Maryland Hurricanes AAU Girls Basketball

Dec. 21, 2006
Jenn Rindone Named Player of the Week; Hurricanes Players Shine on High School Scene
Congratulations go to Hurricane Jenn Rindone, a sophomore forward-guard at Archbishop Spalding, for being named Player of the Week Dec. 20 by The Baltimore Sun. Rindone competed for the Hurricanes 15s Howell in 2006, which finished third in the Maryland District AAU Championship.

The Sun noted Rindone's stellar performances in leading Spalding, 7-2, to the championship of the Bullis Holiday Classic. Rindone scored 14 points, including four three-pointers, in a 60-46 win over Sidwell Friends in the title game. She scored 10 each in wins over Ballou and Bullis and hit nine three-pointers in the tournament. Spalding, which competes in the IAAM A Conference, is rated No. 12 in The Sun high school poll. Click here to read the full Sun article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/highschool/bal-va.girlathlete20dec20,0,4433758.story?coll=bal-sports-highschool.

JENN RINDONE

Rindone is one of a number of Hurricanes recognized during the current high school season.

The Baltimore Examiner newspaper featured how Hurricane Danielle Parker has led a resurgent Dulaney High School to a 4-0 record in Baltimore County play. Parker, who played for the Hurricanes 15s Coughlan, a four-time state champion, is credited with leading Dulaney's new up-tempo style. The article noted that Parker, a forward, is averaging 19.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. Parker, a junior, transferred to Dulaney after two seasons with St. Frances, the area's No. 1 team. As a freshman two years ago, Parker led St. Francis to victory in the IAAM A Conference championship game.

One more article featuring Hurricanes girls needs mentioning, and that was a Baltimore Sun feature on Arundel High junior guard Ayanna Randolph and her defensive prowess. Randolph is also on the Hurricanes 15s Coughlan championship squad. That article is here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/highschool/bal-va.ghoopstory29nov29,0,7834892.story?coll=bal-utility-highschoolsp.

Props also go to these Hurricanes players for 2006 named "Players to Watch" in the Sun preseason high school in November: Kim Acton, Severna Park; Jasmine Barksdale, Roland Park Country School; Becky Cox, McDonogh; Kandice Green, St. Frances; Alex Held, Westminster; Miriam McKenzie, Oakland Mills; Jordan Neville, Winters Mill; Jaclyn Nucci, South River; Alee Pagnotti, Notre Dame Prep; Danielle Parker, Dulaney; Jen Peters, Winters Mill; Ayanna Randolph, Arundel; Heather Schneck, Southern; Whitney Snoops, Archbishop Spalding.

And extra special congratulations go to Arundel sophomore center Simone Egwu, who The Sun named as one of the area 15 top players. Egwu, another of the players on the Hurricanes 15s Coughlan, averaged 12 points and 13 rebounds last season as a freshman.

Nov. 28, 2006
Coughlan 15s Players Earn Academic Honors
Three Hurricanes Coughlan 15s players -- Katie Biggs, Becky Cox and Simone Egwu -- have earned academic honor roll status at their respective high schools for the first semester grading period. Biggs is a junior at Glenelg High, Cox a junior at McDonogh School and Egwu a sophomore at Arundel High. All three players are taking college prep, advance placement and honor courses. Several other players from this championship Hurricanes team achieved high academic marks for the semester as well, helping the team to achieve a cumulative average GPA of 3.28.

Nov. 1, 2006

Green, Parker from Hurricanes 15s Coughlan Team Named Street & Smiths Honorable Mention All Americas
Kandice Green (St. Francis Academy) and Danielle Parker (Dulaney High) have been named to the prestigious Street & Smith's magazine preseason Honorable Mention All-America high school girls basketball team. Both are juniors at their respective high schools and have played as Hurricanes since 12-under. These honors for Parker and Green reflect a total team contribution during the Hurricanes 15s Coughlan national exposure schedule in 2006 and the individual dedicated work ethics of both players. Congratulations Kandice and Danielle from your teammates, the coaching staff and the entire Hurricane organization.

Oct. 12, 2006
Hurricanes 15s Coughlan Wins Consolation Bracket of the USJN RBattle of the Programs" in Philadelphia
Hurricanes 15s Coughlan team wins the consolation bracket of the USJN "Battle of the Programs" Tournament. With over 90 Division 1, 2, 3 and NAIA coaches in attendance, the team traveled north to Philadelphia on Oct. 1 to compete against some of the elite girls basketball programs in the Northeast. Upon arriving in town, the Hurricanes had to play the first game at 8 a.m. in a hard-fought battle and lost with national rival "PA Comets". The Hurricanes then moved into the consolation bracket and amassed an impressive 3-0 record beating NJ Elite, PA Youth Development and PA Swoosh to win the bracket. Throughout the tournament, the Hurricanes impressed the coaches displaying sharp shooting and three point range from Brittany Coughlan and Ashley Davis. Becky Cox continued to break down defenses with deep penetration and finished layups, while Ayanna Randolph's defensive pressure caused nightmares for some of the areas best point guards. Destiny Jacobs, Ari Guyton and Kandice Green were battling boards and hitting their mid-range jumpers. Tia Brown and Danielle Parker put on strong performances on both ends of the floor, and our "X" factor player Danielle McFadden (Arundel HS) was key on the boards and with hustle. After the tournament, most of the Hurricanes participated in the Blue Star Showcase and put on outstanding individual performances just as they did the day before at the MABBCA Showcase at American University in Washington. It was truly evident that the Hurricanes were some of the most elite players on the floor. Mailboxes will continue to overflow with college recruitment mail. Job Well Done!! to the coaching staff for assembling the team back together for this showcase tournament.

July 30, 2006
Short-handed, Hurricanes 15s Howell Team Still Gains Fifth Place at USJN
The Hurricanes 15s Howell team concluded an impressive first season by reaching the Elite 8 at the U.S. Junior Nationals July 27-30 in Chantilly, VA and Washington D.C. The "Sensational Six" entered the tournament with only 5 healthy players available and still managed to rack up impressive Pool Play victories against the Potomac Valley Vogues and Philadelphia Belles regional teams -- becoming the talk of the tournament by winning both games with only 4 players on the floor at the end of each game due to fouls. The girls maintained a 3-point lead for almost a full minute while playing a man down against the Belles, and amazingly played for more than 7 minutes with only 4 players on the floor against the stunned Vogues, actually increasing their lead by six in the first two minutes after losing a player to fouls, and then holding on for the win. The girls lost a heartbreaker to the Jersey Shore Stars by 5 as their legs finally gave way. Point guard Khadija Mitchell (Mercy) was then able to rejoin the team for the critical fourth game of pool play against the previously undefeated Connecticut Storm Black, and with 6 players available for the first time in the tournament, the girls scored a come from behind victory, won their pool, and advanced to championship play. There they met a tall, talented and balanced Downingtown (PA) Blitz team, and the Hurricanes stayed within 6 for most of the game before finally giving out in a 59- 48 loss, finishing the tournament tied for fifth place.

Congratulations (and thanks) to Coach Sonya Howell for a great showing in her initial AAU season, and also to the "Sensational Six", who showed tremendous growth throughout the season, culminating in a show of grit and heart during the USJN tournament, asking no quarter while competing shorthanded against an elite field. The team will be looking to fill its roster for the 2007 AAU season.

June 14, 2006

Shay Doron of National Champion Maryland Terrapins Holds Clinic for Hurricanes Players
The Hurricanes organization thanks Shay Doron of the Maryland Terrapins (center, standing in picture) for holding a free clinic for Maryland Hurricanes players during the AAU season at Woodholme Elementary School in Pikesville. Doron offered players a number of basketball tips, but just her presence -- that of a national basketball champion -- was an uplift for the girls. Thanks to those who attended, and thanks to Coach Lauri Parson for setting up the event. Doron and Parson have played together as teammates in international basketball tournaments. Click here to view more photos from the event.

June 14, 2006
Hurricanes 15s Howell Team Makes Strong Run at Nike Summer Slam Tournament in New Jersey
The Hurricanes 15s team coached by Sonya Howell completed a strong run at the Nike Summer Slam Tournament July 10-12 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Hurricanes got convincing wins over the Long Island Liberty (58-37), Syracuse Elite (49-16) and New York WBA Knicks (66-34). The team fell to 56-37 to the New England Explosion and 37-33 to the S.J. Lady Hawks. The team is finishing the season with six players, Jasmine Barksdale (Roland Park), Khadija Mitchell (Mercy), Jordan Neville (Winters Mills), Jessica Reagans (Annapolis), Jenn Rindone (Spalding) and Erin Townley (Annapolis). The Hurricanes will play at the Blue Chip Battle of Baltimore July 21-23 at Loyola College in Baltimore and the U.S. Junior Nationals July 27-30 at American University in Washington. Coach Howell is the head girls basketball coach at Beth Tfiloh School in Pikesville.

June 10, 2006
Hurricanes 15s Coughlan Team Finishes 6th in the 16-Under North Bracket at Blue Chip USA Invite/Penn State Tournament
The Hurricanes 15's Coughlan team placed 6th of 64 teams in the 16-Under North Bracket at the Blue Chip USA Invite/Penn State Tournament. After traveling through the Pennsylvania mountains to compete against older competition and play before the more than 220 college coaches and scouts, the Hurricanes started the tournament off 3-0 by defeating the NYC Heat Unique-Blue, NY Pride, and PA Swoosh before losing a thriller to eventual North Bracket Champions, Empire Dragons (30-25) in a defensive slugfest. After a quick rebound, the team defeated Fencor before losing its final game to NE Ohio Swish. Next stop for the Hurricanes is the Nike Summer Slam in Jersey City before heading to the Division 1 15-Under Girls' National Championships in Monroe, Louisiana.

June 1, 2006
Hurricanes 15s Coughlan Reach Final Four of Nike Midwest Showdown Tournament
The Hurricanes 15s Coughlan team reached the Final Four at the Nike Midwest Showdown Tournament in Columbus, Ohio, during the Memorial Day Weekend. The Hurricanes, fresh off their fourth consecutive Maryland District AAU Championship, moved across country to the Midwest still at the strength of a severe tropical storm to finish with a 5-3 record. Having been placed in the strongest pool play of contenders, (3 of the 6 pool play teams finished in the Top 8), the Hurricanes were able to amass a good performance by beating Western PA Bruins, Pizzaz and Indiana Family while losing to SMAC Showtime and Cincy's Finest, (ranked #5 nationally). Advancing into Championship Monday, the Hurricanes started the morning off by dismantling the Michigan Crossover, then beating Minnesota NC Heat, (ranked #9 nationally) to avenge last year's Division I Nationals Sweet 16 berth loss. Upon playing their fifth game in less than 24 hours in front of a packed house of sports writers and fans, the Hurricanes stepped onto the court against the Dayton Lady Hoopstars, (ranked #2 nationally), and eventual tournament champion. The game was hard fought from start to finish with the Hurricanes coming up short by one point, 54-53 in a semifinal thriller. The coaches believe throughout the tournament each player showed tremendous growth and strides in competing in national level games. Great Job! To the players and coaches from the Hurricane Parents!!

May 22, 2006

Hurricanes celebrate after winning another AAU state championship.

Hurricanes 15s Coughlan Wins Fourth Consecutive Maryland District Title
Hurricanes 15U Coughlan won its fourth consecutive Maryland District Championship at the College of Notre Dame May 21 in Baltimore. After using the off-season to regroup with more power, speed and depth, the team was a heavy favorite to four-peat and did not let down. The girls entered the state tournament pool play and the championship bracket round at the speed of a Category 5 storm, beating every opponent by an average of 50 points. By Championship Sunday, the Hurricanes had settled to a severe tropical storm as they beat the Maryland Magic (60-51) with pressure defense, defensive board control and clutch free throw shooting on course for their fourth consecutive title. Congratulations go out to the girls and parents of this Hurricanes championship team, as well as to the coaches, Mike Coughlan, Suzi Coughlan and Kevin Green. Next on the map for the Hurricanes will be the Memorial Day Weekend Nike Midwest Showdown in Columbus, Ohio. The Hurricanes will also represent Maryland at the 2006 AAU Girls' Basketball 15U Division I Championships in Monroe, Louisiana, in July.

May 15, 2006
Hurricanes Rosemond Rebuilding for Summer Tournaments
The Hurricanes 15s Rosemond team is rebuilding for the summer. The team is recruiting additional players to play in 4-5 quality AAU and college exposure tournaments in June and July, including the Blue Chip "Battle of Baltimore" and the U.S. Junior Nationals in Washington, along with some top area warm up tournaments and possibly the Blue Chip Tournament in Hershey, Pa. Girls should be born in 1990 and 1991. Practices will be held twice a week. Only the best 10-12 committed and serious players will be selected. If you are unhappy with your current team or your team is breaking up after the State Tournament, this can give you an opportunity to play more competitive games. Finished with the high school spring sports season? This will be a good opportunity for girls who missed the AAU basketball season. Looking for a basketball home? Tryouts will be held the next two Wednesdays, May 17 and May 24, at Brooklyn Park Middle School, 6-8 p.m. ONLY SERIOUS BALLERS NEED ATTEND. Contact Coach Bill "Bookie" Rosemond at 443-386-5588 or email: Bookie033@aol.com.

May 1, 2006
Coughlan 15s Players Get Postseason Honors, Awards, Recognition!
Several of the Hurricanes-Coughlan 15s players were represented in the 2005-2006 high school varsity basketball season postseason with honors, awards and recognition. Congratulations to all of the players for their tremendous efforts ...

Katie Biggs, Glenelg High School : Honorable Mention All-Howard County (Washington Post); Honorable Mention All-Howard County (Baltimore Sun)

Becky Cox, McDonogh School: 1st Team All-Baltimore County (Baltimore Sun)

Simone Egwu, Arundel High School: 1st Team All-Anne Arundel County (Washington Post); 1st Team All-Anne Arundel County (Baltimore Sun)

Kandice Green, St. Frances Academy: 2nd Team All-Baltimore City (Baltimore Sun)

Miriam McKenzie, Oakland Mills High School: 1st Team All-Howard County (Washington Post); 1st Team All-Howard County (Baltimore Sun)

Ayanna Randolph, Arundel High School: 2nd Team All-Anne Arundel County (Washington Post); 2nd Team All-Anne Arundel County (Baltimore Sun)

April 17, 2006
Coughlan 15s Reach Final Four at Boo Williams
The Hurricanes Coughlan 15-under team reached the Final Four at the Boo Williams Nike Spring Invitational in Hampton, Virginia, during the weekend of April 14-16. The defending 14U Boo Williams Nike Spring Invitational Champions put together an impressive 5-0 win streak in less than a 24 hour period, beating the South Georgia 76ers, Ohio Finest, Indiana Family, Tennessee Elite and Boo Williams Black Widows before suffering its only lost in a semifinal overtime thriller to the nationally ranked, South Carolina 76ers. Throughout the tournament each Hurricanes player consistently contributed in areas of great defense, offensive and defensive board control and hitting the big shots. Congratulations to these Hurricanes -- three-time defending Maryland District champions.

April 17, 2006
Griffith 16s Take Tournament in West Chester, Pa.
Matt Griffith's Hurricanes 16s team went 4-0 in a One Day Shoot Out In West Chester Pa over the weekend of April 15. Among the wins, the girls defeated the Rowdy Raiders from Pennsylvania, 43-20, the Quakerton Quakers, 48-32, and the Philadelphia Belles, 48-22. Team leaders were Kim Acton ( Severna Park), who finished with the tournament with 32 points and 10 rebounds; Brittany Lilley ( Severna Park), who had 26 points, 9 assists and 10 rebounds; Leah Campbell ( Old Mill), who had 25 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds, Jaclyn Nucci ( South River) had 19 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds in two games. It was a great overall team effort.

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