The Virginia High School League (VHSL) basketball tournament is nearing its end, as the semifinal rounds were completed on Monday. The championship games for all six classes will be held on Friday and Saturday at VCU. Here are some of the highlights and results from the semifinals.
Class 6: Battlefield and Hayfield to clash for the title
In Class 6, the top two seeds from the Northern Region, Battlefield and Hayfield, advanced to the final after defeating their opponents from the Central Region. Battlefield edged out Patriot 55-54 in a close game, while Hayfield cruised past South Lakes 67-48. Both teams are looking for their first state title in boys basketball.
Battlefield relied on their balanced scoring and defense to overcome Patriot, who had beaten them twice in the regular season. Four players scored in double figures for the Bobcats, led by senior guard Evan Smith with 15 points. Smith also hit the game-winning free throw with 1.2 seconds left, after Patriot missed a potential go-ahead basket. The Bobcats held Patriot to 35% shooting from the field and forced 15 turnovers.
Hayfield dominated South Lakes from the start, jumping to a 20-4 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. The Hawks showcased their depth and versatility, as nine players scored and six had at least seven points. Senior forward Jayden Brown led the way with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while junior guard Landon Hawes added 15 points and six assists. The Hawks shot 52% from the field and 44% from the three-point line, while holding South Lakes to 32% and 18% respectively.
Class 5: Highland Springs and Maury to battle for the crown
In Class 5, the top two seeds from the Eastern Region, Highland Springs and Maury, advanced to the final after winning their semifinal games. Highland Springs defeated Riverside 62-45, while Maury edged out Menchville 39-36. Both teams are seeking their second state title in boys basketball.
Highland Springs used their trademark pressure defense and fast-paced offense to overwhelm Riverside, who had upset Glen Allen in the quarterfinals. The Springers forced 23 turnovers and scored 26 points off them, while also outscoring Riverside 18-4 in fast break points. Senior guard Keyshawn Jefferson led Highland Springs with 18 points, while senior forward Christian Wilson added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Maury survived a defensive battle with Menchville, who had knocked off Bayside in the quarterfinals. The Commodores trailed by four points entering the fourth quarter, but rallied to take the lead with a 9-0 run. Senior guard Bryson Spell scored the go-ahead basket with 1:15 left, and finished with a game-high 15 points. Maury held Menchville to 25% shooting from the field and 17% from the three-point line, while also winning the rebounding battle 38-28.
Class 4: Loudoun County and Varina to face off for the trophy
In Class 4, the top two seeds from the Northwestern Region, Loudoun County and Loudoun Valley, met in the semifinals, with Loudoun County coming out on top 50-40. In the other semifinal, Varina routed King’s Fork 84-68, setting up a final between Loudoun County and Varina. Both teams are aiming for their first state title in boys basketball.
Loudoun County avenged their loss to Loudoun Valley in the region final, as they controlled the tempo and the boards in the semifinal. The Raiders outrebounded the Vikings 37-24, and held them to 29% shooting from the field and 19% from the three-point line. Senior guard Matt Anderson led Loudoun County with 18 points, while senior forward Jack Jensen added 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Varina exploded for 106 points in the quarterfinals against Jamestown, and continued their offensive onslaught against King’s Fork in the semifinals. The Blue Devils scored 51 points in the first half, and led by as many as 28 points in the second half. Senior guard Tybo Williams led Varina with 24 points, while senior forward Anthony Williams added 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Blue Devils shot 54% from the field and 40% from the three-point line, while also forcing 18 turnovers.
Other classes: Cave Spring, Petersburg, Radford, John Marshall, Auburn, and Washington & Lee to play for the championships
In Class 3, Cave Spring and Petersburg advanced to the final after winning their semifinal games against Northside and Hopewell respectively. Cave Spring won 58-56, while Petersburg won 62-57. Both teams are looking for their third state title in boys basketball.
In Class 2, Radford and John Marshall advanced to the final after winning their semifinal games against James River and Greensville County respectively. Radford won 49-47 in double overtime, while John Marshall won 92-53. Radford is looking for their fifth state title in boys basketball, while John Marshall is looking for their fourth.
In Class 1, Auburn and Washington & Lee advanced to the final after winning their semifinal games against Twin Springs and Lancaster respectively. Auburn won 63-39, while Washington & Lee won 59-57. Auburn is looking for their second state title in boys basketball, while Washington & Lee is looking for their first.
