“I’m so excited to share my first player edition shoe with Jordan Brand – the Air Jordan 38 Low “Cherry Blossom.” It’s an absolute honor to be the first Jordan Brand NIL athlete to receive a PE. Shout out to The District, my hometown!!” -Kiki Rice

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Kiyomi McMiller, a 5’8” point guard from the class of 2024, has signed a name, image and likeness (NIL) sponsorship with the Jordan Brand. This marks the Jordan Brand’s first high school NIL deal.The Silver Spring, MD–born guard is one of the top-ranked players in her recruiting class. Known for her skilled ball handling and scoring ability. McMiller joins the Jordan Brand as its first high school NIL athlete as she paves the way for the next generation of athletes. She is the Jordan brand’s second NIL athlete joining fellow MoCo native Kiki Rice, who was named the brand’s first NIL athlete in 2022.

McMiller currently plays point guard at Life Center Academy (LCA). The 5’8 junior is only in her first season at the school, where her father is a coach, having previously played at Trinity Collegiate School in Darlington, South Carolina, last season, where she averaged 27.1 points per game as a sophomore. Prior to high school she attended Benjamin Banneker Middle School in Burtonsville. “I’m inspired by both of my parents. I get my creativity from my dad and my grandmother, which carries over to my dribbling,” says McMiller. “I’m always in the gym with my mom and dad working on my game. It’s a dream come true being with the brand that stands for the same passion that I have for the game. I look forward to encouraging basketball players to use their creativity and platform to define their purpose.”

Featured photo courtesy of Nike/Jordan Brand

The nomination period for the 2023 class of the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame ends today, Friday, February 10th. “We are looking for athletes, coaches, journalists, officials, and others who have made significant contributions or brought notoriety to sports in Montgomery County.” Last year’s inductees included Steve Francis, Tim Kurkjian, Sonny Jackson, Rob Bordley, Sally Glynn Hauser, and Clarence “Pint” Isreal.

The nomination form along with nomination criteria and rules can be found on our website at www.mcshf.org.  Nominations will stay open until February 10th. Inductees will be chosen by the MCSHF Board of Directors and will be announced in March. They will be honored at a ceremony on Sunday October 29th at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

A panel of 40 sports writers and editors from news outlets across the country voted MoCo-native Katie Ledecky the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year for the second time, edging out 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in balloting. Ledecky previously won AP Female Athlete of the Year in 2017.

Ledecky was raised in Bethesda, where she attended Little Flower School through eighth grade and attended high school at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, where she graduated in 2015. During her high-school swimming career at Stone ridge, Ledecky twice set the American and US Open record in the 500-yard freestyle, and she twice set the national high school record in the 200-yard freestyle. Ledecky finished her high school career as the holder of the Stone Ridge school record in every swimming event except the 100-meter breaststroke.

Per NBC Sports, “Ledecky took the honor after winning all four of her races at June’s world championships and breaking Natalie Coughlin‘s female record for career world swimming medals (Ledecky is up to 22, including 19 golds). She also became the first swimmer to win five consecutive world titles in one individual event by extending a decade-long win streak in the 800m freestyle.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cmt6jCiA1_U/?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE=

Per Montgomery County Public Schools:
“Dear MCPS Families,
As we enter the exciting time of year known as homecoming we write with a reminder of the importance of demonstrating respect by all spectators attending MCPS athletic events. The R.A.I.S.E. core values of the school district athletics program teach and reinforce respect and sportsmanship, academic excellence, integrity and character, spirited and safe competition, and equity and access. When you attend an MCPS sporting event you are enjoying an exhibition of skills developed by student-athletes in an educational setting. Being in the stands or on the sidelines is just like being in the classroom; respect for your fellow spectators, student-athletes, coaches and referees is the expectation.

You can support these expectations by following these simple guidelines.

• Applaud all student-athletes for their efforts.
• Accept the decisions of officials and coaches.
• Appreciate all participants for their commitment.
• Support school personnel in conducting a spirited and safe contest.
• Maintain composure when something seems to go against your team.
• Respect the rights of other spectators.
• Reward sportsmanlike behavior through cheering.
• Focus attention on the positive aspects of competition.
• Encourage student-athletes by showing enthusiasm and positive recognition. and…
• Demonstrate concern for the safety and welfare of student-athletes and each otherAlso, please comply with our spectator expectations:
• Tickets are purchased through GoFan. Spectators are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. General admission is $5.00, which includes convenience fee.
• Students should bring their student ID, in order to verify their enrollment
• Middle school students must purchase a ticket and be accompanied by a paying adult or will not be able to attend the event
• Elementary students (10 and under) are admitted free with a paying adult
• Senior citizens over the age of 62 are admitted free
• Be Loud, Be Proud, Be Positive!

We’ll see you at the game.

Montgomery County Public Schools”

Lazzaro’s Authentic Italian Deli is now open in the Montgomery Mall Food Court, located in the space recently occupied by Big Al’s Sub Shop. The restaurant features imported cold cuts that are cut fresh daily, homemade meatballs, cannolis, and more.

Owner Larry tells us his family owned Lucia’s Deli on University Blvd in Wheaton back in the 80’s. The business was eventually sold and the company became what is now Mamma Lucia. He’s wanted to open a deli for as long as he can remember and felt the food court location was a good fit.  He plans to bring the same work ethic and authenticity that has mother brought to Lucia’s when he was growing up.

Menu items have pop culture inspired names like the Donnie Brasko, Frank Sinatra, and the Joe Pesci Pizza Steak.

Montgomery County Public School Athletics have announced that effective February 22, there will be no restrictions on spectator capacity related to COVID-19.

We are excited to welcome spectators back to our events at full capacity. Tickets will still be only available through GoFan.

According to the updated Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan, spectators, officials (other than fully vaccinated basketball officials), and coaches must wear masks at all times indoors. All participants shall bring their own mask/face covering; extra masks are available at all activities.

Per MCPS:
Please review the revised Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan, which includes updated protocols and procedures approved by the COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics. This includes the elimination of restrictions for overnight travel, weight rooms, locker rooms, meetings, and concessions/meals.

Effective Tuesday, 2/22/22, there will be no restrictions on spectator capacity at all MCPS athletic events! Please see the 2/18 @MCPSAthletics communication for important program updates. Thank you for your continued support! #WeRAISE https://t.co/4eDOcWL5S7

— MCPS Athletics (@MCPSAthletics) February 18, 2022

Josh Hart grew up in Silver Spring. Prior to transferring to Sidwell Friends in D.C., he attended and played basketball at Wheaton High School.

Villanova yesterday announced that it will retire the jersey of former Wildcats’ consensus first team All-American Josh Hart at halftime of its game on Jan. 19 vs. Marquette at Finneran Pavilion.

Hart played four seasons for the Wildcats from 2013-17, winning the 2017 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award and serving as a cornerstone for the 2016 NCAA national championship unit.

Hart was also the 2017 BIG EAST Player of the Year and a two-time Most Valuable Player at the BIG EAST Tournament (2015 and 2017). Following his graduation in 2017, the native of Silver Spring, Md., was a first round draft selection of the Utah Jazz, which then traded his rights to the Los Angeles Lakers. After spending the first two years of his career with Lakers, Hart was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, for whom he currently plays.

“We’re thrilled to be able to honor a true Villanova Basketball legend,” stated Wildcats head coach Jay Wright. “Josh is a relentless competitor who elevated our team from the moment he joined us as a freshman. His tenacity as a rebounder, scorer and defender was instrumental to our team’s success.

“Josh’s parents, Moses and Pat, raised a wonderful young man who impacted Villanova in so many positive ways. This is a well-deserved honor for one of Villanova’s all-time greats.”

Hart, 6-5, is the only Villanova player in history to record 1,900 or more points (1,921), 800 or more rebounds (812), 250 or more assists (266) and 150 or more steals (161) over the course of his career in the Blue and White.

A plaque honoring Hart, who wore jersey No. 3 at Villanova, will take its place in the main lobby of Finneran Pavilion, where the other retired jerseys of Wildcats legends are now located. With the single exception of Paul Arizin’s No. 11, Villanova retires the jersey of its legends but not the number. Senior Brandon Slater, who currently wears No. 3 for the ‘Cats, will continue to do so.

Villanova hosts Marquette at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at Finneran Pavilion (CBS Sports Network and the Villanova IHeart Radio Network).

On January 2, MCPS released an update to their Return to R.A.I.S.E. plan for school Athletics and announced that spectators will be prohibited from attending MCPS sporting events until January 16.

MCPS has also canceled all overnight travel until January 16.

You can download the full document here.

Per MCPS:

In order to minimize indoor gathering sizes and account for potential reductions in staffing, no spectators will be allowed at contests in MCPS facilities through January 16. An update will be provided on or before January 15 regarding future spectator limitations. Note the following:
● For non-MCPS facilities, operations will comply with the procedures and protocols of the host facility and/or jurisdiction.
● There are no limitations for outdoor competitions.
● Gymnasium events will continue to be streamed through the NFHS Network.

Montgomery County Public Schools sent out a community message on Friday afternoon with updated guidelines for sports and afterschool activities. The letter states that all-in person, non-athletic afterschool activities have been suspended from December 20 through January 7, though community events and day care can continue as scheduled.

Athletic practices and games can continue as scheduled but all athletic games scheduled to take place during Winter Break (December 23-January 2) are now cancelled, though optional practices are allowed.

Earlier this week we reported that MCPS updated its guidelines to include that all games and practices will be put on hold for a team for 14 days from the last know exposure if there are five or more active cases amongst the team.

Per Montgomery County:

Dear MCPS Community,

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, much has been asked of our students and staff. As an institution, we are grateful for all you have done in the face of this pandemic. Due to the efforts of everyone in our community, we have been able to return to in-person learning five days a week.

Still, the risk remains high. COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Montgomery County and are also increasing in many areas of the country. While our student case rate is lower than most other school systems in Maryland, we have witnessed rising numbers of COVID-19 positive cases among MCPS students and staff in recent weeks.

MCPS continues to collaborate closely with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure the safety of all students and staff in MCPS schools and facilities. Based on updated guidance from DHHS, the following measures will be implemented:

1. All in-person, non-athletic extracurricular activities outside the school day are suspended from Monday, Dec. 20, through Friday, Jan. 7. Community use of school buildings, including daycare programs, can continue as scheduled.
2. Athletic practices and games can continue as scheduled, as a result of the vaccination requirement for winter sports student-athletes . All games during Winter Break (December 23-January 2) are cancelled; optional practices are allowed.  Beginning Monday, Dec. 20, if a team has three or more active positive COVID-19 cases, all team activities must be paused for 14 days. For athletic competitions, all spectators must continue to wear masks at all times.
3. One of the best ways we can keep all students and staff safe is through random COVID-19 screening testing in schools. This currently occurs in all 209 schools, and we will increase the amount of COVID-19 screening testing in January. It is important for parents/guardians to give permission for their students to participate in the COVID-19 screening program.
4. In cases where DHHS identifies an outbreak, as defined by the Maryland Department of Health, and there is concern about increased spread of COVID-19 in a school, reduced quarantine options may not be used for unvaccinated close contacts.

MCPS will continue to work closely with DHHS to monitor positive cases, and an additional community update will be sent prior to Winter Break.  If cases continue to rise, DHHS will update its guidance to MCPS to incorporate additional mitigation measures.  As has been the case throughout the school year, MCPS will only close schools and shift to virtual instruction if required to do so by local and/or state government officials.

We must all remain vigilant!   If you suspect that you have been exposed or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test and stay home until you receive the results.  This is a critical piece of the prevention puzzle, but testing alone is not sufficient to keep the pandemic at bay.

Here is what you can do:

• Get the shot. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and available for everyone aged 5 and older.
• Get the booster shot if you’re eligible for one. The booster shot to ensure you are sufficiently protected is now available for everyone 16 and above.
• Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth whenever you are in an MCPS building or in public buildings.
• Wash your hands frequently before and after eating or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Say Yes to the Test. Give permission for the random and rapid COVID-19 screening programs in MCPS schools. This is critical to identifying cases and reducing the number of students in quarantine.
• Socialize outdoors. If you meet with others indoors, avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. See more recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Planning to travel? Know what the CDC has to say about how to do that safely. 

Many of us are experiencing pandemic fatigue. It has been a long road. But it is crucial that we continue practicing the preventive behaviors that have helped to keep our community safe.

Montgomery County Public Schools

Important Resources

• Need the shot? Visit the Montgomery County Health and Human Services website to find a clinic and to register for a free vaccine. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/
• Do you have symptoms? Did you travel? Did you gather with others? Get a free test. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/testing.html
• Get the latest news and information about COVID-19 in Montgomery County. https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/news/index.html

MCPS has released new guidelines for school athletic programs, including an updated policy stating that student athletes must wear masks while sitting on the sidelines/benches.

According to WTOP, under the new guidance, all games and practices will be put on hold for a team for 14 days from the last know exposure if there are five or more active cases amongst the team.

Last week Paint Branch High School had to suspend it’s boys’ JV and varsity basketball season due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

Per MCPS:

Dear MCPS Community:

Thank you for a successful start to the high school winter season! Following are some key updates
and reminders regarding program operations.

Return to R.A.I.S.E. Reminders and Information

Basketball
Officials/Referees – MCPS received a letter of approval from Montgomery County to allow that
game officials/referees who are fully vaccinated and engaged in the sport of basketball are not
required to wear face coverings. Masks/face coverings must be worn at all other times (to and from
the court, hallways, etc.).

Benches – coaches must wear masks. Student-athletes must wear masks on the bench, when
not actively participating. Therefore, student-athletes must have masks accessible to wear while
on the bench. A reasonable, common sense approach should be used for student-athletes
entering/exiting a game (for instance, rapid subbing at the end of the game for offense/defense).

Masks/Face Coverings – outside of the exemption in the Return to R.A.I.S.E. plan during active
engagement in basketball, masks must be worn at all other times – locker rooms, classrooms,
hallways, etc.

Wrestling
Benches – coaches must wear masks. Student-athletes must wear masks on the bench, when
not actively wrestling. Therefore, student-athletes must have masks accessible to wear while on
the bench. Student-athletes who are breaking a sweat, jumping rope, doing calisthenics,
demonstrating drilling moves prior to a match, are permitted to remove their mask.

Masks are required for spectators at all times.

Winter Spectator Guidelines
Spectator guidelines for the high school winter season are available here. MCPS is committed to
providing the safest, greatest experience possible for student-athletes, coaches and spectators,
consistent with the R.A.I.S.E. core values of MCPS Athletics. Spectators are expected to
demonstrate behaviors consistent with the R.A.I.S.E. core values of MCPS Athletics. Spectators
who do not comply with MCPS expectations will be asked to leave the premises and may be banned
from attending future events.

Be sure to check with your local school for the latest information regarding program operations.

Indoor Track and Field Update
The indoor track and field season is scheduled to begin on December 22, 2021 at the Prince
George’s Sports and Learning Complex.

Middle School Athletics
The winter season officially kicked off on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. Basketball games begin on
Thursday, January 6, 2021. Schedules can be found on the Middle Schools Schedules webpage
of the MCPS athletics website.

Student-Athlete Vaccination Requirements
All high school and eligible middle school student-athletes are required to submit proof of full
COVID-19 vaccination prior to participation. This requirement applies to the winter and spring
sports seasons, as well as all out-of-season activities conducted through MCPS Athletics. Only
medical exemptions will be permitted.

Vaccination FAQs
Here are answers to FAQs regarding the vaccination requirements for MCPS Athletics.

The Return to R.A.I.S.E. Plan will continue to drive program operations in regard to COVID-19
procedures and protocols. The plan is reviewed on an ongoing basis by the COVID-19 Task Force
for MCPS Athletics. The latest version is always available on the COVID-19 Athletics Information
webpage.

Communication and Resources
Our COVID-19 Task Force for MCPS Athletics will continue to evaluate and implement the latest
safety measures. Updates and guidance from the Task Force will continue to be provided and are
available on the COVID-19 Athletics Information webpage.
We appreciate your continued commitment and support. Specific questions should be directed to
your school’s athletics specialist (AD), athletic coordinator (AC), or coach.
Montgomery County Public Schools