Frederick, MD – A valiant effort for the Dragons as they were unable to stay with the #2 nationally ranked CCBC Essex Knights, falling in the Region 20 tournament semifinals 95-52. The Dragons season ends with a final record of 18-8 as head coach Eryn Barnes had another fantastic season at the helm of the women's basketball program.
 
CCBC Essex came out shooting fast and often as usual, but the tenacious Dragon defense kept the high powered Knights down. As Essex went up 15-6, Nhaikyia Smith (Waldorf, MD/St. Vincent Pallotti) answered back with a mid-range jumper and Sydnei Harmon (Largo, MD/Charles H. Flowers) scored a fast break hoop and harm to close the gap to just four late in the first quarter. Howard did a great job of hanging with the Knights in the second quarter as the defense held Essex to just 37 first half points while the Dragons aggressiveness on offense saw them get to the free throw line often and keep it at just a 10 point deficit at halftime.
 
Mikiyah Mallett (Pasadena, MD/Old Mill) started to show up more in the third quarter as she fought her way through the paint over and over to keep Howard close, but the Knights' shots started to fall as they scored 24 third quarter points to extend the lead. Howard ran out of energy in the fourth quarter as Essex continued to pull further ahead and secure their place in the regional championship game.
 
Mallett finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team. Smith added 17 points and eight rebounds in her typically hard working performance. Harmon scored eight points along with a trio of blocks while Kalani Corkeron (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake) scored five points and Julia Harrington (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore City College) added four points and nine rebounds.
 
The Dragons will have to say goodbye to a memorable sophomore class including Sarah Deese (Woodbine, MD/Century), Julia Harrington (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore City College), Kalani Corkeron (Columbia, MD/Wilde Lake), India Young (Sprindgale, MD/Charles H. Flowers) and Kyndal Moore (Atlanta, GA/River Hill).