FIVE Exciting Class 2A Games to Watch in January of 2024

Heading into the holiday break the high school basketball season is heating up. There are a ton of fantastic matchups to look forward to in Class 2A – from showdowns in southern Maryland, to exciting bouts in the central region, crossing over counties. So grab tickets to these five games, or watch online, because you don't want to miss players like Marcus Nelson, Tyrik Petway or Tay'Shaun Swann.   Gwynn Park vs. Largo - January 6   We start in Prince George's county with a clash between Gwynn Park and Largo on January 6. This promises to be a high-octane showdown, with both teams boasting incredibly talented lineups. Gwynn Park is led by standout seniors Demarcus Daniel, Tony Pope, and [player_tooltip player_id='1127311' first='Ty' last='Bevins'], vying with Largo's own dynamic trio of juniors Cam Ward, JR Mobley, and Zion Dixon, for best in the region.   Dixon in particular may be poised to give Gwynn Park a run for their money. With Mobley and Ward typically garnering most of the defense's attention, Dixon's athleticism and timely cutting can lead to electrifying plays. Regardless of their offensive showing, Largo will have to work hard defensively to keep Bevins, Pope, and Daniel off the score sheet.   Daniel has continued to grow his game each year, blossoming into a well-rounded player capable of impacting a game even without scoring. Bevins is a George Washington commit who will excel at the next level as a shot-making guard who defends at a high level. With Tony Pope also on the roster, Gwynn Park has three players who should be playing at the D-1 level next year. I love Pope's feel for the game, and whether there's 1 second or 40 minutes left in the game, you'll find Pope going as hard as possible.   Wicomico vs. Bennett - January 11   On January 11, Wicomico and James Bennett will face off in a game that showcases the individual brilliance of Tay'Shaun Swann for Wicomico and the combined talents of Zakai Smullen, Wes Moss, and [player_tooltip player_id='2528340' first='Jace' last='Hudson'] for Bennett. Just a sophomore, Swann's skillful ball-handling and growth as an initiator will be put to the test against a Bennett defense helmed by Smullen. Smullen is a nightmare on or off the ball, constantly looking to poke or pry the ball away.   Early in their junior season [player_tooltip player_id='2528340' first='Jace' last='Hudson'] and Zakai Smullen are making a case for themselves as one of the top backcourts in the state. By himself, Smullen would be enough to deal with, but paired with Hudson, who can fill it up in bunches, this should be a fun back-and-forth affair with Wicomico having the more complete team against the firepower of Bennett.   McDonough vs. Thomas Stone - January 12   Charles County, MD is underrated when it comes to basketball talent. The area has consistently produced strong guards and Tyrik Petway and [player_tooltip player_id='1414530' first='Jonas' last='Agyeman'] seem like they're right in that same mold. When McDonough and Thomas Stone play on January 12, these two can impact a game without scoring, quarterbacking their teams and switching between scoring and playmaking depending on the flow of the game.    Not to be outdone, Thomas Stone senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1759605' first='Ty' last='Woodland'] is off to a strong start, showing off an excellent motor and physicality on the boards. Agyeman's scoring ability and Woodland's defensive rebounding prowess will be critical against a solid McDonough squad with a balanced roster.   C. Milton Wright vs. Aberdeen - January 23   On January 23, C. Milton Wright and Aberdeen will collide in a contest that features Harford County's wealth of basketball talent. C. Milton Wright has five players who could likely start on any team in the region, led by do-it-all point Cayne Woodland and junior wing Dylan Sander.   They won't be alone, with Kyle Ashman, Jordan Ross, and Larry Thompson. Thompson particularly will be key, he's the senior leader and an incredibly high IQ player. He'll aim to outmaneuver Aberdeen's Darion Parris, Justin Franklin, and Austin Carter.    The two seniors in Parris and Franklin will command most of the attention, but Carter is a game breaker who gives C.Milton Wright game depth in what is likely to be a strategic battle. Parris is a shotmaker, in every sense of the word. He hunts shots and knocks them down with aplomb. Trust Parris and Woodland to trade shots at some point in a marquee matchup of three-level scorers.   Owings Mills vs. Randallstown - January 29   The talent of this Randallstown team is not reflected in their overall record so far this season. With Dakari Simpson, Jameir Hopkins and high flyer Xavier Cooper in tow, the Rams should be a much better defensive team. In their matchup against Owings Mills on January 29, I expect an exhaustive affair of a fast-paced nature featuring a ton of above-the-rim action. Owings Mills is a tough squad, led by Francois Bangoura, Neveah Elliot, and Marcus Nelson, a skilled and tenacious trio of players who are set to leave their mark on the court this season.   With a bonafide all-county-level player in Nelson, Owings Mills has more than enough to win this game. The deciding factor is likely which Xavier Cooper comes to play. Cooper is electric but can come and go in games that aren't an up-and-down affair. A local rivalry with down-the-road implications for the season, sign me up!

Heading into the holiday break the high school basketball season is heating up. There are a ton of fantastic matchups to look forward to in Class 2A – from showdowns in southern Maryland, to exciting bouts in the central region, crossing over counties. So grab tickets to these five games, or watch online, because you don't want to miss players like Marcus Nelson, Tyrik Petway or Tay'Shaun Swann.