July 18, 2024 – Frederick, Maryland –
The Frederick Flying Cows, one of the rising stars in The Basketball League (TBL), could be on the verge of making a significant leap to the Basketball Super League (BSL). Speculation about this potential move has gained traction after Flying Cows ownership was spotted at the 2nd annual BSL Team Market Owners Meeting, hinting at possible future plans. While no official announcement has been made, their attendance at this prominent event strongly suggests that they are seriously considering the switch.
The Frederick Flying Cows, based in Frederick, Maryland, have quickly established themselves as a formidable force in the TBL since their inception in 2023. The team plays its home games at Woodsboro Bank Arena on the campus of Hood College. In their debut season, the Flying Cows finished the 2024 TBL regular season with an impressive 20-4 record, the best in both the Atlantic Northeast Division and the Eastern Conference. This stellar performance has solidified their reputation and captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike.
The Flying Cows were founded by Bethesda businessmen Anthony Mazlish and Michael Witt, who have known each other for over 30 years, having met playing pickup basketball in Washington, DC. Both men had recently sold their businesses and were looking for ways to stay involved in the community and promote the game of basketball. Their inspiration came from an ESPN story in 2022 about Toledo Glass Forward Myles Copeland, who used his instincts and firefighter training to save the life of referee John Sculli during a TBL playoff game. This story piqued Mazlish’s interest in the TBL, leading him and Witt to invest in a new team.
After considering various locations within the DMV area, Mazlish and Witt chose Frederick for its unique identity and vibrant community. “We liked the idea of setting this up in an area where there was a separate community, where there was its own identity,” Witt explained. “It’s growing, feels very vibrant, has its own personality, and it’s separate.” This decision was met with enthusiasm from the local community, paving the way for the team’s successful launch. The formation of the Frederick Flying Cows was officially announced on August 22, 2023, during a press conference held at Hood College. The event marked a significant milestone for the team and the community. During the press conference, the team introduced their head coach, Ed Corporal, and their first player signee, Tavares Sledge. Corporal, a well-respected figure in the TBL, holds the distinction of being the winningest coach in league history, with a winning percentage of .832 over five seasons. He is known for his emphasis on defense, stating, “The first thing I preach when we get to training camp is defense — no matter if we’re hitting shots that night or not, our defense never waivers.” Corporal’s coaching prowess was further highlighted by his leadership of the 2021 Enid Outlaws to a record-breaking 30-3 season and a championship victory.
Sledge, a significant contributor to the 2021 Enid team, averaged 16.7 points and 10.0 rebounds, bringing valuable experience and skill to the Flying Cows. The team also announced the signings of shooting guard Charlie Marquardt and point guard Tevin Foster, further bolstering their roster. The name “Flying Cows” was decided through a fan voting contest, reflecting the community’s active involvement in the team’s identity. The name was officially revealed on September 10 during Frederick’s annual “In The Streets” festival, adding to the excitement and local pride. The team also hired Chris Jenkins, a Frederick native with a background in sports and event management, as the general manager. Jenkins is known for directing the Governor’s Challenge High School Basketball Tournament, the largest high school basketball tournament in the country.
Throughout the fall of 2023, the Flying Cows held tryouts to identify and sign local talent, a strategy that paid off with the signing of local Frederick star Steve Custis. Custis, a standout player at Frederick High School, went on to play collegiately at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia. His addition to the team further cemented the Flying Cows’ commitment to involving local talent. On February 4, 2024, the Flying Cows made their first-ever TBL draft picks, selecting Caleb Wood, a 6’4″ guard from the University of Pennsylvania, with the 9th overall pick. Wood’s performance in their inaugural game on March 2, 2024, was nothing short of spectacular. In a thrilling comeback, the Flying Cows overcame a 24-point second-half deficit to defeat the Reading Rebels 113-112. Wood capped off the game with a last-second, game-winning three-pointer, marking a dramatic and memorable start for the team.
The Flying Cows also drafted Tyrone Jones, a 6’5″ guard/forward, with the 42nd overall pick, and Fabian Givens, a 6’2″ guard, with the 68th overall pick, adding depth and versatility to their lineup. As the Frederick Flying Cows continue to build on their success, the potential move to the BSL represents an exciting new chapter. While official confirmation is still pending, the team’s recent activities and strong performance indicate a bright future. The BSL, known for its competitive environment and wider reach, would provide the Flying Cows with new challenges and opportunities to grow. The possible transition to the BSL has generated significant buzz, with fans eagerly awaiting further developments. The move would not only elevate the team’s profile but also bring greater visibility to Frederick, Maryland, as a burgeoning hub for professional basketball.
The Frederick Flying Cows have quickly emerged as a formidable team in the TBL, capturing the hearts of their local community and making waves in the broader basketball world. Their potential move to the BSL is a testament to their rapid rise and ambitious vision. As the team continues to make strides on and off the court, the future looks exceptionally bright for the Flying Cows and their passionate fan base. Whether they stay in the TBL or make the jump to the BSL, one thing is certain: the Frederick Flying Cows are a team to watch.
