Championship Weekend Primer
With the postseason in full swing, we’re locked into the action. Here is a preview of the upcoming weekend. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 VHSL 6D Regional Semifinals Washington-Liberty vs. Madison – 7 pm Madison defeated W-L by 18 points back in…
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Continue ReadingWith the postseason in full swing, we’re locked into the action. Here is a preview of the upcoming weekend.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24
VHSL 6D Regional Semifinals
Washington-Liberty vs. Madison – 7 pm
Madison defeated W-L by 18 points back in December at George Long Holiday Hoops. The Warhawks have plenty of balance and firepower. Can the likes of James McIntyre and Brian Weiser Brian Weiser 6'3" | CG Washington Liberty | 2023 State VA help the Generals exact revenge and earn a state berth?
South Lakes vs. Marshall – 7 pm
South Lakes is considered by many to be one of the top teams in NOVA. A stern test for Marshall. The presence of Adi Hrnjez in the low post could be a difference-maker for Coach Lin and co.
VHSL 6C Regional Semifinals
Hayfield vs. South County – 7 pm
Hayfield outlasted South County 78-74 in one of its toughest tests of the season. This rematch will be a must-see for anyone in the area. Guard play will be critical, but so will keeping David King off the glass.
West Potomac vs. Fairfax – 7 pm
This will be the fourth meeting between these two teams. Fairfax leads the series 2-1, but all that goes out the window with a trip to states on the line. Can Margad Choijilsuren provide heroics? Or will Donovan Bass Donovan Bass 6'1" | PG Hayfield | 2023 State VA have something to say about that?
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
VHSL 6B Regional Championship
Patriot vs. Battlefield – 7pm
The Pioneers remain unbeaten after knocking off Potomac in a heavyweight bout. Their confidence should be sky-high heading into this contest. Expect Nasir Coleman to continue smashing the gas pedal on the road to states.
VHSL 5D Regional Semifinals
Potomac Falls vs. Albemarle – 6 pm
PFalls continues defending home court to great success. Kyle Ables has emerged as a reliable playmaker for Coach Hawes at the lead guard spot, with sophomore James Delaney blossoming right behind him. Albemarle is 20-4 on the season and will be a formidable opponent for the Panthers.
Massaponax vs. Riverside – 7 pm
Riverside picked up a couple of impressive away wins to get to this point. Messiah-bound Cam Koscinski and unsigned senior Jamie Ntiamoah are a pair of standouts for the Rams. Winners of 14 straight games, Massaponax sits at 20-2 on the season after its recent win over Stone Bridge.
VHSL 4C Regional Championship
Loudoun County vs. Loudoun Valley – 7 pm
This will be the fourth time that Valley and County lock horns. The Vikings hold a 2-1 edge. Will Ben Hall Ben Hall 6'7" | C Loudoun Valley | 2022 State VA dominate inside? Or will Braxton Griffin lead a perimeter assault?
MAC Tournament
#3 Flint Hill vs. #6 Maret – 630 pm
The Huskies swept this season series 2-0 by a combined 45 points. Flint Hill has experience and size all across the board. Maret could get hot from three and make this interesting. Keep an eye on lefty sniper Masai Jenkins Masai Jenkins 6'0" | SG Maret | 2022 State MD .
#4 Potomac School vs. #5 Saint James – 630 pm
Saint James beat Potomac by 2 at Home on Monday. The Saints have received a boost from the return of Solomon Ball Solomon Ball 6'3" | CG Brewster Academy | 2023 State #106 Nation New E . This could be a nip-and-tuck affair.
MIAA (A) Semifinals
Mt. Carmel vs. Gilman – 6 pm
Gilman pulled off one of the signature wins of the season by defeating St. Frances on Chase Street. St. Joe’s commit Christian Winborne Christian Winborne 6'2" | CG Gilman | 2022 State #199 Nation MD will now go head-to-head against another premier guard in the area, Deon Perry Deon Perry 5'8" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2022 State MD . This should be a very intriguing matchup.
Mt. St. Joe vs. Spalding – 6 pm
The last time these teams met, Cameron Whitmore Cameron Whitmore 6'7" | PF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State #30 Nation MD and CJ Scott CJ Scott 6'4" | SF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State MD were not in uniform and the Cavs lost by 16 points. This time they will be, and that will certainly make things more challenging for MSJ. The Gaels should be equipped for the challenge nevertheless. This might be a barn burner.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26
WCAC Quarterfinals at Robinson
#4 Gonzaga vs. #5 O’Connell – 11 am
Based on the regular season results, these two teams are separated by a razor-thin margin. Having split the season 1-1 with both games being decided in overtime, it’s hard to see anything different occurring on Saturday. Senior guards Devin Dinkins Devin Dinkins 5'10" | PG Gonzaga | 2022 State MD and Paul Lewis Paul Lewis 6'1" | PG Bishop O'Connell | 2022 State VA should both deliver the goods for their respective squads in the spotlight.
#1 Paul VI vs. #8 Carroll/#9 Ryken – 1245 pm
This Carroll/Ryken matchup is super intriguing. Whoever advances between those two teams will have to face Paul VI. The Panthers are relatively young, but are coming off a perfect regular-season conference record and will have confidence against every opponent.
#2 Bishop McNamara vs. #7 Good Counsel/#10 Bishop Ireton – 230 pm
McNamara has locked up a 2 seed and will face the winner of Good Counsel and Bishop Ireton. Favour Aire Favour Aire 6'10" | C Bishop McNamara | 2022 State #86 Nation MD ‘s presence in the paint will be vital if the Mustangs hope to make a deep playoff run.
#3 DeMatha vs. #6 St. Johns/#11 The Heights – 415 pm
DeMatha will face the winner of St. John’s and the Heights. Back in November, SJC was tabbed as a darkhorse candidate in the WCAC. We’ll see if Malik Mack Malik Mack 6'0" | PG St. John’s | 2023 State #260 Nation MD and the Cadets can make us look smart.