Amadou Kaloga was a key piece of Laurel High School’s basketball championship run in March 2025. This past season, he completed his freshman year of college basketball at Bowie State University — one defined less by numbers and more by steady growth.
The Laurel native appeared in 22 games and made four starts for the Bowie State Bulldogs, carving out early minutes in a veteran backcourt while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
His best stretch came early in the season, when he scored 11 points against West Chester University on 4-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, and followed it with nine points, four rebounds and two blocks against Goldey-Beacom College.
His presence on the Bulldogs’ roster has become a point of pride for a community that continues to send its talent to the next level.
Kaloga, 19, carries a chip on his shoulder, representing Laurel every time he steps on the court. He describes his hometown as everything — the place where he first learned the game and developed his competitive edge.
“Being from Laurel, I carry that with me every time I step on the court,” he said, adding that staying close to home made Bowie State the right fit. “It’s only 20 minutes down the road and very close to Laurel.”
Long before CIAA arenas and college competition, Kaloga’s foundation was built on basketball courts throughout Laurel. He credits his early introduction to the game to the Winning In Sports and Education youth league.
“It all started with playing basketball in the Laurel W.I.S.E. league, Boys & Girls Club, playing in middle school at Eisenhower, and then going on to Laurel High School and winning a state championship,” Kaloga said.
James Agbai, founder and director of the Winning In Sports and Education youth league and one of Kaloga’s first coaches, saw that potential early.
“Amadou Kaloga, an alumnus of Winning In Sports and Education (W.I.S.E.), exemplifies the qualities of a stellar youth athlete,” Agbai said. “From day one, he was an exceptional listener with a strong desire to master the game.”
Even as a young player, Kaloga stood out.
“He was a reliable scorer and a tremendous defender,” Agbai added. “Beyond his physical skill, he was a natural leader. He helped teammates understand drills and encouraged them when they struggled, always pushing others to compete at a high level.”
Through his transition to the college game, Kaloga said he wanted a sense of community. Competing at an HBCU like Bowie State, in a familiar environment, allowed him to take the next step without leaving behind the community that helped shape him.
“It just felt right,” he said.
Kaloga knows people back home are watching and hopes he can inspire those who come after him.
“Stay consistent, stay in the gym, and trust the process,” he said.
Still, Kaloga said his freshman season has been about learning, adjusting and earning his place. The box score may not yet tell the full story, but at Bowie State, it reflects a guard growing into his role.