The Virginia High School League (VHSL) has announced the pairings for the state basketball tournament, which will begin on February 27 and end on March 9. The tournament will feature 12 teams in each of the six classes, from Class 1 to Class 6. The top four teams from each region will compete in the quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals and the finals. The games will be played at various locations across the state, depending on the availability of the venues and the COVID-19 protocols.
A Look at the Class 6 Bracket
The Class 6 bracket is arguably the most competitive and exciting one, as it features some of the best teams and players in the state. The defending champions, Landstown Eagles, are back in the tournament, after winning the Region A title with a 64-54 victory over Oscar Smith. The Eagles are led by senior guard Donald Hand Jr., who averages 25.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Hand Jr. is the son of former Virginia Tech star Donald Hand, and has committed to play for the Hokies next season.
The Eagles will face the Region D runner-up, South County Stallions, in the quarterfinals. The Stallions lost to Westfield in the Region D final, 59-56, in a close and thrilling game. The Stallions have a balanced and deep roster, with four players averaging double figures in scoring. Senior forward Braylon Wheeler leads the team with 15.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, while junior guard Jaden House adds 14.2 points and 4.1 assists per game.
The other quarterfinal matchups in Class 6 are:
- Region B champion Hermitage Panthers vs. Region C runner-up Centreville Wildcats
- Region C champion Westfield Bulldogs vs. Region B runner-up James River Rapids
- Region D champion Oscar Smith Tigers vs. Region A runner-up Western Branch Bruins
A Look at the Class 5 Bracket
The Class 5 bracket also has some intriguing matchups and storylines. The Region A champion, Green Run Stallions, are the favorites to win the title, as they have a perfect 15-0 record and a talented and experienced squad. The Stallions are led by senior guard Jake Cooper, who averages 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Cooper is a four-year starter and a two-time All-Tidewater selection. He has signed with Radford University for next season.
The Stallions will face the Region C runner-up, Potomac Panthers, in the quarterfinals. The Panthers lost to Wakefield in the Region C final, 66-63, in a hard-fought game. The Panthers have a young and promising team, with sophomore guard Trevor Keels leading the way with 21.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Keels is one of the top prospects in the state and has received offers from several Division I schools, including Virginia, Georgetown, and Maryland.
The other quarterfinal matchups in Class 5 are:
- Region B champion Highland Springs Springers vs. Region D runner-up Albemarle Patriots
- Region D champion Charlottesville Black Knights vs. Region B runner-up Varina Blue Devils
- Region C champion Wakefield Warriors vs. Region A runner-up Maury Commodores
A Look at the Other Classes
The other classes also have some interesting teams and players to watch. Here are some of the highlights:
- In Class 4, the Region A champion Smithfield Packers are led by senior guard Troy Giles, who averages 27.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Giles is the all-time leading scorer in Smithfield history and has committed to play for Hampton University next season.
- In Class 3, the Region B champion Spotswood Trailblazers are led by senior guard Stephanie Ouderkirk, who averages 22.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 steals per game. Ouderkirk is the all-time leading scorer in Spotswood history and has signed with James Madison University for next season.
- In Class 2, the Region C champion Gate City Blue Devils are led by junior guard Zac Ervin, who averages 34.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Ervin is the son of former Virginia Tech star Bimbo Coles, and has scored over 2,000 points in his career.
- In Class 1, the Region A champion Surry County Cougars are led by senior guard Bre’cha Byrd, who averages 26.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.1 steals per game. Byrd is the all-time leading scorer in Surry County history and has committed to play for Norfolk State University next season.
The VHSL state basketball tournament is expected to be a thrilling and entertaining event, as the best teams and players in the state will compete for the ultimate glory. The fans and the media will be eagerly following the games and the results, as the tournament will showcase the talent and the passion of high school basketball in Virginia.
