VHSL Class 5 Semifinals Preview/Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The VHSL public school semifinals are set, with the semifinals taking place on Friday and the state championships taking place next weekend at VCU. Here's a look at my preview and predictions for the Class 5 state semifinals and championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A1 Green Run vs. D2 Stone Bridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green Run is back in the state semifinals for the third straight season, and are the reigning Class 5 state champions as well. The Stallions have developed a well deserved reputation as on elf the hardest playing teams in the 757, and have leaned heavily into that culture in their run to the regional championship. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2788506' first='Julius' last='Hymon'] has been outstanding on both ends of the floor as their top scorer and a lock down defender after emerging as their go-to guy. Two sport senior star [player_tooltip player_id='1963394' first='Zaevion' last='Cleveland'] brings freak athleticism and good leadership on both ends. Senior guard Malik Gooden has been great running the show and setting the tone for them, and senior wing Monte Rudolph brings consistent production on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stone Bridge has had a fantastic season of their own, finishing second in a loaded D region and upsetting Briar Woods in the first round to make the semifinals. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2788037' first='Kevin' last='Reyes'] Jr. has emerged as one of the top guards in the area averaging 18.1 points per game this season, and setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Sophomore hybrid forward Kaden Golston is also an emerging prospect to keep an eye on, and he's been a breakout player averaging 13.3 points and 7.6 rebounds on 59% shooting and brings a lot of versatility to this group. They're deep in the backcourt to go along with Reyes as junior guards Braylan Stocks and Carter Burnes have been super consistent, and senior forward Joey Johnson has been great in the paint for them too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prediction</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one is really a toss up, as it's two contrasting styles of play with similar styles of teams who both have been successful in their ways. I will give the nod to Green Run, who bring championship and playoff experience with a lot of grit and athleticism to their lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>B1 Norview vs. D1 Massaponax</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a matchup of two heavy weight teams that were both picked at the beginning of the season to be in this exact position. These two teams have star power in the backcourt, depth, and contrasting styles that will make for a fun game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2853962,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Mitchell-Keon.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Mitchell-Keon.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2853962" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1963392' first='Keon' last='Mitchell']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norview emerges as Region B champions after the Norfolk team had a fantastic season finishing 23-2 as one of the best teams in the 757. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1963392' first='Keon' last='Mitchell'] has been a starter from day one his freshman season, and the Eastern District Player of the Year is a strong and skilled guard is one of the top scoring guards in the state and has seemed to come up big every time they have needed him to. He's joined in the backcourt by his cousin Zymareon Mitchell, who is another dynamic scoring guard who's capable of taking over games, and those two have been lighting up gyms all season and have been one of the best backcourts in the entire state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2963630,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Bowles-Collin.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Bowles-Collin.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2963630" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2618849' first='Collin' last='Bowles']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Massaponax is a team that has been together for years, and has rose the ranks in Fredericksburg the last three years culminating in a chance to play for a state championship this season. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2618849' first='Collin' last='Bowles'] has been nothing short of elite this season, as he's the Region Player of the Year and one of the best shooters in the entire state who can take over games with his shooting. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='3071126' first='Trey' last='Bowler'] brings athleticism, strength, versatility and&nbsp; consistent production on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction</em>: Both of these teams are very good in their own styles, and each of them play a fun and unselfish brand of basketball. With that being said, I think the firepower in the backcourt for Norview will be too much for Massaponax.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>State Title Prediction:</em></strong> If my predictions are correct, we'd have an All 757 state championship game in Class 5. Both teams and coaching staffs know each other very well, and it would be a hard fought game on both ends of the floor. With that being said: Norview has been the best team in the 757 this year, and that won't change. The Pilots are my pick for the Class 5 state champions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->