March 16, 1999|By Derek Toney and Katherine Dunn
Player of the Year
Marcus Hatten, Mervo, Sr., G: Possibly the area's best senior, Hatten, a 6-foot-2 combination guard, was a consistent force for a young Mervo squad this season. A repeat All-City/County first-team selection, Hatten averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 assists and 9.1 rebounds for the Mustangs, who were knocked out of the Class 4A regional playoffs by Dulaney. Flashy at times, Hatten was relentless on the court -- driving to the basket, hitting long-range jumpers and grabbing rebounds, sometimes with little rest. "He's a complete player and does whatever to be successful," Mervo coach Woody Williams said of his four-year starter. "He makes others around him better, and he's the hardest worker in practice." In 23 games, Hatten had four quad doubles and 12 triple doubles. American, Richmond, Temple and Virginia Commonwealth are interested in Hatten.
Coach of the Year
Craig Amos, Pikesville: As a player, Amos carried Milford Mill to the 1988 Class 1A state championship, ending a 25-year drought for Baltimore County. As a coach, Amos guided the northwest Baltimore County school to its first state semifinal appearance since 1985, losing to North Dorchester in the 1A championship game last weekend at the University of Maryland. Pikesville went 18-8 during the season, including a 65-63 victory over defending 1A state champ Forest Park in the North Region semifinals. In two seasons, Amos, a former assistant at Milford Mill and the all-time leading scorer at St. Joseph's in Philadelphia, is 28-18.
The first team
Reggie Bryant, Calvert Hall, Sr., G: Bryant again was Calvert Hall's go-to guy this season. Bryant, 6-3, averaged 23.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists, winning Catholic League Player of the Year honors. With opposing defenses focusing on him, Bryant was still able to get to the basket with his slashing moves. "He playing more within himself," said Calvert Hall coach Mark Amatucci. "Last year, he was forcing things, but this season, he's taking what has been given to him and has been consistent." Canisius, Central Florida and La Salle are recruiting Bryant.
Dontaz Dean, Dunbar, Sr., C: Playing a solid, yet secondary role behind last season's Player of the Year Jamal Brown (now at Maine Central Prep), Dean was the force inside for the No. 1 Poets. A chiseled 6-foot-7, Dean averaged 15.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 5.1 blocks for Dunbar, which claimed the city and Class 2A state championship. A strong rebounder and scorer on the inside, Dean can also take a defender outside the paint. "He's the glue that kept us together," said Dunbar coach Lynn Badham. Dean will attend a prep school next season.
Donnell Dobbins, Forest Park, Sr., G: Though Forest Park went 7-13 during the season, Dobbins was a thorn in the side of all the teams in the city league. Dobbins, 5-10, averaged 30.1 points and 10.2 assists for the Foresters, who were edged by eventual Class 1A, North Region champ Pikesville in the semifinals. Against the city's three state semifinal teams -- Dunbar, City and Lake Clifton -- Dobbins averaged 31 points, including a season-high 37 against City. "He's the best guard in the city," said Forest Park coach Greg Warren of Dobbins, who scored in double figures in all but one game this season. Albany, Towson and UMBC have been in contact with Dobbins.
Todd Galloway, City, Soph., G: Galloway, who transferred from St. Frances, provided an immediate impact for the Knights this season. A 5-foot-10 point guard, Galloway averaged 18.1 points, 6.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds for the Class 3A state semifinalists. Aggressive to the basket, Galloway controlled City by creating opportunities for teammates or taking over the scoring load when needed. "He's our team-leader and an all-out great athlete," said City coach Daryl Wade. Galloway had a season-high 36 points against Wilde Lake in the Class 3A, North regionals, and 23 in a 62-60 loss to Gwynn Park of Prince George's County in the state semifinals.
Tamir Goodman, Talmudical Academy, Jr., G: Some have criticized the level of competition Goodman faced this season, but few have questioned his ability. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 35.4 points, 7.5 assists and 6.5 rebounds for the small Jewish school in Pikesville. An excellent outside shooter, Goodman's passing skill may be his best attribute. "At his worst, he's entertaining. At his best, he's breathtaking," said Talmudical Academy coach Harold Katz. Goodman, who scored an area-best 50 points against CHEN, has orally committed to the University of Maryland.
