Celebrating a Remarkable High School Sports Year: Top Highlights and Superlatives

As the academic year concludes, students and athletes alike prepare to enjoy a well-deserved summer break, reminiscing about the memorable moments from the past ten months of high school sports. To honor the achievements and standout performances, we’ve curated a list of superlatives inspired by the traditional yearbook categories. While we didn’t crown the class clown, we highlight the most impressive feats and stories of the season. Here are ten of the most notable highlights from an exhilarating year in high school athletics.

Unbeaten Streak of the Year

Archbishop Spalding Football

Entering the season with sky-high expectations, the Archbishop Spalding Cavaliers delivered a flawless performance, finishing with an undefeated record of 12-0. Their dominance was evident as they consistently topped regional rankings and climbed the national polls, showcasing their prowess against formidable opponents. Securing their third consecutive Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A division crown, they established themselves as the premier team in the D.C. metropolitan area.

Additional contenders: Gonzaga soccer, Independence girls’ soccer, Quince Orchard football, St. John’s girls’ hockey, Whitman wrestling

Most Dramatic Comeback in a Championship Match

Bishop O’Connell Volleyball

In the WCAC final, Bishop O’Connell found itself trailing in the fourth set, with Holy Cross leading by 11 points. The odds seemed stacked against the Knights as they faced a decisive fifth set, but they rallied with relentless determination. One point at a time, they chipped away at the deficit, ultimately winning the set 27-25 and claiming the conference title in a stunning turnaround.

Other notable comebacks: Gonzaga rowing, Marriotts Ridge girls’ lacrosse, Riverside girls’ lacrosse, South River girls’ basketball

Most Memorable Final Play

Walter Johnson Baseball

The Maryland Class 4A championship concluded with a dramatic moment as senior Shaun Rudick hit a clutch single to center field, raising his arms in triumph. His decisive RBI propelled Walter Johnson to a 7-6 victory over Urbana, earning the Wildcats their first-ever state championship and etching their name into school history.

Other outstanding finishes: Gonzaga hockey, North Point football, West Potomac boys’ lacrosse, West Springfield boys’ track and field

Outstanding Senior Leadership

Jordan Scott, South Lakes Boys’ Basketball

As a key figure during South Lakes’ dominant era, Scott led the Seahawks to back-to-back Virginia Class 6 titles with a new supporting cast. In his final game-a 68-60 victory over C.G. Woodson-he showcased his talent with 32 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, and three assists, leaving a lasting legacy for the program.

Other notable seniors: Patuxent football’s Evan Blouir, St. Albans baseball’s Myles Upchurch, Landon hockey’s Reid Pehrkon, Leonardtown softball’s Claire Radford

Program with the Potential for a Dynasty

Whitman Girls’ Soccer

In mid-November, Whitman secured its fourth consecutive Class 4A state title with a decisive 3-0 victory over Crofton. This achievement marked a historic milestone as the first Maryland soccer program to win four straight championships in this classification. Led by a core of experienced players, the Vikings maintained their top ranking throughout the season, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse.

Other programs with strong championship streaks: Bishop O’Connell softball, Good Counsel girls’ lacrosse, Lake Braddock gymnastics, Severna Park boys’ lacrosse, Sidwell Friends girls’ tennis, St. John’s baseball, St. John’s field hockey, Yorktown girls’ swimming

Record-Breaking Talent of the Year

Cam Ward, Largo Boys’ Basketball

Senior standout Cam Ward made the most of his final season, guiding Largo to another state championship while also etching his name into the record books. The Michigan State signee surpassed what is believed to be Maryland’s all-time scoring record for a public school athlete, finishing his career with an astonishing 2,716 points.

Other record-breaking athletes: Bullis track stars, Glenelg field hockey’s Brinkley Eyre, Sidwell Friends girls’ lacrosse’s Avery Coleman

Most Impressive Postseason Journey

Arundel Football

Entering the playoffs with an 8-1 record, Arundel aimed to end a long drought since their last state title in 1975. Throughout their postseason run, they outscored opponents 114-42, demonstrating resilience and skill. Led by dynamic quarterback Ahmir Lowery, the Wildcats defeated Linganore 35-7 in the championship game, securing their first state title in nearly five decades.

Other notable postseason runs: Bullis volleyball, Heritage baseball, Laurel boys’ basketball, Lightridge boys’ soccer, Thomas Jefferson girls’ tennis

Most Significant Improvement

Heritage Girls’ Basketball

Under new head coach Tayler Cook, Heritage transformed from a .500 team into a dominant force in Northern Virginia. Emphasizing a tough, defensive style, the Pride captured their first district and regional titles in school history. Their season culminated with a 46-37 victory over Salem in the Virginia Class 4A final, marking a historic milestone for the program.

Other teams that showed remarkable growth: Coolidge girls’ basketball, DeMatha lacrosse, Loudoun County girls’ soccer

Most Surprising Upset of the Year

Cardozo Boys’ Basketball Defeats Jackson-Reed in the DCIAA Final

Jackson-Reed entered the DCIAA championship as the heavy favorite, boasting an undefeated league record and holding five of the last seven titles. However, Cardozo, a team that had been steadily building momentum, delivered a stunning performance in the final moments. With a narrow 53-52 victory, the Clerks secured their first DCIAA title since 2007, shocking the local basketball community.

Other notable upsets: Dunbar football defeating Friendship Collegiate in the DCSAA final, Paul VI boys’ basketball winning the WCAC title over Gonzaga

Farewell to a Coaching Legend

Katy Kelley, Broadneck Girls’ Lacrosse

Following her team’s fifth consecutive state championship-an 8-6 victory over Urbana-Kelley announced her retirement after 25 years of coaching, including 12 as head coach. Her leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on the program and the local lacrosse community.

Other notable coaching farewells: Sherwood boys’ basketball’s Tom Sheahin, Wendy Mihm of Whitman gymnastics, Jenny Keimig of Yorktown girls’ lacrosse