Catonsville Winter Sports Previews

BOYS BASKETBALL

Head Coach: Matthew Fannon

2010-11 Record: 9-13

Players to Watch: Forward Deniko Carter (senior), Guard James Baker (junior), Guard Daniel Thompson (sophomore)

Outlook: In his inaugural season as varsity head coach, Fannon acquires a roster with just three seniors and only one returnee from last year’s squad in Carter. However, serving as JV Coach a season ago, he’s more than familiar with the nine juniors and one sophomore that make up the rest of team. The Comets will look for Baker to assume the point guard roll and distribute among a deep frontcourt that includes Carter, senior Sean Lipscomb and juniors Jamal Tyson, Kevin Sheppard and Julian Singletary. The lone sophomore to make the varsity, Thompson should be one of the biggest contributors from the perimeter. To make up for the lack of experience, Fannon is banking on a fundamentally sound defense and a high effort level on both sides of the court—especially on the boards.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Head Coach:  Mike Mohler

2010-11 Record: 18-7, Lost in regional semi-final 

Players to Watch: Forward Rachel Schwaab (senior), Guard-forward Deb Milani (junior), Forward Taylor Barton (sophomore)

Outlook: Although Mohler expects seven underclassmen on his overall athletic roster, the Comets return a ton of experience this season. In addition to Schawaab, Catonsville will rely on returnees Taylor Barton and Danielle Francy in the post while Heather Kendrick and Maddie Hunt patrol the wings. The Comets will rely on Deb Milani to perform in a variety of roles, including the point guard void left by Zoey Whittington. Look for Kayla Gibson, Whittington’s back up last year, and newcomers Lauren McDonald and Breya Wallace to put in time as the lead ball handler as well.

WRESTLING

Head Coach: Eric Warm

2010-11 Record: 7-7

Players to Watch: Senior Mohamed Abdelmegid, Junior Sean Thrasher, Junior Manny Miranda, Junior Jake Ward

Outlook: In an effort to get his squad battle tested for postseason action, Warm has again loaded up the Comets’ schedule with some difficult opponents, including out of county action against Hammond, Oakland Mills and last year’s Class 2A State Champion Winters Mill. Although his squad lost a number of starters from a year ago, the Comets will need to get full effort out of their returnees—like Abdelmegid, who placed sixth in the region last year—and their newcomers from the JV. Look for Miranda, who captured a JV county title last year, to make an impact.

BOYS INDOOR TRACK

Head Coach: Sandra Gallagher-Mohler

Players to Watch: Junior DeAndre’ Lane, Senior Vincent Randlett-Tydings, Junior Luke Chetelat

Outlook: Gallagher-Mohler really likes blend of young athletes and seasoned veterans that comprise her squad this year. Better yet, she loves how the more experiences runners and throwers are making it a point of emphasis to “show the new talent the ropes.” Lane and Randlett-Tydings make up half of the Comets dangerous 4x200 meter relay squad and run in the 300 meter as well, while Chetelat leads the way in the distance events. Said Gallagher-Mohler, “The new talent that has come in is showing a lot of promise, and we are excited to see things unfold.”

GIRLS INDOOR TRACK

Head Coach: Sarah Sheetz

Players to Watch: Senior Caroline Cerand, Senior Mikka MacDonald, Senior Emilia Ramos

Outlook: Unlike many of the other varsity team, Sheetz’s squad has the luxury of relying on multiple returning upperclassmen in several different events. The roster includes eight seniors with anywhere from six to eight seasons of varsity experience. Cerand and MacDonald will pace the Comets in the 1600 meter and 3200 meter events while Ramos—who finished fifth in the state in the 800 meter run last spring—will lead the way in the sprinting events. Still, Sheetz says the juniors and sophomores need to step up and contribute for the Comets to finish in the top half of county competition.