For generations, Montgomery County high school basketball has been one of Maryland’s most competitive and talent-rich landscapes, a proving ground for future college standouts, pro athletes, and local legends whose stories continue to echo in packed gymnasiums across the county. From Springbrook’s dynasties to Richard Montgomery’s powerhouse years, from Paint Branch and Blair to Magruder and Gaithersburg, every school has contributed to a rich and storied hoops tradition.
Now, two of Montgomery County’s most respected basketball minds have come together to preserve that history and celebrate its greatest players. Retired longtime MCPS coach John Fahrner, known affectionately as “Mr. Rocket” for his decades at Richard Montgomery High School, and Brian Magid, one of the most celebrated players to ever come out of Montgomery Blair High School, have teamed up to compile “Montgomery County Public School Basketball History: The All-Time Team (1960–2013).”
The project, which spans more than half a century of basketball excellence, highlights the top players, coaches, and programs that defined the Montgomery County basketball scene. Fahrner and Magid call it both a labor of love and a tribute to the generations of athletes and educators who shaped the game locally. Fahrner, a retired educator and coach, spent more than 40 years teaching and leading programs in basketball, golf, and tennis. Known for his deep knowledge of Montgomery County sports, he has long been considered one of the region’s most trusted authorities on local athletic history. Magid, meanwhile, is a name that needs little introduction to longtime MoCo basketball fans. Widely regarded as one of the greatest pure shooters in county history, he led Montgomery Blair High School to county and state championships in 1975 and remains the school’s all-time leading scorer. After a college career that took him to the University of Maryland and George Washington University, Magid was drafted by the Indiana Pacers and went on to play professionally in Israel.
Together, the two combined their encyclopedic recall and shared reverence for Montgomery County basketball to craft an ambitious all-time list, one that spans eras, schools, and playing styles. It begins with a “Starting Five and Sixth Man,” then expands to include a Top 25, a Top 50, a lineup of iconic coaches, and special categories recognizing the best shooters, rebounders, point guards, and teams to ever represent the county. The lists are created based on what the players were able to accomplish while at an MCPS high School.
The All-Time Starting Five and Sixth Man: At the core of the list is a starting lineup that reflects the very best Montgomery County high school basketball has ever produced, five players and one sixth man who, in Fahrner and Magid’s view, embody the talent, toughness, and legacy of MoCo hoops. The duo notes that the “comps” are only meant to compare playing style to a recognizable NBA player and does not mean “as good as” the comparison.
Willie Allen (Richard Montgomery ’67) – Comp: Darryl Dawkins: Allen is the county’s only three-time Washington Post First Team All-Met selection and remains one of the most dominant big men in local basketball history. The 6’7” center averaged more than 25 points and 20 rebounds per game, leading Richard Montgomery to a state title in 1966 and a runner-up finish in 1967. A rock-solid athlete with immense strength, Allen went on to star at the University of Miami and play briefly in the ABA with the Miami Floridians.
Gary Browne (Walt Whitman ’68) – Comp: Chris Mullin: Known throughout Montgomery County as “The Machine,” Browne was a scoring force whose smooth jumper and relentless offense made him nearly unstoppable. A two-time All-Met and the county’s single-game scoring record holder with 62 points, he averaged 32.6 points per game as a senior and led Whitman to the 1968 state finals. Browne was bound for West Virginia University before a car accident prematurely ended his playing career, but his legend as one of MoCo’s most prolific scorers lives on.
Tracy Jackson (Paint Branch ’77) – Comp: Chet Walker: The first Montgomery County player ever named Washington Post Player of the Year, Jackson averaged more than 30 points and 16 rebounds per game his senior season, leading Paint Branch to the 1977 state championship. Known for his versatility and leadership, Jackson starred at Notre Dame and later played in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls. Considered by many to be the most complete player ever to come through MoCo, he is also remembered for his character off the court and his place among the nicest athletes to wear a county uniform.
Eddie Peterson (Springbrook ’70) – Comp: Klay Thompson: A pure shooter and two-time All-Met selection, Peterson’s jumper is still talked about among those who saw him play. Averaging nearly 28 points per game in both his junior and senior seasons, he shot over 50 percent from the field at a time when perimeter shooting was rare. He later tied Maryland legend Tom McMillen for the freshman scoring lead in the ACC while playing at South Carolina.
Riley Inge (Paint Branch ’92) – Comp: Chris Paul: A four-year starter and two-time All-Met, Inge was the ultimate floor general. He averaged 20.2 points, 7.5 assists, 6 rebounds, and 6 steals per game his senior year while leading Paint Branch to a 44–6 record over his final two seasons. His intelligence and defensive prowess stood out, and his coach Hank Galotta once said, “I never had to call a defense — I let Riley do it.” Inge went on to lead Mount St. Mary’s to an NCAA Tournament berth in 1995 before continuing his career overseas.
Folarin Campbell (Springbrook ’04) – Comp: Dwyane Wade: Campbell’s career stands as one of the most impressive in county history. A two-time All-Met who averaged 28.4 points per game as a senior, he led Springbrook to the 2004 state final and later became a key starter for George Mason University’s legendary 2006 Final Four team. Known for his athleticism, defensive tenacity, and leadership, Campbell went on to score 1,545 career points at George Mason before enjoying a lengthy professional career overseas.
The Extended Top 25: To expand their All-Time Team, Fahrner and Magid selected an additional 19 players to form a Top 25 — an “imaginary Olympic-style tryout,” as they called it. These players represent every era and style of basketball played in the county, from the dominant big men of the 1960s and 70s to the versatile guards and high-flying wings of the modern era.
Buzzy Braman (Springbrook ’73) – Comp: Ty Jerome: A rare two-time All-Met in Montgomery County history and a 1972 state champion, Braman was a classic point and combo guard known for his elite shooting, passing, and leadership. He later became the first true shooting coach in NBA history, serving as an assistant with the Washington Bullets and earning the nickname “The Shot Doctor.”
Jamaal Wise (Paint Branch ’01) – Comp: Naz Reid: A two-time All-Met and 2000 state champion, Wise was a 6’5” athletic scorer who led Paint Branch past an undefeated Annapolis team in the state title game. Known for his powerful dunks and defensive presence, he averaged 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks as a senior and remains one of the most versatile forwards in MoCo history.
David Vanterpool (Montgomery Blair ’91) – Comp: Michael Ray Richardson: At 6’5”, Vanterpool was a cerebral, do-it-all point guard who filled every category on the stat sheet. Averaging 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game as a senior, he led Blair to a Top 10 area ranking before embarking on a successful career at St. Bonaventure. He played and coached internationally and later served as an assistant coach in the NBA, including for the Washington Wizards.
Paul Coder (Peary ’68) – Comp: Zach Randolph: A 6’8”, 230-pound powerhouse, Coder dominated the low post with elite footwork and a polished midrange game. He averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds at NC State, shooting an impressive 56.7 percent from the field over three collegiate seasons.
Stu Klitenic (Northwood ’73) – Comp: Reggie Theus: A 6’5” scorer and one of only three players in county history to average 30 points per game (joining Gary Browne and Antoine Wills), Klitenic was nearly impossible to defend. A gifted passer and defender, he also remains one of the few MoCo players ever to score 50 points in a game.
Billy Gordon (Richard Montgomery ’67) – Comp: Junior Bridgeman: A key part of Richard Montgomery’s 1966 state championship team alongside Willie Allen, Gordon was a 6’3” sharpshooter known for his ability to heat up quickly and score in bunches. He went on to star at UMES, was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics, and played in the Continental Basketball Association.
Spencer Graham (Bethesda-Chevy Chase ’70) – Comp: Brook Lopez: A 6’8” first-team All-Met and two-time All-County selection, Graham anchored one of the deepest B-CC teams ever, leading the Barons to the state tournament in 1970. A skilled big man with excellent footwork and touch, he helped define the physical play of the early 1970s era.
Jamal Olasewere (Springbrook ’09) – Comp: James Worthy: A rugged 6’6” forward, Olasewere was a two-time All-Met and two-time state champion who helped Springbrook go undefeated in 2009. He became LIU-Brooklyn’s all-time leading scorer, was named NEC Player of the Decade, and led his team to three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Tommy Higdon (Springbrook ’70) – Comp: Bob McAdoo: A 6’5” inside-out scorer, Higdon was a two-time All-County selection who averaged 21.7 points and 17.7 rebounds over two seasons. Known for his rebounding and soft jumper, he was one of the most complete forwards of his time.
Ray Ruhling (Montgomery Blair ’64) – Comp: Louie Dampier/Jimmer Fredette: A smooth, pure shooter and first-team All-Met in 1964, Ruhling starred at American University, where he averaged 20 points per game as a junior. He was also an accomplished track athlete, ranking among AU’s all-time leaders in the triple jump and long jump.
Charles Johnson (Gaithersburg ’98) – Comp: Adrian Dantley: A versatile forward and two-time All-Met, Johnson led the 1998 Gaithersburg Trojans to a 27–1 record and a thrilling five-overtime state championship win over Oxon Hill. Known as the “ultimate teammate,” he played with intelligence, toughness, and selflessness.
Tryrian Ridges (Springbrook ’96) – Comp: Jameer Nelson: The only three-time first-team All-County player in MoCo history besides Willie Allen, Ridges averaged 23.7 points, 7 assists, and nearly 4 steals per game as a senior. He led Springbrook to three straight regional titles and two state final appearances.
Bob Windsor (Montgomery Blair ’61) – Comp: Dave DeBusschere: A two-sport star and one of the greatest all-around athletes in Montgomery County history, Windsor led Blair to the 1961 state title and also starred in football and track. He later played football at Kentucky, reached the national championship game in basketball, and went on to a nine-year NFL career.
Eric Smith (Churchill ’78) – Comp: Sidney Moncrief: A two-sport standout and the driving force behind Churchill’s 1978 state basketball championship, Smith also helped lead the school to a football state title. At Georgetown University, he was named team MVP for the 1981–82 season, which ended in a narrow NCAA championship loss to North Carolina.
Antoine “Lumpy” Wills (Kennedy ’95) – Comp: Joe Johnson: A smooth left-handed scorer, Wills averaged 30.5 points per game as a senior, one of the few MoCo players ever to reach that mark. Known for his silky midrange game and high basketball IQ, he finished his Kennedy career with more than 1,500 points.
Eddie Stewart (Montgomery Blair ’70) – Comp: Bob Dandridge: A versatile 6’3” guard and two-time All-County selection, Stewart was a key part of Blair’s 1969 state championship team. Known for his unorthodox scoring style and relentless energy, he was both a creative offensive player and a tough defender.
Jerome Habel (Walt Whitman ’03) – Comp: Lamar Odom: A 6’9” athletic marvel, Habel was one of the most unique talents ever to play in Montgomery County. Averaging 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 7.5 blocks as a senior, he was known for his elite passing, shot-blocking, and versatility — a true game-changer.
Sonny Jackson (Montgomery Blair ’62) – Comp: Lenny Wilkens: A two-time All-Met and the point guard for Blair’s back-to-back state championship teams in 1961 and 1962, Jackson was also a football and baseball star. He turned down a scholarship to play both sports at Maryland, instead signing with the Houston Colt .45s and launching a 12-year Major League Baseball career.
Craig Davis (Peary ’74) – Comp: Ernie DiGregorio: A 5’9” whirlwind of a guard, Davis was a showman and floor general who scored 45 points against Springbrook as a senior. A two-time All-County and All-Met selection, he was known for his quickness, vision, and leadership.
After completing their Top 25, Fahrner and Magid continued the journey with another 25 names, rounding out their Montgomery County Top 50, a sweeping tribute that captures more than five decades of athletic brilliance. Each player earned his place through performance, consistency, and historical impact on the Montgomery County basketball scene:
Claude Prather (Richard Montgomery ’65) – Comp: John Havlicek: A fierce competitor who excelled in multiple sports, Prather was the Pigskin Club’s All-Met Football Player of the Year in 1965 and a dominant basketball force known for his leadership and hustle.
Richie Farmer (Northwood ’65) – Comp: Jerry Sloan: A rugged guard and two-time All-Met who embodied toughness, defense, and consistency, Farmer was one of the cornerstones of Northwood’s competitive mid-60s teams.
Steve Graham (Bethesda-Chevy Chase ’71) – Comp: Robin Lopez: An interior presence with soft touch and rebounding prowess, Graham was a first-team All-Met who helped anchor a loaded B-CC squad alongside his brother Spencer.
Rick Deming (Montgomery Blair ’69) – Comp: Jeff Ruland: A key member of Blair’s 1969 championship team, Deming was a two-time All-County performer and dependable scorer and rebounder who thrived under pressure.
Danny Gaither (Sherwood ’70) – Comp: Bob Love: A two-time All-County selection and the leading scorer in his classification for two straight years, Gaither’s offensive production made him one of Sherwood’s all-time greats.
Junior Jackson (Montgomery Blair ’70) – Comp: Kendall Gill: A two-time All-County guard who starred on Blair’s 1969 state title team, Jackson was known for his athleticism and explosive first step.
Steve Nuce (Peary ’70) – Comp: Scott Wedman: An All-Met third team selection and two-time All-County honoree, Nuce was a reliable shooter and defensive specialist who brought steadiness to Peary’s lineup.
Craig Crosswhite (Walt Whitman ’71) – Comp: Kevin Loughery: A sharp-shooting guard and second-team All-Met, Crosswhite provided the kind of outside scoring and court awareness that elevated Whitman during its early 70s prominence.
Reggie Lee (Einstein ’73) – Comp: Steve Smith: A two-time All-County selection, Lee was a gifted scorer with deep range and a knack for hitting big shots.
Craig Esherick (Springbrook ’74) – Comp: Kyle Korver: Known for his perimeter accuracy and basketball IQ, Esherick later played for and coached at Georgetown University, serving as head coach from 1999 to 2004.
Cedric Boatman (Montgomery Blair ’75) – Comp: Ben Wallace: A rugged rebounder and two-time All-County selection, Boatman was a defensive anchor who brought intensity and power to Blair’s 1975 state championship squad.
Herb Krusen (Northwood ’76) – Comp: Doug McDermott: A versatile forward and two-time All-Met, Krusen was known for his smooth shooting stroke and offensive versatility.
Brian Howard (Rockville ’82) – Comp: Stephon Marbury: A dynamic scorer and ballhandler, Howard was a second-team All-Met selection in 1982 and a two-time All-County performer who starred in multiple sports at Rockville.
Doug Turner (Seneca Valley ’82) – Comp: Chauncey Billups: Turner’s poise, leadership, and scoring ability helped power Seneca Valley to success during the early 80s. A first-team All-Met, he remains one of the school’s most respected players.
Kevin McClinton (Springbrook ’89) – Comp: Tyrese Haliburton: A two-time All-Met selection, McClinton was a smooth guard with playmaking flair who excelled at pushing the pace and finding teammates in transition.
Chris McGuthrie (Springbrook ’92) – Comp: Bradley Beal: A prolific scorer and two-time All-County first-teamer, McGuthrie was known for his clutch shooting and ability to take over games, later starring at Mount St. Mary’s.
Darren McClinton (Springbrook ’92) – Comp: Desmond Bane: A fiery competitor and standout shooter, McClinton shared the backcourt spotlight with his brother Chris, creating one of the most dynamic guard duos in county history.
Anthony “Gumby” Williams (Richard Montgomery ’98) – Comp: LeBron James: An explosive athlete and dominant all-around player, Williams was a matchup nightmare who could score from anywhere on the court.
Pele Paelay (Magruder ’02) – Comp: Ricky Pierce: A two-time All-Met selection who led Magruder to an undefeated state championship season in 2001, Paelay was later named Big South Player of the Year at Coastal Carolina.
Brandon Giles (Magruder ’04) – Comp: Sam Cassell: A two-time All-County first-team selection, Giles helped lead Magruder to back-to-back Top 10 area finishes and a 44–7 record across 2003 and 2004.
Ryan Junghans (Magruder ’04) – Comp: Payton Pritchard: Considered by many to be the best pure shooter Montgomery County has seen in the past 50 years, Junghans was a deadly perimeter threat and key contributor on Magruder’s elite squads.
Mike Gruner (Walt Whitman ’06) – Comp: Alex Caruso: A first-team All-Met who helped lead Whitman to the 2006 state title, Gruner was known for his energy, defense, and leadership.
Deontay Twyman (Sherwood ’07) – Comp: Tony Parker: A steady and skilled point guard, Twyman was a two-time All-County first-teamer and led Sherwood to the 2007 state championship.
Austin Cooley (Bethesda-Chevy Chase ’08) – Comp: Cedric Ceballos: A two-time All-County and first-team All-Met selection, Cooley was an athletic wing with an all-around offensive game who led B-CC’s resurgence in the late 2000s.
JJ Epps (Magruder ’13) – Comp: Brandon Jennings: A three-time All-County first-team selection, Epps was a crafty point guard and leader who guided Magruder to the 2013 state championship.
The Coaches Who Built a Legacy: The All-Time Team would not be complete without the men who molded Montgomery County’s basketball excellence from the sidelines. Fahrner and Magid compiled a list of ten legendary coaches, representing decades of championship pedigree and leadership:
- David Carrasco (Montgomery Blair) – Three-time state champion in 1952, 1953, and 1955.
- Hank Galotta (Paint Branch) – Guided Paint Branch to the 1977 state title.
- Jim Conner (Rockville) – Led Rockville to back-to-back state championships in 1971 and 1973.
- Gene Doane (Sherwood, Blair, Seneca Valley) – Two-time state champion (1975 and 1977), remembered for his strategic mind and steady guidance.
- John Barrett (Springbrook) – Won state titles in 1972 and 1988 and built a dynasty at Springbrook.
- Tom Crowell (Sherwood, Springbrook) – Three-time state champion and mentor to multiple future coaches.
- Paul Foringer (Churchill, Gaithersburg, Quince Orchard) – Led Gaithersburg to the 1998 state championship.
- Steve Thompson (Bethesda-Chevy Chase) – Known for his program-building consistency and player development.
- Dan Harwood (Seneca Valley, Magruder) – Two-time state champion (2001 and 2013) and still active on the sidelines.
- Chris Lun (Walt Whitman) – Coached Whitman to the 2006 state title and continues to be one of Montgomery County’s most respected active coaches.
Bonus Material: The Specialists and Standouts: In addition to the Top 50, Fahrner and Magid compiled several special categories honoring the best at specific aspects of the game, a nod to the complete spectrum of talent that has passed through Montgomery County gyms.
Mad Scopers (Elite Shooters): Ray Ruhling (Blair ’64), Billy Gordon (RM ’67), Gary Browne (Whitman ’68), Eddie Peterson (Springbrook ’70), Steve Nuce (Peary ’70), Henry Kleinknecht (Northwood ’70), Ronnie Reed (Northwood ’70), Craig Crosswhite (Whitman ’71), Steve Rubin (Blair ’71), Buzzy Braman (Springbrook ’73), Stu Klitenic (Northwood ’73), Craig Esherick (Springbrook ’74), Mark Karver (B-CC ’86), Darren McClinton (Springbrook ’92), Corey Robinson (Watkins Mill ’93), Antoine Wills (Kennedy ’95), Ryan Junghans (Magruder ’04), Dennis Bassich (Einstein ’08), and Nick Griffin (Magruder ’13).
Board Men (Rebounders): Bob Windsor (Blair ’61), Willie Allen (RM ’67), Paul Coder (Peary ’68), Rick Deming (Blair ’69), Spencer and Steve Graham (B-CC ’70, ’71), Tommy Higdon (Springbrook ’70), Steve Young (Gaithersburg ’74), Pete Williams (Whitman ’74), Cedric Boatman (Blair ’75), Butch Baylor (Blair ’79), Charles Johnson (Gaithersburg ’98), Charles Lee (Seneca Valley ’02), Marvin Moss (Wheaton ’00), Jerome Habel (Whitman ’03), and Jamal Olasewere (Springbrook ’09).
Point Gods (Playmakers): Sonny Jackson (Blair ’62), Gary Robertson (Springbrook ’70), Jim Schofield (Blair ’68–70, Springbrook ’71), Jay Friedlander (B-CC ’70), Ellsworth Turner (Gaithersburg ’74), Craig Davis (Peary ’74), Bobby Moran (Whitman ’74), Steve Mitchell (Woodward ’75), Duck Davis (Rockville ’75), Tony Wilson (Blair ’75), Willis Wilson (Blair ’77), Brian Howard (Rockville ’82), Doug Turner (Seneca Valley ’82), Darren McClinton (Springbrook ’92), Riley Inge (Paint Branch ’92), Tryrian Ridges (Springbrook ’94), Carl Buck (B-CC ’05), Mike Gruner (Whitman ’06), and JJ Epps (Magruder ’13).
The Top 20 Teams: Fahrner and Magid’s research also identified the 20 greatest teams in Montgomery County public school history, each representing an era of excellence, dominance, and community pride. Montgomery Blair (1961, 1962 undefeated); Richard Montgomery (1966, 1967); Walt Whitman (1968); Montgomery Blair (1969, 1970); B-CC (1970); Springbrook (1970, 1971); Peary (1972); Montgomery Blair (1975, 1977); Springbrook (1988); Gaithersburg (1998); Paint Branch (2000, 2001); Magruder (2001 undefeated, 2012); and Springbrook (2004, 2009). Each of these teams not only achieved greatness on the scoreboard but helped define the identity of Montgomery County basketball in their respective decades.
The Greatest Athletes: The authors also created a “Short List of Montgomery County’s Greatest Athletes,” honoring those whose talents extended far beyond basketball. Tommy Brown (Blair ’58), Bob Windsor (Blair ’61), Sonny Jackson (Blair ’62), Claude Prather (RM ’65), Rick Eisenacher (Einstein ’67), Junior Jackson (Blair ’70), Victor Brick (Springbrook ’71), Ellsworth Turner (Gaithersburg ’74), Brian Howard (Rockville ’82), Curtis Pride (Kennedy, ‘85), Anthony “Gumby” Williams (RM ’98), Deontay Twyman (Sherwood ’07). Each name on this list represents a rare blend of multi-sport excellence and athletic legacy that continues to inspire new generations.
For Fahrner and Magid, this monumental project was more than just a list, it was a celebration of a community, a history, and a game that has connected people across Montgomery County for more than 60 years. It pays homage to players who left everything on the court, coaches who built dynasties, and fans who filled the gyms and lived for Friday night tip-offs. As the two lifelong basketball minds joked in their conclusion, “Like it or not, all comments and stories are welcome. Those with major issues can challenge us to a game of doubles tennis or a round of H-O-R-S-E, or just meet us by the flagpole after school.”
