Rankings updated 3/2
1. Bishop Ireton (25-8)–The Cardinals reigned as VISAA Division I champs, defeating Paul VI by a 53-48 margin. That’s now a state title “three-peat” for Kesha Walton and Ireton. Her team has no seniors on the present roster, so there’s a very good chance Bishop Ireton will occupy the #1 spot in this poll to start next year as well.
2. Osbourn Park (22-5)–Defeated Gainesville for the fourth time this season in the 6B Regional Final, 48-45. Now the road to a repeat really begins, with OP opening up Class 6 states action at home versus L.C. Bird. Then, the Jackets will take on the winner of South County and Oakton.
3. Paul VI (25-10)–Couldn’t quite get it done against Bishop Ireton in the state title game, but there’s no question the Panthers improved throughout the year. This year was good, but next year could conceivably be better. The Panthers only lose four seniors, albeit good ones, and they have young talent like Alice Allen and Annabelle Muldoon on hand.
4. South County (27-1)–South County is primed to go for a state title after defeating West Potomac for the fourth time on Saturday for the Occoquan title. Every step of the way will be difficult however, starting with the opener with #8 Oakton. A semi-final matchup with reigning champion Osbourn Park is possible.
5. Virginia Academy (22-7)–For the fourth year in a row, Virginia Academy reigns as VISAA Division II champion after defeating Steward on its home floor in a back-and-forth game. VAA took control late behind Sydney Moore (22 points) and Claire Kang (18 points).
6. Potomac School (20-10)–Potomac School fell to St. Anne’s Belfield at home in the quarters of the VISAA Division I Tournament. That was a disappointment, but the Panthers had a pretty good season overall. Next year the prognosis is similarly good with Sabrina Anderson back yet again and the talented freshmen slated to return.
7. Centreville (22-5)–Got revenge over Oakton in the Northern Regional Final with a 50-49 win after falling to the Cougars in the Concorde District Championship. Wildcats have won 13 out of the last 14 and are flying high going into their Class 6 states first round matchup with West Potomac.
8. Oakton (22-7)–The regional final loss was a tough one, but the Cougars remain a dangerous team in the state tournament. They are at South County to open the playoffs, a difficult task to be sure but the Cougars are capable of executing the upset.
9. West Potomac (21-6)–Wolverines just couldn’t solve South County, falling to the Stallions for the fourth time this year in the Occoquan Regional Championship on Saturday. The game at Centreville will be a very good one, with the matchups between seniors being key. Beddis and Houston will have to come up big for West Po to advance.
10. Heritage (19-5)–Once again, Heritage is on a roll going into the state playoffs. Coach Cook’s team will battle Charlottesville at home on Tuesday and then if Heritage wins, who knows second round? 757 4A is in turmoil right now with Manor suing to be included in the regional tournament after being forced to withdraw.
11. Langley (23-2)–A stunning upset by Madison in the Northern Region Quarters, where the Saxons lost a second half lead and fell to Kirsten Stone’s team. Prior to the loss the season absolutely went almost perfectly, however. The young players developed well, and portend a bright future going forward.
12. Gainesville (20-8)–The Cardinals played Osbourn Park much better the fourth time around, only losing by a possession. That should give the Cardinals confidence going into the state bracket, but the first round battle at Manchester Tuesday is a tough, tough matchup.
13. Hayfield (25-3)–Hayfield was knocked out of the playoffs by West Potomac in the Occoquan Semifinals, but the Hawks enjoyed a very successful season under first-year coach Adam Brown. He loses a very exceptional senior class headed by Alexis Cox, but junior Mariah Overton has grown into a leading lady.
14. Clarke County (23-2)–Alainah McKavish and her teammates are district and regional champs, now they’ll begin their quest to reach the championship in Richmond in Class 2. In their way is John Marshall, a possible second round opponent if both teams prevail Tuesday. JM knocked out Clarke last year.
15. Chantilly (18-9)–A good season concludes after a regional tourney victory over Washington & Liberty and then a loss to Oakton. A very good senior class departs led by Alex Wilson and Alivia Tarry, but there is program depth and solid talent slated to return next season.
16. Stone Bridge (16-8)–This is a team that was languishing at 3-8 at one point. Now, 13 wins later, the Bulldogs are 5D Regional Champs and headed to states. Any Northern Virginia Coach of the Year candidate discussion has to include Emily Thompson at this point–her team has put it all together when it counts.
17. Washington & Liberty (20-6)–WL had a very good season, but couldn’t quite topple the region heavyweights, falling to Langley three times, Oakton once, and then ultimately Chantilly. Though Eve Jungman graduates to play at Dartmouth, watch out for sister Anna, Kat Wagener, and the Generals next year.
18. Woodgrove (17-8)–Wolverines won a regional semi in dramatic fashion when Mya Bundick stole the ball and converted as time expired against Loudoun Valley. Derek Fisher’s team then fell to Heritage in overtime in the title game. Open states in Four with a tough road game at Salem.
19. John Handley (16-9)–Season ended with a 53-49 loss to Charlottesville at regionals. Reagan Edsell’s high school career is over, but we’re excited to see her (and PVI’s Demi Gilliam) play at James Madison. A good season for the Judges, who grew as a team when Edsell was out early on, too.
Others Receiving Votes–Robinson (16-11)