STARTERS
G. Jemon Price, Westfield–Five Bulldogs juniors could start for this team, but we went with Price, who averaged 16 ppg on Kevin Harris’ loaded roster this season. The electric Price has good handle and can play point or off-ball as requested. He just needs a small opening to attack the rim or quickly elevate and hit his jumper, to include from three-point range. In a win over eventual state champion South Lakes, Price hit five three-pointers on his way to 26 points. In up-tempo games, he can be devastating. It seems like Price has endless energy some nights.
G. Elijah Gaskins, Patriot–Gaskins kind of announced himself with a 35-point game in a December win against Landon (MD), and never looked back. Gaskins leads a very solid Pioneer junior class that could have placed multiple individuals on this team. The 6B Region Player of the Year, he’s a point guard with very good next-level size that shot over 40% from three-point range this season. He’s athletic, and that translates not just on the offensive end, but on the defensive end as well, especially with steals. He’s a crisp passer to boot.
G-F. Mason Ridgeway, Riverside–Riverside enjoyed unprecedented success this season, and a big reason was 6’5″-plus-sized wing Mason Ridgeway. Ridgeway scored 19 a contest for the Rams. He’s got a versatile game which really flourishes when the Rams get out and run. Ridgeway can rebound and push the ball up the court himself immediately. It’s not like he can’t do damage in the half court, however. He’s a solid shooter from three-point range, and has an easy touch around the rim. On defense, he occasionally creates havoc with his length.
G-F. Merrick Rillstone, South Lakes–If the area had a Most Improved Player award, we’re pretty sure Rillstone would be nominated. As a sophomore from New Zealand, the 6’7″ wing flashed tantalizing offensive potential, but this season he was far more consistent and much better on defense. South Lakes wouldn’t have won a second straight title without him–Rillstone scored 19 points in the second half of the state championship game alone. Excellent in transition, Rillstone gets low and has good handle for a man his size. He can hit the three, is good finishing with either hand, and protects the lane extremely effectively from the weak side.
F. Ryan Brzezanski, Broad Run–Brzezanski came over the Briar Woods in the offseason and was voted Catoctin District Player of the Year. Tall (6’8″) and lanky, Brzezanski made a difference in his first two years for the Falcons, but gained noticeable strength and consistency this year. He averaged around 16 a game and pushed double-digit averages in rebounding, also blocking a good amount of shots. He has good footwork for a man his size and can operate in the post, but what makes next-level scouts salivate is his ability to shoot. Brzezanski has always been a good three-point shooter. Shout out here to teammate Adam Perdue, one of the many deserving players who could easily start as well.
RESERVES
G. Jackson Wallace, Stafford–If you can stop in and catch Stafford play next season, do so. The 5’11” guard alone is worth the price of admission. The two-time Commonwealth District Player of the Year and an 1,000-point scorer, Wallace can rack up points from both long range and on the drive. He’s a threat to pick pockets as well. Honestly, we like how he does his thing while running offense–he’ll get the ball anywhere and immediately look to deliver a pass to a teammate if he can.
G. Jake Coulam, Yorktown–Honestly, you could have voted more-than-one Yorktown player Liberty District Player of the Year this season, but the choice was Coulam and it was a very good one. The guard has a lot of talents, including a tight handle. Sure, he can get by one defender, but his ability to exploit even small gaps allows him to blow through entire zone defenses to finish at the rim. He’s got good shooting range as well, and has no problem setting up his teammates. Coulam simply makes his teammates better.
G. Colin Byrd, Tuscarora–Byrd is certainly a “starter” level player on this team–the only reason he isn’t is because of his late arrival at Tuscarora. After starting out at Paul VI, the 6’4″ guard came over to the Huskies midseason and did not disappoint. Byrd averaged just under 20 a game in his new surroundings, scoring from virtually everywhere on the court. The athletic guard still has a lot of upside, and could be devastating next year returning for the Huskies next year alongside talented running mate Chaz Battaglia.
G. Max Lawson, Riverside–Max Lawson also could be devastating next season returning with Ridgeway and several other talented returning Riverside Rams. Lawson was an effective weapon for the 5D Regional Champions, averaging over 14 ppg and shooting over 40% from three-point range. He’s over 6’2″ and uses his length effectively to deter opposing guards at the rim. His shooting stroke is smooth and easy, and the guard is fast, with a quick burst in the open court and attacking openings in the defense.
F. William Robinson, Westfield–And now, back to the Westfield Class of 2026. Will Robinson has always been noticed–6’7″ guys who can hit three-pointers consistently often are–but we felt Robinson took a significant step forward in 2024-2025. We think he attacked the rim from the perimeter more effectively this season, and he mixed it up inside more often and when his team needed him to. In short, he was more active on both sides of the ball and played smarter, and it showed. Robinson can be scary when he’s involved and on.
F. Mathias Lee, Westfield–Mathias Lee can be scary as well. Also 6’7″, Lee certainly has never had qualms about mixing it up inside. Slender and athletic, though also now with improved physical strength, Lee can play above the rim and pile up rebounding numbers. He’s good in transition, on the pick-and-roll, and can electrify a crowd with his ability to finish. If you leave him alone he also will take and a make a three-pointer. Really all that is needed is increased consistency at this point for stardom, though obviously being on such a talented team will keep all the Bulldogs’ stats mostly modest.
G. Isaiah Brown Jr., Westfield–Honestly, we feel Brown is somehow still underrated on Westfield’s roster. Smooth-and-easy from the arc and capable of hitting treys off the dribble, Brown can fill it up from long range, like when he hit six three-pointers vs. Chantilly. The off-guard can push the ball well in transition, has good anticipation on defense, and is a good passer. He’s probably the Bulldogs’ most consistent offensive threat and he quietly goes about his business just getting it done. Shout out here to Bulldogs point guard Colin Stemberger, yet another Bulldogs junior who could quarterback this or any other team.
G-F. Tal Rose, Loudoun Valley–Speaking of underrated, get familiar with Tal Rose if you haven’t already, the Dulles District Player of the Year. Valley didn’t get as much press as Heritage and Tuscarora this season, but did beat both of those teams at various points of the season, and a big reason was Rose. A 6’5″ wing, Rose averaged 18 ppg and 7rpg for the Vikings this year. He does a little bit of everything, even running offense. He can shoot the three-pointer, but Rose’s strength is smartly finding a way to get to the rim, using athleticism or strength as need be.
F. Cam Prosper, Hayfield–Also an accomplished football player, Prosper showed so much promise this year on the hardwood that he decided to look at playing next level basketball over football. He certainly shows next level potential. At 6’6″ or 6’7″, the athletic forward can rebound and protect the rim in the lane, yet still defend the perimeter. On offense when we saw him, it was like, “Wow, I didn’t know he could do that” on a nightly basis. Whether it was spin moves into the lane or three-pointers with good elevation, Prosper flashed impressive next-level skills, and was First Team Occoquan Region.
HONORABLE MENTION
Taran Wilkerson (Brooke Point); Jayden Morris (Colonial Forge); TaySean Jones (Colonial Forge); Sean Madrigal (Patriot); Carson Cook (Patriot); Kai Wilcox (Patriot); Charlie Boone (Freedom-South Riding); Harlem Lyons (Potomac); Jaiden Perry (Forest Park); Devon Pettibone (Briar Woods); Chaz Battaglia (Tuscarora); Hayden Collins (Tuscarora); William Davis (Meridian); Kyren Oglesby (John Handley); Christian Dinges (John Handley); Adam Perdue (Broad Run); Noah Calalang (Park View); Cash Alonso (Park View); Bradee Frazitta (John Champe); Zay Joyner (John Champe); Nathan Pewett (Annandale); Jeremiah Poole (Wakefield); Michael Robinson (South County); Brian Burns (South County); Ryan Corallo (Woodson); Colin Stemberger (Westfield); Cooper Konetschni (Mountain View); Ryan Rodney-Sandy (Potomac); Kong Tangwa (Potomac); Evan Fleming (Colgan); Kaci Jones-Carr (Woodbridge); Sam Rubino (Stone Bridge); Brady Kunkle (Independence); Tristen Conrad (Loudoun Valley); Jaden Beyer (Dominion); Siddharth Donthireddy (Rock Ridge); Rylee Baker (Millbrook); Jackson Ogle (Sherando); Sean Benton (Sherando); Brodie Sirbaugh (James Wood); Ashby Copenhaver (James Wood); William Twetten (Woodgrove); Ben Bolle (Broad Run); Landon Judy (Hayfield); Rodney Carmichael (Hayfield); Denari Nesbitt (Washington-Liberty); Carmichael Williams (Washington-Liberty); Shreyas Vaidya (Marshall); Jacob Bell (McLean); Josh Tyner (Langley); Charles Morgan (Herndon); Braxton Sebastian (Robinson); Noah Barnhart (Robinson); Nate McComb (Lake Braddock); Chris Morrison (West Potomac); Brennan Rapoza (West Springfield); William Fuechter (Madison); Bennett White (Oakton); Benjamin Ainsworth (Oakton); Kyheim Johnson (Alexandria City)