BOYS BASKETBALL POWER POLL - Jan. 19
The Chantilly Faithful storm the floor at Westfield last Friday night, moments after the Chargers' Matt DeWitt drains the game winning 3-pointer in the waning seconds of the game.
Photo By Marc Gold \ Gameday Magazine
Chantilly's Matt Howerton helped muscle his Chargers past the Westfield Bulldogs last week to stay atop of the Power Poll.
Photo by Marc Gold \ Gameday Magazine
Don't look now, but Alex Shipp and the South Lakes Seahawks are sneaking up the Power Poll and could break into the top 10 with a couple of quality wins this week.
Photo By Marc Gold \ Gameday Magazine
STERLING, VA - In the world of Northern Virginia basketball, there was once plenty of mishaps and calamity. But in the days since last week, order has seemingly been restored.
There are no major changes at all in this week's Power Poll, which is something we couldn't say for any other week. Potomac and Westfield suffered hiccups along the way, but that's plenty understandable. But don't get us wrong, there are still plenty of unexplainable things out there that even Fox Mulder and Dana Scully wouldn't bother to touch (case in point is Dominion losing to Briar Woods).
For us, the game which dominated the headlines this past weekend was Chantilly's win over Westfield, which came by way of Matt DeWitt's three point shot in the waning seconds of regulation. The win kept Chantilly atop the Power Poll and put Westfield back one.
And while the Westfield/Chantilly tilt was a great one, there are two matchups this week that are "can't miss". For Tuesday, T.C. Williams travels out to take on rival Hayfield, a game that could potentially mark the Titans' first Patriot District loss in 58 tries. Then for Friday, Potomac travels up to Dale City to take on Hylton, a team which has looked increasingly better each time they take the court. We'll be bringing you live coverage of the Potomac vs. Hylton game, which is one that many in the Northwest Region will be keeping a keen eye on.
As for now, here's how the area's best stand. Also make sure to enjoy the great basketball this week has to offer!
1. CHANTILLY (13-1)
Previous Rank: 1
Last Game: 57-55 win over #5 Westfield
Up Next: at Centreville (1/23)
Matt DeWitt isn't the most well known Chantilly Charger there is, but for the next month he'll be referenced at least a dozen or so times. Why? Well that's because his three point shot with two seconds left clinched a 57-55 comeback win over rival Westfield. Not only did the game-winning shot advance his team's record to 13-1 and 6-0 in the district, but they retain their spot atop the Power Poll. Their position in the poll is likely safe for the next three weeks as they won't be seriously tested until they face-off against Herndon in early February. Until that point comes, expect to find Chantilly's name to be placed next to the number one for awhile. We'd be shocked if they lost anytime in the next three weeks.
2. T.C. WILLIAMS (11-2)
Previous Rank: 2
Last Game: 70-55 win over Lake Braddock
Up Next: at #4 Hayfield (1/21); vs. West Potomac (1/23)
Looking for a game to see? Then travel out to Alexandria this Tuesday to see the defending state champion T.C. Williams Titans take on rival Hayfield. Not only do the two not like each other very much (if at all), but they're the two of the best teams this area has to offer. Lest we forget to mention that these two also play some of the most exciting brand of basketball there is to be seen. To this point, T.C. Williams has suffered only two losses, both to DC area powerhouses, but this upcoming game against Hayfield represents their toughest public Virginia competition yet.
3. HYLTON (11-2)
Previous Rank: 3
Last Game: 76-62 win over Gar-Field
Up Next: vs. #6 Potomac (Gameday Radio Network Game of the Week) (1/23); at Norview (1/24)
For a district that is pretty much unanimously agreed upon for being the toughest in the area, Hylton is more than handling their own. So far, they're 3-0 in the Cardinal District while everyone else has managed a loss at some point along the way. To gauge just how impressive that feat is, let's take a look at the Cardinal as a whole. For the exception of Freedom, the Cardinal's out-of-district record is 38-17, which is close to a 70% win percentage. Take away all private school games played, and the Cardinal District's record is a whopping 35-12. Again, those numbers are all calculated with the exception of Freedom who is 1-10 on the year, but for Hylton to cruise through district competition like they have been says a ton about their ability to win.
4. HAYFIELD (12-2)
Previous Rank: 6
Last Game: 71-47 win over West Potomac
Up Next: vs. #2 T.C. Williams (1/21); vs. South County (1/23)
We already told you once how this Tuesday's match-up between Hayfield and T.C. will be one of the best there is to see, but here's another reason: Hayfield is playing light's out basketball. Their 71-47 blowout win over a competitive West Potomac squad already lends evidence to that, but since losing back-to-back games over winter break, the Hawks have won five straight games by an average of 15 points per game. And they haven't been beating cupcakes either. During their five game win streak, they've defeated the likes of Lake Braddock, Annandale and Lee, but have done so in impressive fashion. To date, T.C. Williams has won 58 straight Patriot District contests, but if there was a team to snap that streak, then Hayfield would be the one.
5. WESTFIELD (12-2)
Previous Rank: 4
Last Game: 57-55 loss to #1 Chantilly
Up Next: at Herndon (1/21)
Westfield was potentially staring down a shot at becoming the number one ranked team in the area, but a last second shot by #1 Chantilly dashed all those hopes as they lost a heartbreaker to their rival, 57-55. No need to gripe however, as this team still stands at a very respectable 12-2, not to mention that both losses were by a combined four points. A few more bounces in Westfield's way and this team is 14-0 and in the top spot. With Herndon up next this Wednesday, it is imperative Westfield get back in the swing of things with a victory. Otherwise they'll likely be playing catch-up the rest of the way.
6. POTOMAC (10-4)
Previous Rank: 5
Last Games: 78-70 loss to Forest Park (1/16); 80-64 win over Liberty (1/17)
Up Next: at #3 Hylton (1/23) ; at Norcom (1/24)
After our diatribe on how tough the Cardinal District is, we saw our first area power fall victim to that district's depth when Potomac was upset by Forest Park. For the loss, they drop a spot but they'll get ample opportunity to prove themselves this Friday when they take on #3 Hylton, a team that has proven to be a proven contender for a region and state title. The Gameday Radio Network will have you covered on this one, broadcasting the game live and worldwide.
7. MOUNT VERNON (10-4)
Previous Rank: 7
Last Game: N/A
Up Next: vs. Yorktown (1/20); at Washington-Lee (1/23)
Mount Vernon, one of the area's hottest teams, cooled off a bit this past weekend as they sat idle, but will look to heat things back up when they face defending district champ Yorktown. Always deemed a competitive squad, Yorktown has already posted one upset over Wakefield, so don't be surprised to see our #7 team maybe take a fall this Tuesday. Should Mount Vernon move past Yorktown, they'll have over two weeks to prepare for their next real test when they travel out to face Wakefield.
8. STUART (11-2)
Previous Rank: 8
Last Game: 64-51 win over Yorktown
Up Next: at Washington-Lee (1/21); at Wakefield (1/23)
Stuart simply doesn't take a break. At every turn, you're maybe expecting them to finally fall back to mediocrity, but it simply doesn't happen. They've lost their two games by a combined three points, plus they beat everyone they're supposed to beat. The upset is never in play with this team and they find ways to beat teams who have more talent than them. For an entire athletic program mired in losing over the past decade, this story is nothing short of incredible. They have a huge matchup in South Arlington this Friday when they take on Wakefield, and expect Raider nation to travel out in full force for this one as they try and avenge an earlier 58-57 loss.
9. HANDLEY (13-1)
Previous Rank: 9
Last Game: 61-56 win over Central
Up Next: at Kettle Run (1/23); vs. Jefferson, W.Va (1/24)
Handley opened up their new gym in style on Friday when they defeated Central to move their record to 13-1 on the year and a perfect 11-0 in district play. With Jefferson County (W.Va) up ahead this Saturday, the Judges will not only get a chance to avenge their only loss on the year, but we'll get a great chance to see how ready Handley is to make a state title run.
10. FAUQUIER (10-3)
Previous Rank: NR
Last Games: 68-58 win over Osbourn Park; 62-45 win over Kettle Run
Up Next: vs. James Wood (1/19); vs. Battlefield (1/23)
Let's be honest here. We're not too sure of any Cedar Run District team, but it's about time to give Fauquier some credit. They've emerged as a favorite in their district after going 10-3, but what's even more telling is that all of their losses have come in overtime. Just like #5 Westfield, they could very well be an undefeated team if a few more bounces went their way. So with that said, look out for Fauquier. Should they beat Battlefield this Friday they'll likely move up significantly, but if not, then the "football district" stigma will likely stick well with the Cedar Run for a while.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Lake Braddock (9-4): The Bruins fall from the Power Poll following a rough 15 point loss to #2 T.C. Williams. We're not counting Lake Braddock out of the mix entirely, and neither should any fan. Last year's final four run should be evident of that.
Woodbridge (10-5): Woodbridge notched a win over lowly Freedom-Woodbridge on Friday, but it wasn't enough to move them into the Power Poll. A win over #6 Potomac next Tuesday, however, is another story...
Wakefield (11-4): After going through a week of losing that would make the Oklahoma City Thunder cringe, the Warriors managed to get back on with their winning ways, as they successfully dismantled Falls Church and Washington-Lee over the weekend. For #7 Mount Vernon and #8 Stuart, this is not the team you want to see get hot again as they seemingly have a knack for going on playoff runs.
South Lakes (9-4): An old guard makes a familiar appearance to the land of basketball powers as South Lakes enters the fray of potential Power Poll worthy teams. Judging at how whacky the Liberty District is, the Seahawks appear to have a great shot at claiming the district crown. A few more quality wins would establish themselves as favorites and a shot at joining the poll.
Dominion (10-5): Whatever Dominion drank, ate or did on Friday they should never, ever do again. After pummeling Broad Run 67-41 last Wednesday, the Titans looked like the Dulles was theirs to lose. Then came Friday when they lost to Briar Woods, a team that until this year had never won a game in the Dulles District. After what this team did to Broad Run, we still have plenty of faith in them and are just hoping Friday was more of an aberration than anything else.
