It was a lop-sided Round 1 matchup in the Maryland 4A girls’ basketball state championship tournament, with the Seneca Valley Screamin’ Eagles (17-4) hosting the Northwest Jaguars (3-14). In the regular season, the Screamin’ Eagles outscored the Jaguars 148-30. On Wednesday, the Screamin’ Eagles continued their victorious ways over the Jaguars, 65-18, advancing to the second round.
“I think offensively we were pretty efficient early,” Screamin’ Eagles Head Coach Ali Hashemzadeh said. “I’d like to see us be a little more aggressive defensively, definitely knowing what we’re facing down the road. We definitely have to tie some loose ends up before we head up the road to Clarksburg on Friday.”
The Clarksburg Coyotes await the Screamin’ Eagles arrival on Friday, earning a first-round bye. And while the Seneca Valley girls team longs for their revenge after losing both regular season games to the Coyotes, the players weren’t overlooking Round 1.
“Keep the energy high,” sophomore guard Jayden Addison said, not overlooking Northwest. “Just go through what we learned in practice and run.”
Addison finished leading the Screamin’ Eagles with 13 points and a handful of steals, remaining keyed in defensively.
“Jayden’s an amazing athlete,” Hashemzadeh said. “She’s got speed, intelligence, she sees plays two steps ahead at times. And it’s not just the basketball IQ she brings. It’s also the raw talent. She, literally, is one of the fastest players I’ve ever coached.”
Throughout Wednesday’s game, Hashemzadeh made sure all on his roster could get involved in the postseason action–even including a call-up from junior varsity, sophomore guard Alaijah Smith-Nelson, who scored six points in the fourth quarter, including a long three-point shot that brought both the crowd and bench to their feet in celebration.
“We called up Alaijah, looking for good things for her in the years to come,” Hashemzadeh said. “Great outside shot. She’s got high basketball IQ. I think that’s what separates [her] right now from some of the younger players.”
Now, the team turns their attention toward Clarksburg with one goal in mind.
“Rebound,” Addison said.
Hashemzadeh echoed the same sentiment.
“They’ve outrebounded up 4-1 between both games and I really think that’s the difference,” Hashemzadeh said. “So, we spent a lot of time in practice specifically focused on boxing out, gang-rebounding all the loose balls and winning the 50-50 balls because Clarksburg is going to bring it. [We] have to match that energy.”
Top Scorers
Screamin’ Eagles: Jayden Addison (13), Mina Hashemzadeh (12), Teagan Phillips (9)
Upcoming Games (4A State Tournament)
Clarksburg Coyotes vs. Seneca Valley Screamin’ Eagles, Friday, 6 p.m.