The basketball season has barely begun and it’s already time for No. 1 vs. No. 2 in girls basketball: No. 1 St. Frances at No. 2 Arundel Monday night at 7.

St. Frances, six-time defending Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference champion, is aiming for its third straight win over the Wildcats, who have won six straight Anne Arundel County titles.

This one could be as close as last year, when the Panthers pulled away late to win, 55-52, in their East Baltimore gym.

That game included an introductory star turn for Panthers guard Shatyra Hawkes, then just a sophomore. She sparked the Panthers with two assists and a three-pointer in a 7-0 run that put them up 54-47 with two minutes left. Hawkes could be a key again along with forward Briana Hutchen and 6-foot-2 center Sophy Ngobeni.

The Wildcats, however, have a stellar trio of their own. Simone Egwu, a 6-3 center, and Sheronne Vails, a 6-4 forward, will try to use their height advantage to control the paint as they have not been able to do in the past. Guard Ashley Davis, who hit for 24 points last season, could put the game away if she gets hot.

Make plans to come on out and catch one of the most anticipated contests of the season as well as some of the best players in the area, but get there early. This one always draws a big crowd.
--Katherine Dunn