(12U Lady Shooting Stars pose after taking 2nd place in DQT)

By Walter Hagins, Commissioner

The Maryland Lady Shooting Stars 12U stock value rose greatly as they secured a D-I bid to compete in this year’s Amateur Athletics Union’s (AAU) National Tournament after taking second place in the Maryland District Qualifying Tournament (DQT).  For outsiders, placing “runner up” may be viewed as falling a little short of winning a State championship.  However, for the coaches, parents, and players, they understand the adversities that this team overcame to even have had the opportunity to compete for a title.  With a group of new faces blended with home-grown talents, finding chemistry and an identity were questions that threatened their overall progress entering the DQT.  Uncertainty surrounded the leadership of those players who have been with the organization for several years and doubt was casted over the roles and contributions of the new talents.  This combined with the expectations from the Director, Commissioner, and critics created more pressure for the adolescent athletes.  Also, playing under the newly awarded adidas-sponsorship created an environment that is atypical for 12 year old girls.  Nonetheless, the talents took on the daunting challenge of all—to prove they are worthy of Shooting Stardom.

The Stars 12U first game was against last year’s State Champions, the Maryland Sure Shots.  In a game that was much anticipated, the Shooting Stars’ defense caused havoc for the opponents and forced them to make uncharacteristic mistakes.  On the offensive end, the Stars executed both in transition and the half court, which landed them a nine-point victory.  In their second game, the Stars 12U came up short to the eventually State Champs, Lady Hoopsters.  Although the game was highly contested, the Stars failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities that resulted in their loss.  The Stars responded to the defeat resoundingly in their next game by putting on a defensive onslaught and recording a lopsided victory against Baltimore’s Finest.  The Stars followed that performance with another brilliant game as they dismantled the Lady Wolf Pack to force a two-way tie for the #1 with the Hoopsters.  But because of the Maryland DQT’s rules, the Stars received the #2 seed and were paired against the Lady Wolf Pack in their first bracket play game.  Nevertheless and similar to the first game played, the 12U Stars displayed mastery and execution as they scored another wide-margin victory against the Lady Wolf Pack to advance them to the championship for a rematch with the Hoopster.

The championship game mirrored that of the first game against the Hoopsters.  The girls were unable to take advantage of the miscues forced by their defensive intensity.  Although the Stars showed their swagger and fortitude, a few of the basic fundamentals of basketball escaped them in the championship that resulted in a second place finish.  Although the coaches were largely disappointed because they knew that this team is the best 12U team in the District, some solace was found when considering this team finished fifth in last year’s DQT.  The Maryland Lady Shooting Stars family extends a well-deserved congratulations and appreciation to our 12U student-athletes.  We wish you much success as you represent the State of Maryland and us this year at Nationals.