No. 4 Hammond girls basketball earns statement win, defeating No. 15 Howard, 57-29
Streaks are meant to be broken.
Entering Wednesday’s game at Hammond, Howard girls basketball had won a record 64 straight Howard County games dating back to 2019.
However, the previously dominant Lions ran into the unstoppable force that is Hammond’s defense. The Golden Bears stymied Howard’s offensive flow in a 57-29 statement win.
Two years ago, Hammond was 6-8, still looking to take the next step as a program. Last season in coach Ayanna Jones’ first year, the Golden Bears went 17-6 and inched closer to joining the county’s upper echelon. That success fueled them. Hammond entered the year a confident group that knew its potential.
The Golden Bears reached a new height Wednesday, defeating a program that’s become synonymous with Howard County championships and postseason success.
“It’s definitely beneficial for us because it shows that we are a top contender in the county,” Jones said. “Howard has always been — no matter who graduates — a great team in our county. To be able to compete with them and put on the show that we did, I think that shows a lot of people that had doubts about who we were as a program what we have. We’re here to stay and we’re to put forth the effort to be a top contender.”
Hammond used its size and athleticism to cause havoc, and for a sixth time this season, held an opponent under 30 points. However, the Golden Bears’ stifling defense is predicated on more than that. It all starts with a consistent buy-in from all five girls on the floor, committed to giving maximum effort on the defensive end.
Whether it’s a guard swarming to give help on the backside or a post player stepping up to contest a shot, the Golden Bears defense operates on a string. That unification exemplifies the culture that Hammond (11-0, 7-0 Howard County) has built this season.
Guard Kayley Washington led the Hammond early with seven first-quarter points. Riley Watson kept Howard (7-3, 6-1) close in the first quarter with eight points of her own, but the Lions offense struggled mightily the rest of the way.
Hammond senior guard Nia Green took charge in the second quarter, attacking the basket at will and drawing contact. Meanwhile, the defense held Howard to just three points in the quarter, keeping it scoreless the final 4:29 of the half. Junior center Sara Yarnell had a lot to do with that, using her imposing 6-foot-1 frame to block five shots and alter many others. Hammond built a 14-point halftime advantage, while the Lions were left searching for answers.
“They’re really athletic, very long, great in transition and they’re well-coached,” Howard coach Scott Robinson said. “They got the whole package. They have all of the ingredients of a winning team.”
Watson didn’t play in the second half because of an ankle injury. Howard’s offense suffered without its point guard and Hammond extended its lead. Green, who led Hammond with 11 points in the first half, continued to attack early in the third. Rather than forcing tough shots, Green took what the defense gave her and found teammates for open looks. Decisions like those showcase her evolution as a floor general.
“I think coach Jones has given me the confidence to do what I can with the ball,” Green said. “I have more trust in my teammates to knock down their shots and just know whether or not to take a good shot. I know my teammates can really shoot the ball and everyone on the team is capable of taking it to the hoop. It comes with our new coach; she gives us all the confidence to shoot and pass the ball.”
Green finished with a double-double (21 points and 13 rebounds), while also serving as a vocal leader on the floor. Meanwhile, Yarnell (10 points and 11 rebounds) anchored the low post. After a complete 32-minute team effort, the Golden Bears faithful reigned downs chants of “Undefeated.”
However, the Golden Bears aren’t done yet and have a loftier vision ahead.
“It means a lot to us as a program and as a school,” Yarnell said. “At the end of the day, this isn’t the end all be all. Howard’s not our Super Bowl; it’s not going to be our Super Bowl. We’re on our way to states. We have a bigger mission than this.”