Maryland Terps Will Stay Local For DC Nationals

The Maryland Terps program typically logs a lot of miles each summer, but the team’s travel agent will get one break this year when the Terps compete in their backyard at the DC Nationals. The 2015 DC Nationals will be hosted by the All Star Girls Report staff from July 6-8 in District Heights, Md. The event, which will draw an outstanding national level field, will be played at the NEW 24 facility.

Whether the Terps are at home or on the road, they consistently make a tremendous impression, especially on college coaches. In their seven years of existence, the Terps have sent every one of their players on to Division I college basketball.

“I think there are a few things that really make a big difference for our program,” said Coach Robert Hildreth. “First, we keep our roster at just nine players. Everyone who plays with us gets a ton of minutes, and that’s huge at this level. Second, we recruit good families. We have a good product, and people have noticed what we are doing. That helps us bring in people who really want to be here.

“Another part of it is that we have a great, great relationship with a lot of the college coaches. They know that when they get a Maryland Terp, they are getting a college ready player. We have great coaches in Joe Dunston and Calvin Missouri, and we bring in some great trainers, and they conduct college workouts for our kids.”

Three of the Terps who will be under the microscope at the DC Nationals will be Deja Ford (2016, 5-9, G), Mariah Gray (2016, 5-6, G) and Jaia Alexander (2016, 5-10, G).

“Deja has a college ready body and the ability to score from just about anywhere. She can hit the three, and she is a shut down defender,” Hildreth said. “Mariah, I think, is really a diamond in the rough. She is a special player with a huge upside. Mariah is the best defensive player on our team, and she is a good three-point shooter. She is one of those quiet players who just does it all. Jaia is a five-tool guard with a great basketball IQ and a great motor.”

Bret McCormick, the analyst for the All Star Girls Report, also provided his perspective on the Maryland Terp prospects.

“Ford is a quick, strong point guard who handles the ball very well. She is good in the open floor, and she shoots the three,” McCormick said. “Gray is a shooting guard who knows the game. She is quick and strong, and she has a nice mid-range game to go with her three-point ability. Alexander is a very skilled athlete who could play multiple positions. She just has a great all-around game.”