Basketball preview: Others/independent girls

By Preston Williams,

Top teams

Riverdale Baptist (38-2), Spalding (20-11), Pallotti (17-8)

Top players

F Camille Calhoun, Spalding, 5-11, Sr.

G Auteaonna Gilmore, Riverdale Baptist, 5-8, Jr.

G Chloe Jackson, Riverdale Baptist, 5-9, Jr.

G Taylor Murray, Annapolis Area Christian, 5-6, So.

G Chania Ray, Riverdale Baptist, 5-8, Jr.

Skinny

Riverdale Baptist, now coached by former program assistant Sam Caldwell, has finished as the Post’s No. 1 team for the past four seasons. The Crusaders graduated seven Division I players but boast perhaps the best back court in the area with Gilmore (the lone returning starter), Jackson and St. John’s transfer Ray (James Madison). Forward/center Maya Singleton and center Jonelle Britt have signed with Marshall; Britt will miss a few weeks with a knee injury. Riverdale added transfers Tykera Carter (Brooke Point), Malika Wright (Forest Park) and Diamond Mickel (Osbourn Park). Riverdale has games scheduled in Phoenix, Las Vegas, New York and Tennessee. . . . Spalding lost in the IAAM-A final last year, the Cavaliers’ third straight appearance in the championship. Spalding has three Division I players who have committed — Calhoun (Virginia Commonwealth), F Jade Scaife (UNC Greensboro) and forward Sierra Clark (St. Francis, Pa.). . . . Pallotti is junior-oriented, with several attracting college interest. . . . George Mason will try to win its fourth Virginia A Division 2 title in five seasons, led by guard/forward Stephanie Cheney (Penn), the Falls Church school’s all-time leading scorer. . . . Middleburg sophomore forward Rachel Malinowski averaged a double-double and five blocks and sophomore guard Courtney Radcliffe averaged 10 points, 4 assists and 3 steals last season. The Dragons return four starters. . . . For Annapolis Area Christian, Murray averaged 18.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 7 steals and 4.7 assists. The IAAM C champions move up to IAAM B this season.