VHSL Class 5 Region D 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 D.
TOP TEAMS
Potomac
Albemarle
William Fleming
Patrick Henry (Roanoke)
North Stafford
THE SKINNY
One of the widest ranging regions in the entire state, Class 5 Region D goes from Potomac in the Dumfries area of Northern VA all the way down to schools in Roanoke and Halifax County in southwest VA. Because of this, they encompass a lot of good schools that won’t necessarily play each other until regionals comes, making for some interesting matchups. Potomac is the most storied school recently in this region, and while the Panthers struggled last season a little they were young and have a talented group coming back this year. Albemarle has been as good as anyone in the state without a state championship the past four years, but they graduated five key seniors on their team so that will be tough for the Charlottesville powerhouse to overcome. The schools in Roanoke look strong this season, with William Fleming and Patrick Henry looking as strong and experienced as they’ve been in the past few years. The new comer on the block the past few years has been North Stafford out of the Fredericksburg area, and while they lose two key seniors they do have one of the most electric junior guards in Javon Swinton who’s also a stud on the gridiron as well. This conference is wide open, with a lot of teams starting a new but still plenty of talent around. It should be a competitive tournament with teams who likely won’t play each other during the season.
PREDICTIONS
Region Champion: Potomac
Region POY: Javon Swinton | North Stafford 2020
Swinton has followed the steady path of a two sport superstar in the making, and this could very well be his breakout year. Barring injury, he’ll be able to put up the numbers necessary to win the award, but the numbers don’t do justice to what he does for his team. He has the natural leadership and poise, and despite being the best player he plays like his position is on the line every game. He gets after it on both ends, he makes others better and he’s just a naturally gifted athlete and player who essential to his team’s success.
All Region
Javon Swinton | 6’2” PG | North Stafford 2020
Chris Shepherd | 6’4” WG | William Fleming 2019
Robert Smith | 6’6″ PF | William Fleming 2019
Khai Seargant | 5’10” PG | Massaponax 2020
Jakhari Taylor | 5’11” G | Potomac 2019
John Stockstill | 6’0” WG | Patrick Henry 2019
Tee Bryan | 6’4” WF | Patrick Henry 2020