Hammond girls finish “perfect season” with MPSSA 2A state title

The Bears surge in the second half to defeat Francis Scott Key for their first state championship since 1995

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – The Hammond girls basketball team had not appeared in a state championship game since 2002 and had not won one since 1965. That all changed Friday night at the University of Maryland’s Xfinity Center as the top-seeded Bears completed a magical undefeated campaign with a 65-46 win over Francis Scott Key.

The Bears (27-0), who won their fourth overall state crown, have been one of the most dominant teams in recent memory, as their average margin of victory coming into the state final was 30 points per game. However, FSK gave Hammond fits with its 1-3-1 zone and helped the Eagles hold a slim lead early in the third quarter.

Hammond girls basketball completed a 27-0 season with the MPSSAA Class 2A state title Friday. The Bears defeated Francis Scott Key, 65-46, at the University of Maryland / Photo by Derek Toney

Hammond, however, used its own defense to turn around its offensive fortunes as the Bears went on a 30-11 run over the remainder of the second half to send the Bears to victory, going away. The Bears outscored FSK 24-9 in the fourth quarter.

Asia Mitchell scored a game-high 16 points to lead Hammond, while Nia Green and Sara Yarnell scored 14 each. Alexis Wright added nine.

Drew Watkins and Kensi Bancroft combined for 25 points to lead Francis Scott Key.

(From left) Nia Green, head coach Ayanna Jones, Asia Mitchell and Sara Yarnell celebrate Hammond's first MPSSAA girls basketball state championship, with the Class 2A trophy, during the post-game press conference / Photo by Derek Toney