospects like LaQuill Hardnett or Anthony Walker, and I think the Baltimore County powerhouse has a chance to recover this season. It'll be a tough out against defending champions Parkville but the Gators gave the Knights a good run for their money last February in a 76-70 playoff loss. This is usually one of the earlier games in the season, so it'll be interesting to see Parkville's direction with a new roster and new coach in Ben Thompson. I'm excited to see Perry Hall junior guard Anthony Willor, a shifty guard with legitimate breakdown ability at the point of attack. Between him and Parkville's Caron Smith, I'd bet the over on the number of broken ankles and stumbling defenders in this game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bladensburg vs. Suitland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some call PG County, basketball county, and based on the amount of talent in the region it's hard to disagree. Bladensburg and Suitland are two solid teams boasting some of the area's most unsung talent. The Rams and Mustangs faced off only once last year, with the Mustangs coming away with the one-point win against a Rams team that featured league-leading scorer Jailin Landis. With Landis and other key contributors graduating, Suitland must now turn to a new cast of characters, especially junior [player_tooltip player_id='2528172' first='Devonte' last='Mobley']. Mobley is a capable scorer but efficiency could be an issue on a team lacking other proven options. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bladensburg will not have that problem. With a three-headed monster of guards [player_tooltip player_id='1759618' first='Donta' last='Raynor'], Avry Davis and wing [player_tooltip player_id='1768965' first='Cannon' last='Greene'], I don't expect the Mustangs to have any trouble putting the ball in the basket. A high-level scorer, Greene is capable of doing everything needed to make a winning impact on the game. There's room to improve with his three-ball and playmaking, but all the tools are there. Raynor and Davis get to the rim at will but outside shooting is the swing skill for both. I'm looking forward to a physical game played at both ends, one that's hopefully another photo finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Meade vs. Broadneck</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a matchup that checks all the boxes. Between the battle for regional supremacy, the respective military ties of both schools, and the quality of the teams, Meade High School's clash with local rival Broadneck is sure to produce highlights. These two split their matchups last season, Coming off a second-place finish in the 4A championship game, the Meade Mustangs are still a loaded team. Despite losing standouts Kyree Scott and John Teague, they retain up-and-comers like junior forwards Jaisean Kenner and [player_tooltip player_id='1951206' first='Lucaya' last='Baldridge']. Baldridge is the more well-rounded prospect of the two but Kenner is a tough player, not afraid to rebound or mix it up on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They'll have plenty of perimeter help from senior point guard Zamar Jones, who'll likely lead this team in scoring and assists. Jones will have his hands full on the other side with the explosive Jordan Brown manning the one for the Broadneck Bruins. Brown is the definition of microwave scoring, except he does it from the opening tip. Keep an eye on his three-point totals at the end of the season, he'll knock them down off the catch, off the dribble, and on the move. A hidden gem to watch for, Meade junior guard Kofi Mensah, an absolute pest on the defensive end. If he's added to his offense, the Mustangs will be a tough out for anyone in Class 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->