Maryland Girls Basketball Team Makes History After 28 Years

After 28 years of waiting, the Richard Montgomery Rockets girls basketball team finally returned to the Maryland 4A state championship game.

The Rockets faced off against the Whitman Vikings on March 18, 2026, in a hard-fought battle that ended 51-40. While they didn't capture the title, the team made history simply by reaching the finals for the first time since 1996.

Led by Yale commit Katie Diao and Case Western Reserve commit Manuella Glover, the Rockets entered the championship with an impressive 22-3 record. The team had faced Whitman twice before during the season, making this their third matchup of the year.

The game stayed close through three quarters, with sophomore Gowri Chandrashekar hitting a clutch three-pointer to bring the score within one point. Junior Ava Ruggeri powered through tough defense to keep her team in contention throughout the first half.

Diao showed her grit when she collided with a teammate at half court during the third quarter. After receiving treatment from the athletic trainer, she returned to the court with a taped ankle and immediately made an impact, forcing a turnover and draining a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the quarter.

The Bright Side: This season represents more than just wins and losses for Richard Montgomery. The team shattered expectations and united their school community around something special.

The Rockets proved that success isn't only measured by championship rings. Their journey to the finals inspired their entire school and showed younger players what's possible with dedication and teamwork.

This historic season belongs to every player who showed up, fought hard, and made their community proud.