1997-98 All-Metro girls basketball teams

Betsy Gaines, Roland Park, Jr., G: Just as her team established itself as a basketball power this season, Gaines staked her claim as one of the area's top players. Reluctant to step up in the past, the 5-6 Gaines embraced her role as the Reds' go-to player this season. Aggressive on both ends of the floor, she led Roland Park in scoring (16.1) and steals (3.7), averaged 4.3 assists, shot 79 percent from the line, and was the team's best three-point shooter. Against strong competition in a New Orleans tournament, she averaged 23.3 points, 6.7 assists and 3.7 steals in three games.

Emily Lipton, St. Mary's, Jr., G: With her team playing the area's most demanding schedule, Lipton -- last season's Metro Player of the Year -- was up for the challenge. She averaged 17.3 points, five assists and four steals for the third-ranked Saints (25-8), who played 16 games against ranked teams -- of which they won 13 -- as well as top competition from New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Lipton, a 5-6 point guard, led St. Mary's to a 14-0 regular-season mark in the highly-competitive Catholic League and was named the league Player of the Year for the second straight season. She has amassed 1,238 career points, becoming the first St. Mary's underclassman to reach the 1,000-point plateau.

Shani Moore, McDonogh, Sr., C: In the past, the Eagles' guards made them a top team. The emergence of the 6-0 Moore as an inside force helped to make them the top team. A two-time All-Metro track performer specializing in the high jump and high hurdles, Moore's basketball skills finally caught up to her outstanding athletic ability. She averaged 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds and seemed to step up in big games. Moore, who did not play basketball until the ninth grade, is headed to Princeton to play basketball and hopes to compete in track, as well.

Sherice Proctor, Arundel, Sr., G: She played a major role in the Wildcats' run of three Class 4A state final appearances (and one state title) in four years. The 5-5 Proctor led fifth-ranked Arundel in scoring (19.2), field-goal percentage (47.6), three-point field-goal percentage (42.6) and free-throw percentage (83.9). She averaged 3.4 assists and four steals. Quick and poised, Proctor, The Sun's Anne Arundel County Player of the Year, had the ability to score from the outside or drive the lane. A second-team selection last season, she is now Arundel's career scoring leader (1,255 points) and may attend Drexel.

Jamie Vogtman, Mercy, Jr., C: After a breakthrough season as a sopho- more, Vogtman established herself as one of the area's best centers. The 5-11 Vogtman, a repeat first-team pick, led the ninth-ranked Magic in scoring (17.4) and rebounds (10) and also had three steals a game. Consistent, she scored in double figures in 30 of 32 games and improved her shooting range and her ability to anticipate on defense. In possibly her best performance, Vogtman had 26 points -- including three three-pointers -- and 15 rebounds to spark Mercy's upset of St. Mary's in the Catholic League tournament semifinals.

Jenn Westervelt, John Carroll, Sr., C: Westervelt's hard work during the off-season to get into the best physical shape paid off. She was more mobile and had greater stamina. The 5-11 Westervelt, also a first-team pick last season, led the 10th-ranked Patriots in scoring (15.8) and rebounds (8.6) and also averaged 2.4 steals. A strong low-post player, Westervelt was capable of consistently hitting 10-12 foot jumpers, and her defense improved. She fin- ished her career with 1,279 points and nearly 800 rebounds. Westervelt, looking to play at a Division II school, is leaning toward Shepherd College.

Toni White, Wilde Lake, Sr., G: White led fourth-ranked Wilde Lake to the Class 3A state semifinals -- its third state tournament appearance in four years -- and its third consecutive Howard County championship. A 5-5 point guard, White was the Wildecats' catalyst on both ends of the court and helped them go 18-0 in the county. White led the team in scoring (12.8), assists (6.3), steals (5.3) and three-point baskets (25). She scored 17, including three three-pointers, in Wilde Lake's state semifinal loss to Wheaton. White, a second-team pick the past two seasons , has signed with Marist.

Team selection

The Baltimore Sun 1997-98 All-Metro girls basketball teams were selected by The Sun staff after consulting with area coaches.

Pub Date: 3/21/98