Final Rankings updated 3/22
1. Paul VI (27-8)–Fell behind early to SSSA at the VISAA Final, but really impressed out-lasting the Saints to win the title. Feat was more impressive considering the team had just come off of the grueling WCAC Tournament. Truly the best team in NOVA.
2. St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (26-4)–Certainly disappointed they couldn’t win back-to-back titles at VISAA, the Saints still had a monster year. There’s a lot of depth in the program–this seems like a bandwagon that can roll on for quite a while.
3. South County (27-3)–Started the season as our top-ranked public school in NOVA, and ended it that way. Lose 6C Regional Player of the Year William Wilson and some very good underrated other seniors, but should be a contender for a state title again next year.
4. Episcopal (18-7)–Another great year for Episcopal. Four of seven losses came to the #2 Saints but some great wins along the way for the Maroon. Some significant losses including Chenery and Fitzpatrick, but both Johnsons back next year.
5. Centreville (22-6)–This team really hit its stride late. It’s a shame the Wildcats didn’t get a crack at South County down at Siegel Center in the state title game. Big losses, but Kuzemka and Ford will make the Wildcats a contender next year.
6. Lake Braddock (21-7)–A tough loss to Centreville in an epic state quarterfinal at Westfield. It’s amazing how young these guys are–they’re clearly going to be a state contender going forward.
7. Potomac (23-4)–Western Branch ended the Panthers’ season in the state quarterfinals, but a great year for Keith Honore’s team. This will be a very good team next year as well.
8. Bishop Ireton (15-17)–Very mixed results this year as Neil Berkman instituted a new up-tempo style. Bumpy at first but got a lot better. Got some good wins, such as two over Flint Hill, two over O’Connell, Edison, T.C. Williams, JPTG, and Potomac School.
9. Flint Hill (18-12)–Inconsistent, but very successful in many ways. Grabbing the #1 seed in the MAC was very impressive, even if postseason success wasn’t there this year. Some underrated young guards will really get a chance to step up next year.
10. Patriot (21-5)–Upset loss to Massaponax doesn’t tarnish an amazing season for the Pioneers. What was that, 16 straight wins and a Cedar Run regular season title after losing all five starters last year? Impressive.
11. Potomac Falls (20-7)–Got taken care of by Green Run in the state semis, but not before a very impressive win over Albemarle in the quarters. To win the Potomac District was a feat in itself–weren’t many nights off in that district. A fantastic senior class led by Hawes and Coker graduates.
12. Madison (17-8)–An unbelievable season for the Warhawks, one that few expected. Undefeated regular season in the Concorde, plus two wins over South Lakes, one at regionals. Grind-it-out team that played a tough schedule, too.
13. South Lakes (20-5)–Some losses late doesn’t take away much from a great season in Mike Desmond’s first year. Undefeated regular season in the Liberty, plus if Hassen Kurtu doesn’t get hurt this team could very well still be playing.
14. Loudoun County (21-6)–Loss to GW-Danville in the state tournament doesn’t tarnish a very memorable season in which the Raiders won districts and regionals. Anderson and Siegel are huge losses, but a lot of guys return next year.
15. West Potomac (18-7)–Great season for the Gunston District regular season champs ends against South County at regionals. Underrated coming in, the Wolverines chalked up a number of impressive wins on the year. Lose a lot of talent, but this is a resilient program.
16. Washington-Liberty (16-12)–This team won’t be known as champions as W-L didn’t win the district or regional tournaments. But they’ll be remembered as amazing competitors–single digit losses to Centreville and South County to close the season showed the Generals’ unending fight.
17. John Champe (18-7)–Didn’t finish strong, but still a great season for the Knights. Gonna be weird not seeing Tyler Savage on the court for them next year, though the Jasper twins will be back.
18. Fairfax (18-8)–Just couldn’t matchup with Lake Braddock again for whatever reason, lost half of their games to the Bruins. A great senior class graduates, it’ll be really weird not seeing those guys around–they’ve been on the court since we’ve been a website. Miss ’em.
19. Edison (19-5)–Edison had a really good season, punctuated by a big win over Wakefield for the district title. Also got double-digit wins over Potomac and West Potomac.
Others Receiving Votes–
T.C. Williams (18-5)–Capped off good season with a tourney title at West Potomac.
Yorktown (20-6)–Going to be even better next year we think.
John Paul the Great (12-13)–Couldn’t pull off enough wins but scared everyone.
Fairfax Christian (21-9)–When it was rolling could beat just about anyone in NOVA.
Wakefield (17-9)–Different but still good Tony Bentley team got better and better.
Loudoun Valley (18-8)–Couldn’t beat County but still impressed on many occasions.
Riverside (15-10)–Was a tough out, game after game. A school and program that seems built to last.
Potomac School (14-14)–Youthful guards were inconsistent but Melvin was a rock.
Freedom-South Riding (15-9)–COY consideration for Justin Powers sans Angelo Easter.
Stone Bridge (16-7)–Very good debut for Kent Kling as the Bulldogs’ Head Coach.
Dominion (16-7)–Hung tough with some strong opponents, like Oxon Hill.
O’Connell (11-21)–Young talent improved tremendously and the Knights are on the rise.