(Note: Records are updated through them, but rankings did not take into account Friday and Saturday games)
1. Paul VI (0-0)–A legendary senior class graduates, and PVI won’t be as dominant as last year, but the Panthers can absolutely win the WCAC and the state again. Senior Jaquan Womack (Towson signee) is back, and younger talent like Andrew Ross and Colin Byrd are going to turn heads this year.
2. Highland (6-2)–Already active on the Elite Prep League schedule circuit, Highland might be the team to beat in Northern Virginia this season. The headliner is obviously unsigned five-star senior Nate Ament, but the rotation pieces on this team have been playing with each other for multiple years now.
3. O’Connell (1-1)–The Knights could be up and down in these rankings, because once again, Coach Wootten is integrating a lot of new pieces. No questioning the talent though, and the four kids in from the Patriot District–Darius Bivins, Chris Morrison, Justin Edwards, and Liam Koelsch–will make a big difference.
4. Fairfax Christian (0-0)–No seniors on this roster, and the Cardinals are also integrating a bunch of new talent, so there will be some inconsistency here as well, but the reclassed roster is loaded and still experienced. Backcourt minutes will be hotly contested, but 6’8″ Frank Siaca Bey’s minutes won’t be.
5. South Lakes (0-0)–There are a lot of legit Class 6 state contenders, including in the 757, this season. It’s wide open. You would be foolish to start with anything other than returning champ South Lakes, however. Michigan State signee Jordan Scott is back, though the Seahawks have a lot of work to do if they are to repeat.
6. Hayfield (0-0)–Don’t know if we’re right, and Carlos Poindexter might not either, but we feel Hayfield is one of the most balanced contenders in Class 6 despite losing significant talent. Hawks have all the ingredients–defense, athleticism, and shooting led by Parker Cage–to cut down multiple nets in late winter.
7. Bishop Ireton (0-1)–The young talent at Ireton isn’t so young anymore, led by dynamic junior point guard Silas Devonish. Khaliq Carson and Ripp Kodi continue to progress as well–with a couple of key pieces gone from last year they’ll have to continue to assert themselves offensively.
8. Patriot (0-0)–You would think with Sherman Rivers’ unbelievable senior class graduated, a state title this year would be out of reach. It’ll be tough, but this team is dynamic enough to make it happen. The backcourt talent is there with guys like Kai Wilcox and Carter Crumity, and sophomore Jamison Ross is gonna be good.
9. St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (0-1)–The Saints are led by DI commits Colin Pollock (Navy) and Riley Jacobs (UMBC) up front. They’ll need younger players to step up to supplement those two and guards Marcus Hancock and Julian Burgdolf to reach their potential this season.
10. Flint Hill (0-0)–There’s a solid, older senior class here led by guys like Kobe Davis and Everett Jones that have played with each other for a little bit now. Plus, there’s a good bit of young talent ready to play as well.
11. CG Woodson (0-0)–This will be a different team than last year, with the 6’6″ or so Donovan brothers gone. The backcourt is overflowing with talent, though, with sophomore phenom Kaylen Chilton leading the way. Lots of senior talent too, with guys like Theo Burke and Noah Limbago, who is fearless in the lane.
12. Evergreen Christian (4-0)–We track Evergreen Christian for the first time in our rankings this year. The Eagles play a tough private school schedule this season, but that shouldn’t matter to 6’6″ Elijah Williams, who might lead the area is scoring this season.
13. Potomac (0-0)–Keep a close eye on this team this season. Kenneth DeGuzman and TJ Bethea’s graduation leaves a big void, but there’s balance and a high upside with this team–if certain players can step up, especially offensively. We think they can.
14. Westfield (0-0)–The Bulldogs’ young talent, mostly in a very strong junior class, is now old and experienced enough to contend. There’s a lot of depth in the backcourt, too, aided by the arrival of Colin Stemberger from Champe.
15. Potomac School (0-0)–Point guard Akim Iscandari is simply one of the most electric and one of our favorite players in Northern Virginia. Backcourt mate EJ Schneeberg has a ton of experience, and junior forward Logan Jones has height and upside.
16. South County (0-0)–A darkhorse contender, the question with the Stallions in recent years has not been depth and defense, but offense and consistency. Senior guard Elija Eccleston is an underrated star, and coaches’ son junior forward Michael Robinson should average 15-a-game-plus this season.
17. Virginia Academy (4-1)–The Patriots have had talent in recent years, but it just seemed like the team chemistry wasn’t great. This team seems different–a squad able to compete and succeed at several different paces and styles. Plus, there’s still lots of talent–junior guard RJ Jones is a walking bucket.
18. Tuscarora (0-0)–Despite losing a senior class that almost delivered Tusky a state title last season, the Huskies should be good this year–though it’ll be a work in progress. More talent returns than you think, there’s new additions, and the Huskies have height, athleticism, and shooting.
19. Forest Park (0-0)–Forest Park has questions this year, but Coach Mak has to be feel good about being (more than) set at the one (Ethan Salvatierra) and the five (Brandon Edozie). There’s good young talent on the roster–how well it fills in in between those two guys will determine how far this team goes.
Others Receiving Votes: Woodgrove, Yorktown, Wakefield, Madison, Broad Run, Riverside, John Handley, Gainesville, Episcopal, Colonial Forge, Potomac Falls