VHSL Class 5 Region B Preview
As we begin our final stretch into the much anticipated start to another high school season, it’s time to take a closer look at what to expect. In this series, we will be previewing various regions and classifications within the VHSL in an effort to highlight who we think are the top teams and prospects. Below we preview and predict Class 5, Region B.
TOP TEAMS
Varina
LC Bird
Matoaca
Highland Springs
Henrico
Meadowbrook
Prince George
THE SKINNY
Based out of the Richmond area, the last two Class 5 State Champions have come from this region in LC Bird (2017) and Varina (2018). The two teams look to be on a collision course again this season. Varina returns all but one player in their top 7 rotation, and led by reigning Class 5 POY Tyrese Jenkins look to repeat this year. However, the Skyhawks of LC Bird (18-3) return much of their core including senior Jamon Battle and will get a boost from Huguenot transfer Lance Monteiro. However, it won’t be a cakewalk for these two. Highland Springs knocked out LC Bird in the first round of regionals last year, and Henrico has been down a couple of years but they have a talented backcourt led by junior Jaden House. South of the city, Meadowbrook has a new coach but return five key guys and Prince George is never an easy out either. However, Matoaca could be the team to shake things up. Senior big man Tyrese Tingle looks like he’s ready to be the man, and junior guard Kaleb Coleman has made big strides recently. It should be a fun regular season in this region.
PREDICTIONS
Region Champion: Varina
Region POY: Tyrese Jenkins | 6’6” WF | Varina 2019
The reigning Class 5 player of the year toyed with the idea of transferring and reclassifying, but decided against it and returned to try to repeat this year. Jenkins made a big leap from his sophomore to junior year, and was not only the best player for them last year in the state championship but had become their leader. His ability to play off the ball but still initiate the offense, all while rebounding and defending puts his fingerprints all over the game.
1st Team All Region
Tyrese Jenkins | 6’6” F | Varina 2019
Jamon Battle | 6’5” WG | LC Bird 2019
AJ Williams | 6’2” WG | Varina 2021
Tyler Henderson | 5’8” PG | LC Bird 2020
Jaden House | 6’2” WG | Henrico 2020
Tyrese Tingle | 6’7” PF | Matoaca 2019
Lance Monteiro | 6’4” WG | LC Bird 2019
2nd Team All Region
Alphonso Mason | 6’1” WG | Meadowbrook 2019
Kaleb Coleman | 6’1” G | Matoaca 2019
Patrick Gee | 6’5” PF | Prince George 2019
Mack Burgett | 6’6” F | LC Bird 2019
Jason Nelson | 5’8” PG | Varina 2021
Damon Wertz | 6’3″ WG | Highland Springs 2019
Corbin Slayton | 6’1″ WG | LC Bird 2019