1. Loudoun Valley Vikings
The Vikings lose their top play maker and all state first team selection in Nick Ball, but that can be overlooked when the 4A Player of the Year in Jordan Miller returns for Valley. After two straight one loss seasons, in which the Vikings went 56-2, Chad Dawson is prepared to lead his team to great heights yet again. Other key pieces like Dominic Peterson also return for their senior season, and they hope to lead the Vikings to another incredible year out of Purcellville.
2. John Handley Judges
The Judges exceeded all expectations last year, making it to the State Tournament after two subpar years in Winchester. In 2014, the Judges made it to the state championship, and they were one point away from a rematch with Loudoun Valley last year. The good news for the Judges, though, is they lose pretty much nobody. Four of their starters were just juniors last year. First team all state selection Michael Brown, athletic forward Kobe Tingey, nifty guard Keevon Martin and 6'6 sharpshooter Gus Wise all return for the Judges, and the scary thing is, Handley went 29-3 when they were all juniors. Who knows what can be in store for this team for that Big 4's senior year.
3. Lake Taylor Titans
Lake Taylor's atypically short stay in the postseason, having their 11 game win streak snapped by Smithfield in the regional first round off of a half court buzzer beater, shouldn't put doubt in people's minds about the Titans basketball season last year. Lake Taylor reeled off another 20 wins, and only picked up 6 losses total in the ever tough schedule the Titans always have. To make things better, two all state second team selections return for the Titans in Jamonda Bryant and Dereon Seaborn. With two of the Titans best players back, the Titans are poised to make some noise and prove that last year's Regional Quarterfinals loss was just a fluke, and will not happen again.
4. George Washington Eagles
Losing a head coach that led you to four straight state tournaments is never easy, but if you're GW Danville, you're going to be just fine. Any coach inheriting a program that strong, that also had an undefeated JV team that went 22-0 and won all of their games by double figures, is in good shape. The tough thing for the new coach, however, will be replacing a large portion of GW's roster from last year, including all state first team selection Patrick Robinson and other important players such as Camryn Lewis, Cayman Wilson and Amardius Jones. This was not a problem, however, for the Eagles that past few years, having to replace players like Tamario Rodgers and still making the Final Four. So, the Eagles, as usual, should be just fine.
5. Freedom Eagles
Freedom High School in South Riding may have been the most improved team from 2015-2017. The Eagles turned a 9-13 season one year into a 19-6 one the next year, one win away from a state tournament appearance. Freedom was in the ever lowly Conference 22, along with John Champe, Fauqier and Liberty, and the region format will make it harder for the Eagles to make it that far again in 2018. However, the Eagles could be built to make noise this year, returning Zyan Collins, a second team all state selection, along with other key pieces like Hunter Oakford. Although the region will be tough, Freedom has the experience to produce another magical season in South Riding for their ever huge and rowdy student body.
6. William Fleming Colonels
Fleming has always been a power in the Roanoke area, winning an average of 19 game per season the past three years. Last year, the colonels went 21-8 and made it the the state tournament, but couldn't do much more, losing their last three games of the season. Fleming couldn't keep up with teams like Jamestown and Loudoun Valley, and losing Von Saunders won't help. However, the colonels always return in full force the next season, and 4A West second team selection Ramon Hampton is back for his senior season, and they will be determined to make the state tournament for a second straight year.
7. Jamestown Eagles
Last year's season will go down as one of the best Jamestown ever had. The Eagle's young coach led his team to a state finals appearance in just two years. Unfortunately for the Eagles, the Wang brothers have departed after their last season. Evan Wang was a first team all state selection, and Mason Wang was second team. Losing them both will definitely lay a blow, but Jamestown's coach is poised to keep his program near the top of 4A, no matter who the Eagles have left.
8. Smithfield Packers
The Packers used first team all state selection Ryan Jones's senior season to make it to the state tournament and win 25 games this year. Unfortunately for Smithfield, it will be extremely hard to replace what Jones brought to the table. The Packer's are well coached however, and should still be a power in 4A, but we will see. Smithfield's region will not be easy to get out of. However, with the likes of Marcus Custis, Ian Cullen, and 6'5 sophomore Tory Robertson back, the Packers should be alright.
9. Heritage Hurricanes
Heritage finished 6th on Maxpreps and had a very strong strength of schedule and some great wins, including a blowout win against Smithfield, winning 61-27. The Hurricanes, however, could not repeat that feat, falling to Smithfield in the Conference Semis and knocking them out of the postseason. They also graduate six seniors, but return nine players, four of them sophomores. With experience from last year, the young guns should start to thrive, even if the region will be a bloodbath to get out of.
10. Eastern View Cyclones
Third year Coach Patrick Thornhill is ready for another season in Culpeper, hopefully one that does not end in a heartbreaker early in the playoffs like the last two years. A 20 win season couldn't stop Monacan from knocking the Cyclones out in the regional playoffs last year. Eastern View will be in a relatively "weak" region next year, so that should set them up for a high seed if they can make the state tournament. Thornhill losses second team all state selection Anias Saunders, but returns a lot of key pieces as well, such as Montrez Orange, Cameron Spangler, and D'ago Hunter. With these pieces returning and a promising future ahead for Thornhill, Eastern View is no longer just a football powerhouse anymore.
11. Charlottesville Black Knights
The Black Knight's led Loudoun Valley 60-59 after three quarters in the regional quarterfinals, but didn't have enough gas in the tank to pull the upset on the eventual state champs and make it to the state tournament, something that's alluded the Black Knight's since 2009. Head coach Mitch Minor losses second team all region selection Jaylen Hudson, but an undefeated JV team moves up to join the varsity ranks, and rising senior and football QB Sam Neale will be a force for the Black Knight's this season. A tough region will test Charlottesville, but the Black Knight's will try to make it back to last year's point, and possibly beyond.
12. Liberty Christian Bulldogs
LCA could never get out of the ever grueling Conference 23 in it's first two seasons playing as a public school. EC Glass and GW Danville eliminated them the past two years, and the Bulldogs never got their chance to make noise at the regional level. This year, however, there are no conferences, so this might be the chance LCA has been looking for. Since the Bulldogs play less public schools, it will greatly help their seeding for the regional tournament this year. Although Elijah Cuffee is gone, LCA will always reload well, and this could be the season the Bulldogs finally break through and make a deep playoff run.
13. Monacan Chiefs
Even with Greg Parham, a two time first team all state selection, Monacan was unpredictable. They could win huge games, and lose some head scratchers. They won the state championship in 2016, then fell a few games short of it in 2017, with some weird games in between. We do not know how Monacan will show up next year. Without Parham, it could spell doom, but you never know with those Chiefs...
14. William Byrd Terriers
There was another winning season in Vinton, and there is a lot to look forward too in the future for Byrd. Devon Kasey, a second team all state selection is gone, but Alex Fitch, only a sophomore this year, is someone to watch for in his next two years. An athletic 6'4 guard, Fitch will lead Byrd this year and try to navigate his team above and beyond this year, after losing to John Handley in regionals last year. An always touch Roanoke area schedule awaits them, but the Terriers have the potential to really make some noise this year with Fitch.
15. King's Fork Bulldogs
The Bulldogs rebounded nicely last year after the loss of Keith Stagg put them at 11-12 in 2016. This year, King's Fork went 14-8 before losing to Deep Creek in the Conference Semis. Head Coach Joshua Worrell, however, stepped down, so the hunt for a new coach will affect the bulldogs a bit this year. The regional format will help King's Fork avoid last year's fate. The program in Suffolk, although going though some changes, should be another dangerous team next year.
16. Louisa County Lions
After big expectations last year, the Lions somewhat disappointed, only going 12-11 and falling to King George in the Conference Semis. Louisa had glimpses of brilliance last year, hammering Charlottesville 67-48 one game and almost beating Albemarle in the district semis, falling 61-60 to the 5A Patriots. The Lions are lucky enough for another chance, well, anther two really, with so many good underclassmen. Malachi Poindexter, only a sophomore, has early interest from schools like VA Tech and Purdue. Chris Steppe and Malik Bell also return, and there's also freshman Jarrett Hunter, all who had great seasons. Hopefully with the experience from last year, the Lions can really make some noise in their region.
17. Deep Creek Hornets
A strong season last year propels the Hornets into this year. Deep Creek couldn't get past Lake Taylor or Jamestown in the playoffs last year, but still won 16 games and made the regional tournament. They should be ready for another strong year, even if the region will be difficult.
18. Huguenot Falcons
The Falcons graduate four all conference selections and seem to have no one to replace them with. However, the Falcons return six juniors and a sophomore. Huguenot beat Spotswood this year and took George Wythe to the wire, so experience against those teams can prove valuable in 2018 for the rising senior class this year.
19. John Champe Knights
Dom Fragala is gone. That is no small feat to come back from, and even with Fragala, Champe couldn't make it out of the first round of regionals. Still, the Knights have plenty of talent returning, and they are ready to take the load of scoring Fragala will leave empty after his departure to Niagara. Players like Andrew Arbore, Carl Jarmon III, and freshman Tyler Savage will pull the load for Champe, and they should be ready for net year, even without their leading scorer.
20. EC Glass Hilltoppers
Glass had somewhat of a subpar year. Losing 10 games and losing in the Conference Semis, 72-55, to Charlottesville, is not a great place to start for next year. However, EC Glass had some great performances last year as well, beating Patrick Henry Roanoke and William Fleming, and head coach Roy Roberson is always great and building teams from nothing. Although Glass struggled to score at points, and losses important seniors like Demel Bolden, and Quan Byrd, the Hilltoppers can always make noise.
21. Kettle Run Cougars
The Cougars exceeded all expectations with their surprise season last year, winning 16 games. Although Kettle Run had a good season, and beat teams such as John Champe and Culpeper, the Cougars couldn't make it to regionals, falling to Champe in the conference semis. However, after this season, Kettle Run will try to repeat and make it something of a tradition, having not just good soccer, but good basketball as well in Nokesville.
22. Grafton Clippers
Another strong year for the Clippers, winning 18 games. Grafton opened with an eye-opening loss to Poquoson, but regrouped and put together a strong season. They lost to Jamestown in the conference semis, but Grafton is always in the mix no matter what.
23. Lafayette Rams
Lafayette finished with a winning record, and have ten players returning for next year. Another quality year awaits the Williamsburg team.
24. Sherando Warriors
Sherando made it to the regional tournament last year, before falling to Charlottesville in the first round. The Warriors lose key players like Alex Morefield, but should be able to contend in the north region this year.
25. Amherst County Lancers
The Lancers, led by Micah James, CJ Loving and TC Thacker, had a special season for the program last season, winning 15 games and beating LCA twice. However, the Lancers bowed out in the conference semis as the 1 seed, losing to Charlottesville. Coach Segar Jordan is builind a strong program, but the losses of those three will hurt the Lancers immensely.
The Vikings lose their top play maker and all state first team selection in Nick Ball, but that can be overlooked when the 4A Player of the Year in Jordan Miller returns for Valley. After two straight one loss seasons, in which the Vikings went 56-2, Chad Dawson is prepared to lead his team to great heights yet again. Other key pieces like Dominic Peterson also return for their senior season, and they hope to lead the Vikings to another incredible year out of Purcellville.
2. John Handley Judges
The Judges exceeded all expectations last year, making it to the State Tournament after two subpar years in Winchester. In 2014, the Judges made it to the state championship, and they were one point away from a rematch with Loudoun Valley last year. The good news for the Judges, though, is they lose pretty much nobody. Four of their starters were just juniors last year. First team all state selection Michael Brown, athletic forward Kobe Tingey, nifty guard Keevon Martin and 6'6 sharpshooter Gus Wise all return for the Judges, and the scary thing is, Handley went 29-3 when they were all juniors. Who knows what can be in store for this team for that Big 4's senior year.
3. Lake Taylor Titans
Lake Taylor's atypically short stay in the postseason, having their 11 game win streak snapped by Smithfield in the regional first round off of a half court buzzer beater, shouldn't put doubt in people's minds about the Titans basketball season last year. Lake Taylor reeled off another 20 wins, and only picked up 6 losses total in the ever tough schedule the Titans always have. To make things better, two all state second team selections return for the Titans in Jamonda Bryant and Dereon Seaborn. With two of the Titans best players back, the Titans are poised to make some noise and prove that last year's Regional Quarterfinals loss was just a fluke, and will not happen again.
4. George Washington Eagles
Losing a head coach that led you to four straight state tournaments is never easy, but if you're GW Danville, you're going to be just fine. Any coach inheriting a program that strong, that also had an undefeated JV team that went 22-0 and won all of their games by double figures, is in good shape. The tough thing for the new coach, however, will be replacing a large portion of GW's roster from last year, including all state first team selection Patrick Robinson and other important players such as Camryn Lewis, Cayman Wilson and Amardius Jones. This was not a problem, however, for the Eagles that past few years, having to replace players like Tamario Rodgers and still making the Final Four. So, the Eagles, as usual, should be just fine.
5. Freedom Eagles
Freedom High School in South Riding may have been the most improved team from 2015-2017. The Eagles turned a 9-13 season one year into a 19-6 one the next year, one win away from a state tournament appearance. Freedom was in the ever lowly Conference 22, along with John Champe, Fauqier and Liberty, and the region format will make it harder for the Eagles to make it that far again in 2018. However, the Eagles could be built to make noise this year, returning Zyan Collins, a second team all state selection, along with other key pieces like Hunter Oakford. Although the region will be tough, Freedom has the experience to produce another magical season in South Riding for their ever huge and rowdy student body.
6. William Fleming Colonels
Fleming has always been a power in the Roanoke area, winning an average of 19 game per season the past three years. Last year, the colonels went 21-8 and made it the the state tournament, but couldn't do much more, losing their last three games of the season. Fleming couldn't keep up with teams like Jamestown and Loudoun Valley, and losing Von Saunders won't help. However, the colonels always return in full force the next season, and 4A West second team selection Ramon Hampton is back for his senior season, and they will be determined to make the state tournament for a second straight year.
7. Jamestown Eagles
Last year's season will go down as one of the best Jamestown ever had. The Eagle's young coach led his team to a state finals appearance in just two years. Unfortunately for the Eagles, the Wang brothers have departed after their last season. Evan Wang was a first team all state selection, and Mason Wang was second team. Losing them both will definitely lay a blow, but Jamestown's coach is poised to keep his program near the top of 4A, no matter who the Eagles have left.
8. Smithfield Packers
The Packers used first team all state selection Ryan Jones's senior season to make it to the state tournament and win 25 games this year. Unfortunately for Smithfield, it will be extremely hard to replace what Jones brought to the table. The Packer's are well coached however, and should still be a power in 4A, but we will see. Smithfield's region will not be easy to get out of. However, with the likes of Marcus Custis, Ian Cullen, and 6'5 sophomore Tory Robertson back, the Packers should be alright.
9. Heritage Hurricanes
Heritage finished 6th on Maxpreps and had a very strong strength of schedule and some great wins, including a blowout win against Smithfield, winning 61-27. The Hurricanes, however, could not repeat that feat, falling to Smithfield in the Conference Semis and knocking them out of the postseason. They also graduate six seniors, but return nine players, four of them sophomores. With experience from last year, the young guns should start to thrive, even if the region will be a bloodbath to get out of.
10. Eastern View Cyclones
Third year Coach Patrick Thornhill is ready for another season in Culpeper, hopefully one that does not end in a heartbreaker early in the playoffs like the last two years. A 20 win season couldn't stop Monacan from knocking the Cyclones out in the regional playoffs last year. Eastern View will be in a relatively "weak" region next year, so that should set them up for a high seed if they can make the state tournament. Thornhill losses second team all state selection Anias Saunders, but returns a lot of key pieces as well, such as Montrez Orange, Cameron Spangler, and D'ago Hunter. With these pieces returning and a promising future ahead for Thornhill, Eastern View is no longer just a football powerhouse anymore.
11. Charlottesville Black Knights
The Black Knight's led Loudoun Valley 60-59 after three quarters in the regional quarterfinals, but didn't have enough gas in the tank to pull the upset on the eventual state champs and make it to the state tournament, something that's alluded the Black Knight's since 2009. Head coach Mitch Minor losses second team all region selection Jaylen Hudson, but an undefeated JV team moves up to join the varsity ranks, and rising senior and football QB Sam Neale will be a force for the Black Knight's this season. A tough region will test Charlottesville, but the Black Knight's will try to make it back to last year's point, and possibly beyond.
12. Liberty Christian Bulldogs
LCA could never get out of the ever grueling Conference 23 in it's first two seasons playing as a public school. EC Glass and GW Danville eliminated them the past two years, and the Bulldogs never got their chance to make noise at the regional level. This year, however, there are no conferences, so this might be the chance LCA has been looking for. Since the Bulldogs play less public schools, it will greatly help their seeding for the regional tournament this year. Although Elijah Cuffee is gone, LCA will always reload well, and this could be the season the Bulldogs finally break through and make a deep playoff run.
13. Monacan Chiefs
Even with Greg Parham, a two time first team all state selection, Monacan was unpredictable. They could win huge games, and lose some head scratchers. They won the state championship in 2016, then fell a few games short of it in 2017, with some weird games in between. We do not know how Monacan will show up next year. Without Parham, it could spell doom, but you never know with those Chiefs...
14. William Byrd Terriers
There was another winning season in Vinton, and there is a lot to look forward too in the future for Byrd. Devon Kasey, a second team all state selection is gone, but Alex Fitch, only a sophomore this year, is someone to watch for in his next two years. An athletic 6'4 guard, Fitch will lead Byrd this year and try to navigate his team above and beyond this year, after losing to John Handley in regionals last year. An always touch Roanoke area schedule awaits them, but the Terriers have the potential to really make some noise this year with Fitch.
15. King's Fork Bulldogs
The Bulldogs rebounded nicely last year after the loss of Keith Stagg put them at 11-12 in 2016. This year, King's Fork went 14-8 before losing to Deep Creek in the Conference Semis. Head Coach Joshua Worrell, however, stepped down, so the hunt for a new coach will affect the bulldogs a bit this year. The regional format will help King's Fork avoid last year's fate. The program in Suffolk, although going though some changes, should be another dangerous team next year.
16. Louisa County Lions
After big expectations last year, the Lions somewhat disappointed, only going 12-11 and falling to King George in the Conference Semis. Louisa had glimpses of brilliance last year, hammering Charlottesville 67-48 one game and almost beating Albemarle in the district semis, falling 61-60 to the 5A Patriots. The Lions are lucky enough for another chance, well, anther two really, with so many good underclassmen. Malachi Poindexter, only a sophomore, has early interest from schools like VA Tech and Purdue. Chris Steppe and Malik Bell also return, and there's also freshman Jarrett Hunter, all who had great seasons. Hopefully with the experience from last year, the Lions can really make some noise in their region.
17. Deep Creek Hornets
A strong season last year propels the Hornets into this year. Deep Creek couldn't get past Lake Taylor or Jamestown in the playoffs last year, but still won 16 games and made the regional tournament. They should be ready for another strong year, even if the region will be difficult.
18. Huguenot Falcons
The Falcons graduate four all conference selections and seem to have no one to replace them with. However, the Falcons return six juniors and a sophomore. Huguenot beat Spotswood this year and took George Wythe to the wire, so experience against those teams can prove valuable in 2018 for the rising senior class this year.
19. John Champe Knights
Dom Fragala is gone. That is no small feat to come back from, and even with Fragala, Champe couldn't make it out of the first round of regionals. Still, the Knights have plenty of talent returning, and they are ready to take the load of scoring Fragala will leave empty after his departure to Niagara. Players like Andrew Arbore, Carl Jarmon III, and freshman Tyler Savage will pull the load for Champe, and they should be ready for net year, even without their leading scorer.
20. EC Glass Hilltoppers
Glass had somewhat of a subpar year. Losing 10 games and losing in the Conference Semis, 72-55, to Charlottesville, is not a great place to start for next year. However, EC Glass had some great performances last year as well, beating Patrick Henry Roanoke and William Fleming, and head coach Roy Roberson is always great and building teams from nothing. Although Glass struggled to score at points, and losses important seniors like Demel Bolden, and Quan Byrd, the Hilltoppers can always make noise.
21. Kettle Run Cougars
The Cougars exceeded all expectations with their surprise season last year, winning 16 games. Although Kettle Run had a good season, and beat teams such as John Champe and Culpeper, the Cougars couldn't make it to regionals, falling to Champe in the conference semis. However, after this season, Kettle Run will try to repeat and make it something of a tradition, having not just good soccer, but good basketball as well in Nokesville.
22. Grafton Clippers
Another strong year for the Clippers, winning 18 games. Grafton opened with an eye-opening loss to Poquoson, but regrouped and put together a strong season. They lost to Jamestown in the conference semis, but Grafton is always in the mix no matter what.
23. Lafayette Rams
Lafayette finished with a winning record, and have ten players returning for next year. Another quality year awaits the Williamsburg team.
24. Sherando Warriors
Sherando made it to the regional tournament last year, before falling to Charlottesville in the first round. The Warriors lose key players like Alex Morefield, but should be able to contend in the north region this year.
25. Amherst County Lancers
The Lancers, led by Micah James, CJ Loving and TC Thacker, had a special season for the program last season, winning 15 games and beating LCA twice. However, the Lancers bowed out in the conference semis as the 1 seed, losing to Charlottesville. Coach Segar Jordan is builind a strong program, but the losses of those three will hurt the Lancers immensely.
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