Community sports reporter

Michael Howes

Michael Howes covers community sports for The Sun with a focus on Baltimore County. Michael previously interned on The Sun sports desk; served as sports editor and football beat reporter for The Diamondback, the University of Maryland’s student-run newspaper; covered high school sports for The Washington Post; and spent a summer reporting on community issues for The Herald-Mail in Hagerstown.

University of Maryland's new athletic director Jim Smith takes questions at a news conference. (Kim Hairston/Staff)

How Maryland’s new athletic director overhauled the department’s finances

July 16, 2026 at 2:52 p.m.

Prominent University of Maryland donors are pleased about Jim Smith's work as athletic director, especially when compared to Damon Evans. “Damon was all talk. Jim is all action,” one donor...

Brayden Martin, wearing the No. 42 made famous at Maryland by his uncle Walt Williams, against Towson on April 14, 2026, in College Park.
(Courtesy of Maryland Athletics)

Brayden Martin takes uncle Walt Williams’ Maryland legacy to pro baseball

July 14, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.

Bowie native Brayden Martin grew up surrounded by reminders of his uncle’s career before building a Maryland legacy of his own.

Former Maryland men’s basketball coach Mark Turgeon said his time away from coaching changed how he views the pressure he felt during his decade with the Terps. (Staff file)

‘I took myself way too serious’: Mark Turgeon reflects on Maryland tenure

July 13, 2026 at 10:11 p.m.

Nearly five years after leaving Maryland men's basketball, Mark Turgeon says time away changed how he views coaching as he takes over at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Orioles, from left, Tyler O'Neill, Leody Taveras and Pete Alonso celebrate a win over the Royals on to Sunday to complete the sweep. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

3 takeaways: Orioles’ 4-game winning streak serves up ‘better taste’

July 12, 2026 at 6:42 p.m.

The Orioles swept the Royals, Shane Baz flashed his upside and the clubhouse entered the All-Star break with renewed belief.

The University of Maryland's Brayden Martin was selected in the MLB draft after finishing his career as the program's all-time leader in walks. Courtesy of Maryland Athletics

Brayden Martin, nephew of Terps legend, selected by Blue Jays in MLB draft

July 12, 2026 at 6:57 p.m.

The Blue Jays selected Maryland's Brayden Martin, a Bowie native, with the No. 342 overall pick in the MLB draft in the 11th round.

Maryland right-hander Lance Williams delivers a pitch during the 2026 season. The Chicago Cubs selected Williams No. 247 overall in the eighth round of the MLB draft. (Courtesy of Maryland Athletics)

Terps pitcher Lance Williams drafted by Chicago Cubs in 8th round

July 12, 2026 at 2:57 p.m.

Maryland pitcher Lance Williams was picked in the eighth round by the Cubs, making him the first Terp drafted this year.

Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian fields during a game against Florida on April 26 in Gainesville, Florida. Hacopian improved defensively after transferring from Maryland, committing one error in 42 games with the Aggies. (Ethan Mito/Texas A&M Athletics)

Maryland native Chris Hacopian selected by Washington Nationals in MLB draft

July 11, 2026 at 5:02 p.m.

After starring at Maryland and earning first-team All-SEC honors at Texas A&M, Chris Hacopian became the first member of his family selected in the first round.

Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian reacts after a hit during a game against Mississippi State on May 14 in College Station, Texas. The former Maryland standout is projected as a first-round pick in Saturday’s MLB draft. (Ethan Mito/Texas A&M Athletics)

Maryland native’s winding path has him on verge of MLB dream

July 9, 2026 at 9:51 a.m.

Potomac native Chris Hacopian's path to the MLB draft has been shaped by family, risk and relentless work, from late nights in Gaithersburg to a season at Texas A&M.

Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo, right, reacts after striking out with two runners on against the Cubs in the fourth inning of Tuesday's 5-2 loss. (Gail Burton/AP)

Orioles suffer familiar loss to Cubs, 5-2, drop to last place in AL East

July 8, 2026 at 12:44 a.m.

The Orioles put runners on base early but failed to cash in against Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd, wasting a six-inning start from Shane Baz in a 5-2 loss.

Joseph Dzierwa said he was “super under recruited” out of high school, but the former Michigan State left-hander has moved quickly in the Orioles system and owns a 2.45 ERA at Double-A Chesapeake. (Courtesy of Joe Noyes)

Orioles pitching prospect Joseph Dzierwa keeps proving there’s more to see

July 3, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.

Orioles prospect Joseph Dzierwa is making the same adjustment he has at every stop: turning projection into production.

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