VHSL Class 5 Region C Preview and Predictions
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 begin by taking a look at Class 5, Region C.
TOP TEAMS
Potomac Falls
Wakefield
Stone Bridge
Rock Ridge
THE SKINNY
Jared Watkins could be the breakout player of the regionClass 5 Region C is strong at the top this year, but there are a lot of unknowns. Teams like Freedom South-Riding, Edison, and Tuscarora, are intriguing, but some talent to graduation. At the top is Potomac Falls, who have the region’s best senior and college prospect in Ian Anderson. For the Panthers to fully live up to expectations, the continued growth and development of emerging junior wing Landon Hawes will be important. Wakefield, led by athletic playmaking guard Jared Watkins, is another team to watch in this region. Coach Tony Bentley does a great job getting his players to buy in and compete hard each season, and we expect him to adequately prepare his bunch once again. Stone Bridge, led by one of the best unsigned seniors in the state in Evan Buckley, has a good chance to be one of the teams to beat in this region. Rock Ridge, who boasts two talented wings who compliment each other well in Alex Fitch and Andrew Sanderson, will be a wild card team that should improve upon their record from last season.
PREDICTIONS
Regional Champions: Potomac Falls
Regional Player of the Year: Ian Anderson | 6’6 Forward | Potomac Falls
We haven’t found a player in this region or many in the state who can defend Ian Anderson 1v1. Not only is he a plus athlete at 6-foot-6, but Anderson has developed a perimeter jump shot which should help him discover new ways to beat defenders. When considering the improvements he continues to make with his overall game in conjunction to the fact that the Panthers have another versatile wing with size who can create mismatches in Landon Hawes, it did not take long for us to pick this team as the one to beat.
All-Region Team:
Ian Anderson | 6’6 SF/PF/C | Potomac Falls ’19
Evan Buckley | 6’0 PG | Stone Bridge ’19
Jared Clawson | 5’6 PG | Edison ’20
Alex Fitch | 6’4 SG/SF/PF | Rock Ridge ’19
Landon Hawes | 6’4 SG/SF/PF | Potomac Falls ’20
Tyler Savage | 6’3 PG/SG/SF | Champe ’20
Will Shin | 6’0 SG | Briar Woods ’20
Jared Watkins | 6’2 PG | Wakefield ’19