The Top Teams Woodbridge Battlefield Woodside WT Woodson Westfield Oscar Smith Landstown Colonial Forge Hylton South Lakes Lake Braddock Stonewall Jackson The Top Players Tyler Scanlon – Westfield Chris Orlina – Woodside DeVante Carter – Woodside Keaton Simmons – Stonewall…
The Top Teams
Woodbridge
Battlefield
Woodside
WT Woodson
Westfield
Oscar Smith
Landstown
Colonial Forge
Hylton
South Lakes
Lake Braddock
Stonewall Jackson
The Top Players
Tyler Scanlon – Westfield
Chris Orlina – Woodside
DeVante Carter – Woodside
Keaton Simmons – Stonewall Jackson
Carion Eaton – Colonial Forge
Ibrahim Kamara – Woodbridge
James Butler – Lake Braddock
Tayler Brletic – Woodbridge
Jerry Carter – Hylton
Donald Hicks – Oscar Smith
Lewis Djonkam – West Springfield
Cameron Robinson – Woodbridge
Chuchu Enechionya – South County
Blake Francis – Westfield
Matt Ayoub – WT Woodson
Garrett Cook – Patriot
Nate Shafer – Langley
Langston Gaither – Hayfield
Jeremiah DeLaney – Osbourn
LaDarius McCord – Forest Park
After two straight years of domination from Colonial Forge, 6A seems up for grabs with a shift of power possibly occurring. The Colonials lose three of their key starters to graduation, and more than a few teams have reloaded and are looking to make a run at the Siegel Center come March.
The team who made the biggest splash this summer had to be Woodside, who had two of their former stars transfer back in point guard De’Vante Carter and wing Chris Orlina. From a pure talent standpoint, they seem like the team to beat, especially in the 6A South Region.
In the North, Westfield and WT Woodson could be on a collision course for a rematch of last year’s regional championship game. Westfield returns two studs in Boston University commit Tyler Scanlon and point guard Blake Francis, but Woodson is always one of the most disciplined and well coached teams in the area.
The monkey wrench? Battlefield. They are deep and have a lot of weapons, and when it’s all said and done sophomore Brayden Gault may be the best prospect in the whole conference.
Here’s some more information, and predictions, of the 6A Conference.
Teams to Surprise:
Tallwood of Virginia Beach has a lot of weapons that can all go off on any given day. After going 11-12 last season, the Lions have another year of experience and enough talent to compete with the best in the 757 this season. Junior point guard Tyree Golston is a ticking time bomb, and senior Clifton Spann is a match up nightmare on the post and the wing.
Langley in Northern Virginia has an experienced group of kids who play well together and know what it takes to win. Senior post Nate Shafer is one of the best defenders in the state on the block, and point guard Tavon Tarpley is a menace in transition and when attacking off the pick-and-roll. If they can stay focused on their job on the court, Langley could surprise some teams in 6A North.
Players to Emerge:
2017 Jaylen Dillard of Clover Hill had a spectacular sophomore season on the way to a First Team All Conference selection. The skilled 6’3 wing can play both on and off the basketball and is strong enough to absorb contact and finish in the lane. He’s a solid three level scorer that knows how to get his shots.
2017 Shonari Street of Battlefield is a tough wing with good size. At 6’6″ Street is capable of guarding and playing multiple positions on the floor, and his mix of grit and athleticism makes him a mismatch whether it’s bigger or smaller defenders on him. Battlefield has a lot of talent on their team, but they can count on him to do whatever it takes to help them win games.
The Best Player You’ve Never Heard of Is…
2016 Bryan Ruffin of Freedom is poised to have a breakout season and a lot of colleges are already taking notice. The 6’2 guard will be a go-to guy with the transfer of James West, and his ability to score it in many ways will be key for Freedom who needs it this season. He’s a sniper from deep, and his athleticism allows him to finish above the rim in transition and through contact. Keep an eye on him this season.
Fresh/Soph to Know:
Brayden Gault – Battlefield
Mike Christmas – Landstown
Emmanuel Aghayere – South Lakes
Nyzaiah Chambers – Oscar Smith
Jakari Taylor – Colonial Forge
Quentin James – Lake Braddock
VANTAGE PREDICTIONS
6A South Region Champs: Woodside over Woodbridge
6A North Region Champs: WT Woodson over Westfield
6A State Champs: Woodside over Woodson
6A South POY: Chris Orlina
6A North POY: Matt Ayoub