DIGITAL HARBOR RAMS
2009-2010 record: 19-6 (2A state semifinalists)
League: Baltimore City Division I
Coach: Patrick McDonald
Returning starters: Alexis Harrison, 6-1, So., Point forward; KeShara Floyd, 5-9, Sr., Guard/Forward
Returning letter winners: Markia Beckwith, 5-8, Sr., Guard; Nikita Sutton, 5-5, Sr., Guard
Outlook: After losing to eventual state champion Fallston in the semifinal round, Digital Harbor said goodbye to starters Asia Logan (University of Pittsburgh), Nichelle Groom (Cecil Community College) and Janay Brinkley (Middle Tennessee State). McDonald will lean on Floyd, Beckwith and Sutton, all playing their fourth varsity season, to lead the transition.
The Rams’ long term future is bright with Harrison, arguably the area’s top underclassmen. During the summer, Harrison gave a verbal commitment to the University of Maryland.
“She’s by far the best sophomore in Baltimore City,” said McDonald. “She still has some ways to go, but she’s coachable and wants to get better. Once her athleticism catches up to her basketball skills, the sky’s the limit.”
McDonald said the schedule is the toughest he’s had in his 10 seasons at the Key Highway school. The Rams will play IAAM A powers Archbishop Spalding and Seton Keough in addition to perennial Class 3A state stronghold Largo. Digital Harbor will participate in the Braggin’ Rights Classic in Cincinnati during the Christmas break.
McDonald thinks it will take some time for his veterans to mesh with the newcomers. The Rams, who handed Western their first loss in Baltimore City league play in five seasons last winter, should be again in the city title chase.
“We’ve gone from being the doormat in the City to where we’re a very respectable program,” said McDonald, whose team won the Class 1A title in 2009 and reached the state Final Four at UMBC in 2008, 2009 and 2010. “You can’t talk about Baltimore City girls’ basketball and not mention Digital Harbor.”
