STARTERS
G. Cam Jefferson, Gainesville–Jefferson was a big part of the Cardinals’ first ever state title berth this season. The guard led the team in scoring at over 15 points per game. He has flashed an ability to be deadly on offense, because the smooth lefty guard has a great pull-up jump shot extending to three-point range. Defenders have to respect his ability to drive and finish with either hand, so that shot is often there. A threat to pick pockets and run, Jefferson has star potential.
G. Isaiah Carter, Highland–Individually Carter is a highly-rated guard in the Class of 2028, and he didn’t disappoint on a Hawks team loaded with young talent this year. Highland was balanced scoring-wise, but Carter went through stretches where he quickly just poured in points. He’s long and can play up front and attack the rim from the short corners and blocks, but his excellent footwork makes him a very good weapon from the perimeter as well. He is a solid defender to boot.
G-F. Malachi Lee, Westfield–Lee is the type of special athlete you really can only fully appreciate seeing live. His quick-twitch jumping ability and great vertical leap make him a highlight reel-dunker. While sought after by major Division I football programs, the Westfield wing also demonstrated he had considerable skills on the hardwood this season as well. On a senior-laden team, Lee was able to at times lead the team’s scoring attack and still play some impressive defense at multiple positions.
G-F. Ryan Bahr, Paul VI–As good as Paul VI’s top three scorers were (Smith, Brown, Mitchell) Bahr played a major role in the Panthers’ success this season. The 6’5″ sophomore earned Honorable Mention accolades in the WCAC this year, doing a lot of dirty work (rebounding) but providing timely scoring as well. Bahr, who is also already an accomplished baseball player as well, is just a fantastic athlete. He’s also a very good shooter.
G-F. Jahad Mansour, Edison–Mansour took another noticeable step up this season as a sophomore, winning National District Player of the Year honors for his efforts. Pushing 6’4″, Mansour has the ability to shoot over defenses with a smooth jumper, but also has surprising speed to attack gaps in the defense and get to the rim. This season Mansour once again did good work on the boards–even swooping in from the perimeter he’s a threat to follow a teammate’s miss. Mansour should dominate the district going forward.
RESERVES
G. Devin Ainsworth, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes–Ainsworth followed up an eye-opening freshman campaign with a very solid sophomore year for the Saints. He’s is a very artistic point guard with a great flow to his game when he’s in rhythm. Over six-feet tall with a nice offensive arsenal at all three levels, Ainsworth is fine at off-guard as well. With a lot of talented guards graduating, SSSA will need Ainsworth with the ball in his hands as much as possible going forward.
G. Mark Edwards, South County–The Stallions were again one of the better defensive teams in the area, and this guy was a big part of that. We can’t imagine what a pain it must have been to have Edwards guarding you. A very good on-the-ball defender who moves quickly side-to-side, Edwards also did a great job anticipating passes and then using his leaping ability to intercept them. Ran the show on offense as well and delivered some timely buckets for his team.
G. Braylan Bell, Gar-Field–As important as it was to slow down Cardinal Player of the Year JJ Bell, giving him too much defensive attention would often result in your team being torched by his brother Braylan. Bell was a very solid three-point shooter this season, but the speedy Bell really excels getting out in transition. He’s good at hiding himself in a zone and intercepting passes, and is an able rebounder. Both scenarios resulted in a lot of coast-to-coast finishes for Bell.
G. Brandyn Edmonds, Broad Run–Edmonds ran the show ably in his first year for the Spartans. His quick, precision-passing ability set up his talented teammates both on the drive and from long range. Edmonds also hit from three-point range himself (five versus Riverside) and played some tenacious defense. Edmonds is the kind of player that can elevate his teammates’ games when he’s rolling.
F. Jayden Banks, Highland–Highland has a loaded sophomore class, and Banks is yet another good player for the Hawks. He’s a 6’6″ small forward that is a very solid shooter from three-point range. While that’s where he’s mostly made his mark so far, he’s also very athletic and is very good at running the floor and finishing above the rim. Banks earned Honorable Mention All-MPSC honors in 2025-2026 for his contributions to the Hawks’ success.
G-F. Finn Gardner, Briar Woods–The tall Briar Woods wing once again had some statement games scoring the basketball this season. He scored a career-high 30 points versus Riverside, doing a lot of damage behind the arc. While his three-point shooting is what defenders have to account for first, Gardner can do many other things well, including running the floor and fighting for position inside on both offense and defense.
F. Kaden Golston, Stone Bridge–Golston is another fantastic, highly-sought-after football athlete. He made great strides on the basketball court as well this season, earning First Team All-Potomac District honors. With great hands, Golston was always available cutting to the basket, and his relentless physical nature and athleticism make him a versatile, tough defender. Golston is already a 12-and-8-type guy with enormous upside for the Bulldogs.
HONORABLE MENTION–Caleb Williams (John Paul the Great); Ian Yap (John Paul the Great); Connor Miles (Episcopal); Declan Conley (Potomac School); Garon Garcillo (Yorktown); Jack Cameron (Washington-Liberty); Luke Jones (Washington-Liberty); Campbell Tyler (Langley); Joshua Dagbe (South Lakes); Henry Porter (Centreville); Tyson Lacey (Edison); Khairi Nesbitt (Edison); Jayden Flannagan (Thomas Jefferson); Aidan Pinchas (Woodson); Colin Vieira (West Potomac); Yama Agonfir (Justice); Jordan Smith (Robinson); Jaden Jones (Woodbridge); Antonio Vargas (Forest Park); Kaleb Swanigan (Hylton); Blake Fitzgerald (Highland); Jaeden Palmer (Highland); Yasin Hammad (Battlefield); Luke Hostutler (Battlefield); Devan Howe (Gainesville); Kristopher Bethell (Patriot); Elliot Garlem (Brooke Point); Elijah Lacey (Mountain View); Balmeet Sandhu (Riverside); Drew Dickersheid (Tuscarora); Kim Andreassen (Loudoun County); Aiden Payne (Woodgrove); Keanan Dennis (Millbrook); Amare Hicks (Christ Chapel); Hudson Mostashari (O’Connell); Connor Cully (O’Connell); Aiden Acquah (Paul VI); Jackson Sabrick (Paul VI); Jack Colligan (Paul VI)