FINAL 2018-2019 NOVA NINETEEN
1. Woodbridge (29-1)–A storybook season for Woodbridge ends with a convincing state title victory in Richmond. Vikings lose some memorable players but will be a strong contender next year with a ton of young talent returning.
2. Paul VI (27-8)–The Panthers won their 13th straight VISAA title. They did it by blitzing St. Anne’s Belfield. Didn’t even have Ashley Owusu available for that game. If anything the Panthers were underrated this year–even though they’re losing Owusu they showed they have the foundation in place for another great year in 2018-2019.
3. Edison (26-2)–Gave Princess Anne another good fight but fell once more in Richmond to that powerful program. Carole Miller sadly departs, though there’s a lot back next year including Aurea Gingras, Charlotte Jewell, and Bri Johns.
4. Freedom-South Riding (28-2)–Edison proved again to be a hurdle too high for FSR as the Eagles fell at regionals and states to…those other Eagles. A lot of talent graduates but Freedom has tasted success. This program is still a good one.
5. Bishop Ireton (21-12)–Disappointing loss to Belfield in the VISAA semis doesn’t tarnish another good year for the Cardinals. First-year coach Kesha Walton returns a lot of talent next year, though not having Akunna Konkwo will obviously be hard.
6. T.C. Williams (20-6)–There are a lot of good candidates for Coach of the Year on the girls side–Lisa Willis would be one. The Titans impressed with a huge playoff win at Madison and two tough fights with Woodbridge.
7. Madison (22-6)–An amazing season for Madison concluded with the loss to T.C. Williams at states. Concorde District and 6D Regional champs, the Warhawks return a ton of talent next year. We are likely entering another golden age of Lady Warhawks basketball.
8. West Springfield (21-4)–Gave it a really good shot against Woodbridge at regionals and lost by single digits. Spartans weren’t even at full strength that game. Another good senior class gone but Lexi White and several other talented Spartans return.
9. South Lakes (22-7)–Came on very strong in the last half of the season and navigated a very tough road at 6D regionals to finish runner-up to Madison. Leila Copeland was one of the most underrated players in the region this year and it’s inevitable sophomore Brianna Scott becomes a star. Other nice talent returns next year, too.
10. Marshall (21-6)–An amazing comeback at South Lakes in regionals fell short. Marshall had a lot to be proud of, nevertheless, namely two big wins at regionals before that game. Statesmen arrived a year ahead of schedule–only lose one senior from this team that gave everyone except Edison fits.
11. Osbourn Park (19-5)–The Cedar Run regular season and tourney champs, the Jackets drew a tough Marshall team at regionals and were ousted. Shay Hagans and a good senior class graduates, so OP’s young talent must come of age next year.
12. Oakton (19-7)–Couldn’t do anything with Madison this year but handled most everybody else. Four seniors graduate but some nice talent in the classes below–hard to believe Hannah Kaloi is just a sophomore the way she played this season.
13. Loudoun Valley (23-3)–Good team out there in Purcellville. Valley didn’t succeed in its goal to win states, falling to Pulaski County. Went undefeated in the Dulles District, also winning the 4C regional tournament.
14. O’Connell (15-15)–This was a good team that just couldn’t get over the hump in the powerful WCAC. Ten of its losses were to Ireton, PVI, McNamara, and St. John’s, some of the best teams in the country, let alone the DMV. James, Smith, Carlock, Simmons, Brunais is a great core for next year.
15. South County (16-8)–This team faced a difficult road in its district and in the regional tournament, mostly passing tests with flying colors. The loss to West Potomac notwithstanding, the Stallions got wins over a lot of good teams this year. That was with Gabbi San Diego not healthy the second half of the season, too.
16. Tuscarora (20-6)–Mostly just lost to Freedom this year. Isabellah Middleton proved every bit as dominant a force as her graduated sister, and she’s back next year. The Huskies lose some really good seniors like guard Rosi Santos, but so does Freedom, so…
17. McLean (18-7)–The Liberty Tourney champs lost a heart-breaker to Chantilly in double overtime at regionals. That hurt, but it was still a season of positive accomplishments for the Highlanders. Auza and the seniors will be missed though there’s young talent and of course Elizabeth Dufrane back next year.
18. (Tie) Stonewall Jackson (20-7)–Transfers helped lead the Raiders to a great season.
18. (Tie) Lake Braddock (14-10)–A win over West Springfield and second place in the fantastic Patriot District highlighted the Bruins’ season.
18. (Tie) Thomas Jefferson (17-10)–A very emotional season that saw lots of on-the-court success. This team got wins over #10 Marshall and #11 Osbourn Park and led powerful Freedom-South Riding at halftime at regionals before falling.
Don’t forget–Flint Hill (17-11), Episcopal (16-13), Chantilly (11-12), W.T. Woodson (15-12), Potomac Falls (18-7), Colgan (17-9)