Final Rankings
1. Paul VI (31-3)–VISAA Division I champs, but the Panthers’ season isn’t even done. The Panthers received an invite to play at the GEICO Nationals later this month. Heckuva season for DeShawn Harris-Smith and company.
2. Hayfield (30-1)–They did it. Ran it back. Repeat state champs for senior holdovers Cage, Holloway, King, and Jones, plus a first title for senior newbies Awoke and Bass-Briscoe. What a year for the Hawks.
3. Patriot (27-4)–A state champion-worthy team that unfortunately played in a year with an exceptional Hayfield. Pioneers will be back in Richmond before long, though, if not next year then soon.
4. South Lakes (25-4)–The Seahawks surpassed all expectations this season, clocking in as district and regional champs despite losing all five starters from a season ago. Jordan Scott arrived, and Brian Kennedy’s arrival was the icing on the cake. Big aspirations for these guys next year.
5. O’Connell (17-14)–We said it all year: for as young as O’Connell was/is, the season the Knights had was amazing. Quincy Wadley and Adam Oumiddoch are ridiculously good for their age (freshmen).
6. Battlefield (22-4)–One of the more celebrated senior classes in Bobcats history graduates. Even in defeat–three OT to F-W, one possession to Patriot–they went down memorably. Derderian, Tennant, Hammad, etc. will be missed.
7. Edison (21-8)–Sure, the Eagles went 0-4 against Hayfield, but three of those losses were by 10 points or less and Edison went 21-4 against everyone else. The length is back next year with DJ Thomas, Teddy Morgan, and Anthony Saunders.
8. West Potomac (17-9)–Tons of Coach of the Year candidates, but David Houston III might be our choice if we were doing an award. Lost Bass-Briscoe to Hayfield, plugged in freshman Chris Morrison and…still won the Patriot Tourney. Guys who return have significant upside next year.
9. Alexandria City (20-6)–Of course, you could give that Coach of the Year award to Ty Sally as well. What a season for the Titans. They won the Patriot regular season and the program retains the potential to reclaim its status as one of the most feared in Northern Virginia.
10. Bishop Ireton (16-15)–Pretty good year for a team that went 6-15 last season and lost Jamie Kaiser to IMG. Footing was tough in the WCAC, but nine players still have eligibility, so there’s ample room for continued progress.
11. Tuscarora (24-5)–Great year for the Huskies, who won the Dulles regular season crown and the regional tourney. Big losses in the frontcourt with seniors O’Malley and Davis, but a lot of talented guards return next season.
12. Marshall (22-4)–Before the year, we recognized the potential of the Statesmen to be contenders if Jason Penn developed, Charlie McDermott stepped up, etc. It all happened. We’ll miss watching senior Matthew Lenert play.
13. St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (14-13)–Good for SSSA grad and first-year Head Coach Andre Hunter. The Saints were inconsistent, but delivered some big wins. Plus their all-IAC players (Aiden Argabright, Riley Jacobs) are only sophomores.
14. Madison (19-9)–The Warhawks were banged up and hampered late in the season, but still finished strong with a massive regional win over Marshall. Good senior class led by Kaminski and Chalabi goes, but junior Miles Franklin has potential as a breakout star.
15. Potomac School (17-12)–Very good year for TPS with a third-place finish in the always-tough MAC–plus a couple of wins over Flint Hill. Graduating all-MAC performer Khalil Williams leaves as one of Northern Virginia’s best.
16. South County (17-10)–It was an uneven season for South County, which didn’t have Jamison Lynam and/or Jamal Miles for large chunks of it. A talented senior class led by Paul Anderon still got it done, to include a George Long Tourney title.
17. Forest Park (18-10)–The young Bruins arrived early for a fantastic season which included a Cardinal District tourney title, two wins at regionals, and a berth at states. There’s potential here for some more success.
18. Potomac Falls (20-6)–Utter dominance in the Potomac District this year by yet another Coach of the Year candidate, Jeff Hawes. Good senior class leaves, but some really, really good guards (Opiola, Prince, Delaney, etc.) should return.
19. Potomac (19-7)–An excellent season for first-year coach Anthony Mills, with a pretty young roster. Jayden Harris and the other seniors came up big in big moments as the Panthers won some big games (Edison, West Potomac, Freedom-Woodbridge, etc.)
Others Receiving Votes–Fairfax (18-8), Freedom-Woodbridge (13-9), Fairfax Christian (25-12), Stone Bridge (16-13), Washington-Liberty (18-9), Gainesville (17-8), Colgan (18-8)