VHSL Class 6 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 the preview and my predictions of who will take home the Class 6 VHSL state semifinal and championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A2 Landstown vs. C1 South County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2961598,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Damien-Robinson.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Damien-Robinson.jpg?w=441" alt="" class="wp-image-2961598" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2916372' first='Damien' last='Robinson']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 6 had a big explosion of teams joining this year with many schools growing in the Richmond area and beyond, but these two teams have been some of the best in the state since the reclassification to 6 classes has began.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Landstown is one of the youngest teams in the bigger classification, but also one of the most talented and despite a heartbreaking loss to Manchester in the regional championship, they have been absolutely fantastic this season. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2916372' first='Damien' last='Robinson'] has emerged as one of the best two way guards in the state regardless of class, and will be considered for Class 6 Player of the Year the way he's dominated this season. Fellow sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2916383' first='Rashad' last='Shaw'] is one of the most athletic and dynamic guards who also gets it done on both ends of the floor. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2898019' first='Chase' last='Johnson'] adds depth in the backcourt, and junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2896969' first='Josiah' last='Law'] gives them plenty of versatility on the perimeter as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2879003,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/641-Johnathan-Anderson-scaled-crop-1697x1114-1749454946.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/641-Johnathan-Anderson-scaled-crop-1697x1114-1749454946.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2879003" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1588150' first='Johnathan' last='Anderson']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South County is a more experienced team that has a lot of depth as well, and they're a tough team to matchup with as they share the ball and have a lot of options offensively. Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2252305' first='Mike' last='Robinson'] is an absolute bucket who can score it off the bounce or off the catch from all three levels. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2461009' first='Brian' last='Burns'] is a consistent and versatile inside-out threat who can play and guard multiple positions, and is able to stuff the stat sheet as well. Their backcourt is deep and experienced, with the senior trio of Jonathan Anderson, Nick Lancaster and Trevion Campbell being able to create for themselves and others off the bounce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While South County may be a little deeper and more experienced, Landstown has the top end talent and athleticism, coupled with the fact that they play well beyond their years and are very well coached, that should get them the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>D1 Westfield vs. A1 Manchester</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2562164,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageFszDK5.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageFszDK5.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2562164" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2252294' first='Jemon' last='Price']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westfield was one of the favorites coming into the season, and the Bulldogs have lived up to the hype so far this season. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2252294' first='Jemon' last='Price'] has been one of the best guards in the NOVA area, if not the entire state, with his ability to play both on and off the ball, score it from multiple levels, and make plays for others. Their backcourt is deep and experienced, with fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1782684' first='Isaiah' last='Brown'] being one of the top shot makers in the state, and senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1963548' first='Colin' last='Stemberger'] being an absolute rock at the point guard position. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2252302' first='William' last='Robinson'] gives them size and versatility as an inside-out threat, with junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2623725' first='Jay' last='Capel'] and sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2918960' first='Malachi' last='Lee'] providing even more depth and two way impact on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manchester has had a fantastic season as one of the more consistent players in the Richmond area going 21-2 on the season, and they are a deep and athletic team that plays fast and guards like crazy. The junior duo of Devin Butler and Desmond Clark have set the tone, as they are both big guards/wings who can play and guard multiple positions, score the ball in multiple ways, and thrive in their uptempo system. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1985579' first='Tyler' last='Gibson'] is a tone setter and playmaker, and junior guards Jeremiah Davis and Eli Szarmach provide extra depth in the backcourt with their shot making and playmaking ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Manchester matches up well and are very hard to game plan for, Westfield gets the edge with their mix of depth, experience and the fact that they are super battle tested throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westfield has been arguably the favorite since the beginning of the season, and it just seems like they have been on a path toward this championship all season. Their blend of teamwork, fire power, and experience makes them my choice to take home the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->