Virginia Prep League Showdown Lives Up to the Hype

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">St. Christopher's School vs. Woodberry Forest School</h2>   When two of the Virginia Prep League's top programs share the floor, you expect intensity. Friday night delivered exactly that.   From the opening tip, it was a physical, fast, and competitive game. Every cut was bumped, every rebound was contested, and neither side gave an inch. In the end, St. Christopher's showed why many consider them the team to beat in the league. They pulled away with balanced scoring. Their relentless defensive pressure also made a significant impact.   The Saints' ability to score inside and out continues to separate them. They don't rely on one option — they come at you in waves. When the paint is clogged, they stretch you out. When you overplay shooters, they attack the rim. That versatility showed all night.    Damari Smith once again looked like one of the best guards in the state — regardless of class.   He controlled the tempo from start to finish, defending at a high level while scoring from all three levels. He dictated the flow of the game by knocking down perimeter shots. He got downhill into the lane. He also finished through contact. What stands out most is his poise. He plays with the patience and awareness of someone well beyond his years.   Smith finished with 23 points and 5 rebounds, but his impact went beyond the stat sheet. With multiple Division I offers already in hand, he continues to prove why his recruitment is only going to rise.     If Smith controlled the perimeter, [player_tooltip player_id='2252300' first='Darius' last='Gray'] owned the paint.   Gray had his fingerprints all over this one. He disrupted Woodberry's offensive rhythm with his presence inside. He controlled the glass on both ends. He created extra possessions that proved costly. Offensively, he was efficient and physical. He scored at the rim and attacked defenders off the bounce. His fluidity for his size was surprising.   What may have been most impressive was his playmaking. Gray repeatedly found shooters on the weak side, zipping cross-court passes that led to clean looks. His court vision and willingness to create for others add another dimension to his game.   He finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists — a dominant all-around performance.     [player_tooltip player_id='2470566' first='Brady' last='Burnette'] continues to be one of the most complete guards in the league.   He was lethal from beyond the arc. He was comfortable getting to his spots. His defensive presence stood out just as much. With his length and instincts, he altered shots, disrupted passing lanes, and consistently made the right reads.   Burnette plays with a mature feel for changing speeds and handling pressure. He's more than capable of sliding into the point guard role when needed, and he rarely forces the issue. He finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds, impacting both ends of the floor in key stretches.     For Woodberry, Cade Ellis showcased why he's been one of the Prep League's most productive guards all season.   The William & Mary football commit used his speed and physical tools to attack downhill and finish through contact. He never backed down from the moment, competing until the final buzzer. His athleticism and defensive toughness gave Woodberry life in key stretches.   Ellis poured in 15 points and continued to show the competitive edge that's defined his season.     Stiles Harper may not have filled the box score, but his presence was felt.   A strong, high-IQ guard, Harper attacked downhill and finished through traffic while bringing consistent intensity. He battled defensively and kept Woodberry within striking distance with timely plays.   He finished with 9 points, but his impact extended beyond scoring.     Connor Lavin made his mark defensively.   Though he didn't score much, the 6'10” big man was active around the rim. He finished with over six rebounds and four blocked shots. He made St. Chris earn everything inside and showed flashes of the upside that makes him an intriguing long-term prospect. Lavin is set to continue his career at Randolph College. With his size and work ethic, there's plenty of room for growth.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Takeaway</h3>   This was a statement win for St. Christopher's.   In a league built on physicality and discipline, the Saints' depth continues to stand out. Their versatility and ability to execute late are remarkable. Elite guard play, interior dominance, and multiple two-way contributors make it easy to see their success this season.   If this matchup was any indication, the road to the Virginia Prep League title still runs through St. Chris.