Jefferson District Basketball-Central Virginia Dominance

The Jefferson basketball district is, yet again, crazy. After two straight JD Titles by the Charlottesville Black Knights, the other teams in the district are starting to challenge for title consideration. Five of the eight teams are in the Top 20 of their divisions:

3A: Western Albemarle is number 5, Monticello is number 18

4A: Charlottesville is number 9, Louisa is number 11

5A: Albemarle is number 14

Here are the reviews for the top 4 teams so far:

1. (5) Western Albemarle (9-0).

The Warriors are back, baby. After two years with strong teams but lack of District and Conference Crowns, the Warriors experienced frustration. Well, now they are 9-0 with wins over (14) Waynesboro, (24) Jefferson Forest, (12) Louisa, (20) Monticello, and (6) Charlottesville. Western is ranked 5 in the 3A AP Poll and Number 1 on the Maxpreps Algorithm rankings. Now, I am not saying they are a lock to win the state title (yet) but they are pretty darn good. They still have to play Albemarle (hopefully with Katstra) twice this year and have to travel to a revenge-fueled “Traphouse” in the annual battle with Charlottesville for their second meeting (WAHS won the first 63-53). The Warriors, thanks to an injury-plagued season for Katstra so far, look poised to claim first place in the District right now, but hey, it’s not even January yet.

2. (9) Charlottesville (5-1).

Coming off of two straight JD Titles, the Black Knights already had their 16-game regular season win streak and 18-game streak overall against district opponents broken by the Warriors. But hey, it was Western at Western. The Black Knights will have their chance at redemption. They will be able to reduce the time they spend on busses riding across Central Virginia with only three true road games left. One of those games is at Albemarle, but they get to host everyone else in the district (yes, that includes Western, Louisa, and Monticello). Thanks to the late escape at Louisa on December 15^th (a 66-60 come from behind win) the Black Knights are close to controlling their own destiny in the JD Standings (that loss to Western may prove costly, still).

3. (14) Albemarle (4-3).

Those poor Patriots. Already injured with an ankle sprain, 6’6 Division 5A-all state player Austin Katstra injured his OTHER ankle in the Patriots game against (7) St. Christopher’s. Since that injury, Albemarle has gone 1-2. One of those losses was a six point loss to Charlottesville at the Traphouse, but the other was to an unranked Patrick Henry squad at home. Still, the Patriots only have one loss in the JD, and assuming Western loses at SOME POINT (it has to happen, right?) the Patriots can get back on track now that Katstra is back. They still have to play Louisa and Western twice and they host Charlottesville, but with Katstra, the Patriots can be as deadly as their preseason rank: number 10 in 5A.

4. (11) Louisa (5-2).

Are you surprised to see a Jefferson District EAST DIVISION team in the top 4? It is always CHS, WAHS, AHS, and MOHS (all the Western Division teams) in the top 4, with Fluvanna occasionally thrown in there. Now, LOUISA has broken into the top 4. Much has changed since last year. Robert Shelton, the Louisa alum who coached Monticello for years, is back to coach his alma mater. Louisa also has a nice, new gym (called the Jungle in Mineral) that can hold nearly 2,000 people, and lately, people have been showing up. That may not seem like much of an advantage, since the Lions are 2-2 at home, but those losses are to CHS and WAHS. In fact, if not for a Murray Hill 3-point play in the waning seconds of the game, Louisa might have actually BEATEN CHS (when is THAT ever said). On the MPA (Maxpreps Algorithm) Rankings, Louisa is Number 11 in 4A. Not bad. Not bad at all. The Louisa team still has plenty of challenges left in front of it, but, led by senior Jermaine Pace, they have a chance to make some noise.

Tuesday, December 15th, 2015

7 Charlottesville   66      (4-0, 2-0 District)

13 Louisa             60       (2-2, 1-2 District)

Fluvanna              36    (0-5, 0-2 District)

24 Monticello     74    (2-3, 2-1 District)

Orange                               44   (1-4, 11 District)

2 Western Albemarle     83    (7-0, 3-0 District)

Friday, December 18th, 2015

Featured Game:

6 Charlottesville            53     (4-1, 2-1 District)

5 Western Albemarle   63     (8-0, 4-0 District)

Other Games:

Fluvanna (0-5, 0-2 District) @ Powhatan (0-4, 0-3 District)                   FCHS-2

18 Louisa (2-2, 1-2 District) @ Orange (1-4, 1-1 District)                           LCHS-3.5

23 Albemarle (3-3, 0-1 District) @ 24 Monticello (2-4, 2-1 District)        AHS-12

Tuesday, December 15th, 2015

Featured Game:

7 Charlottesville (3-0, 1-0 District) @ 13 Louisa 2-1, 1-1 District)           CHS-8.5

Other Games:

Fluvanna (0-4, 0-1 District) @ 24 Monticello (1-3, 1-1 District)            MOHS-4.5

Orange (1-3, 1-0 District) @ 2 Western Albemarle (6-0, 2-0 District) WAHS-15

Friday, December 18th, 2015

Featured Game:

7 Charlottesville (3-0, 1-0 District) @ 2 Western Albemarle (6-0, 2-0 District)                                                                                                                          CHS-1

Other Games:

Fluvanna (0-4, 0-1 District) @ Powhatan (0-4, 0-3 District)                   FCHS-2

13 Louisa (2-1, 1-1 District) @ Orange (1-3, 1-0 District)                           LCHS-3.5

23 Albemarle (3-3, 0-1 District) @ 24 Monticello (1-3, 1-1 District)        AHS-12

State Rankings for each teaming Top 25:

Albemarle: Number 8 in 5A

Charlottesville: Number 6 in 4A

Western Albemarle: Number 19 in 3A

Fluvanna: Number 25 in 4A

1. Albemarle

2014 Record: 20-8

2014 JD Record: 10-4

Notable Players Gone: Juwan Carter

Notable Players Returning: Austin Katstra, Jake Hahn, Kennedy Brown, Myles Adams-Yates, Justice Taylor

Why the Patriots are ranked here: The Patriots lose only one senior from a team that finished third in the Jefferson District and played in the JD Title Game. Albemarle went on to the Sweet 16 before losing to eventual Final Four Team Potomac, 70-59. Albemarle finished with a 20-8 record, with no bad losses. The fact that Juwan Carter is gone hurts, but with four of five starters returning, the Patriots will again challenge for the JD Crown. Jake Hahn will still be a huge threat in the post, Kennedy Brown will still be a leader on the court for his senior season, and of course, 6’6 Division 5A All-State First Team player Austin Katstra will be back, and it’s only his junior year. He averaged 18.9 points and 10.3 rebounds last year, and he should only get better. Under Greg Maynard, who has 400 career victories after Albemarle’s last win last year vs Patrick Henry in the Regional Tournament, the Patriots will be awfully good next year, possibly a top ten team in Division 5A.

2. Charlottesville

2014 Record: 24-2

2014 JD Record: 14-0

Notable players gone: Jordan Saylor, Mica Girstantas, Malik Wingate, Kendell Dennis, Troy Hughes

Notable players returning: Caleb Gage, Deandre Bryant, Quintis Brooks, Murray Hill, Tyreek Ragland

Others expected to join the roster: Patrick Ronayne, Jaylen Hudson, Jalen Fitch, Sam Neale, Khalil Vest

Predicted starting lineup:

Murray Hill, Caleb Gage, Jaylen Hudson, Tyreek Ragland, Deandre Bryant

Predicted Second Team:

Sam Neale, Jalen Fitch, Patrick Ronayne, Quintis Brooks, Khalil Vest

Why the Black Knights are ranked here:

Much can be said about the Black Knight’s season in 2014. CHS went undefeated in Jefferson District play, won the Conference 23 Crown, and made it to the Elite 8 before falling to EC Glass 58-54, one win away from a State Final Four appearance. Now, with key players like Jordan Saylor and Mica Girstantas gone, the Knights have huge holes to fill. Still, Caleb Gage and Murray Hill played well in Saylor’s absence at the end of last season, Gage had two 19 point games, one in the Sweet 16 and one in the Elite 8. Tyreek Ragland was a very effective scorer and defender last year, and he should only get better. Deandre Bryant and Khalil Vest will be able to fill in the hole Dennis left, Bryant can bring the size and strength and Vest will bring back the height and scoring Dennis brought to the table. What about Girstantas’s shooting ability? Patrick Ronayne and Jalen Hudson, both on the JV team last year, will be able to mimic the percentages Girstantas had behind the arc and Ronayne is a better shooter off the dribble than Girstantas ever was. With experienced players like Quintis Brooks returning, and former JV players such as Jalen Fitch, Khalil Vest and Sam Neale joining the roster to back up the starters, the Black Knights should be just fine next year.

3. Western Albemarle

2014 Record: 17-7

2014 JD Record: 11-3

Notable Players Gone: Josh Casteen, Carter Berry, Scott Grover, Sam Swanson, Will Kinlaw

Notable Players Returning: Ryan Ingram, Mike Vale, Jared Carter, Carrington Murphy, Chris Mcgaren, Will Cress

Why the Warriors are ranked here: 

Some might say Western Albemarle is on a decline in the basketball world. They had a down year last year and lose important players like Josh Casteen and Carter Berry…but, the Warriors still finished second in the district and did not lose as many players Charlottesville or Fluvanna did. Ryan Ingram is back, and it will only be his junior year. Others still, such as Mike Vale, Jared Carter, Carrington Murphy, Chris Mcgaren, and Will Cress will again, just as usual, be a very unselfish, very hot-shooting team. Under Darren Maynard, the Warriors will again challenge in the District and be a Title contender in Conference 29 of the 3A Division. Yes, Western Albemarle Basketball isn’t going anywhere.

4. Fluvanna

2014 Record: 14-12

2014 JD Record: 6-8

Notable Players Gone: Vincent Agee IV, Talavious Hughes, Hunter Deforge, Kashawn Anderson, Nafeese Smith, Jake Mooney

Notable Players Returning: Jameel Wilson, Tyler Marshall

Why the Flucos are ranked here:

This is the one I am not betting my money on. Fluvanna lost almost everybody from a 14-12 team, including Division 4A All-State First Team Player Vinny Agee, plus most of their rotation, Talavious Hughes, Hunter Deforge, Kashawn Anderson, Nafeese Smith, and Jake Mooney all graduated last spring. Still, the Flucos finished fourth in the District last season and they still have Jameel Wilson. He is poised for a superb senior season. After a breakout junior year, the kid will have lots of roles to fill, but he will join the list of complete point guards in the District, with experience and skill both on his side. The Flucos also, as usual, have an impressive freshman and middle school class coming to Pleasant Grove, so the Flucos, under one of the best coaches in the region Munro Rateau, should survive Jefferson District Play once again.

5. Monticello

2014 Record: 7-15

2014 JD Record: 5-9

Notable Players Gone: Rashad Brooks, John Anderson, Robert Deane

Notable Players Returning: Gabe Thacker, Jacoby Jackson, James Connaughton, Josh Rush, Jordan Spry, Anthony Lee

Why the Mustangs are ranked here: 

A new coach is coming to southern Albemarle to coach the Mustangs, Robert Spry. Spry was the JV coach for Monticello last year, and he led them to a 15-6 record. Spry had a superb career as the JV coach, and, even though replacing Robert Shelton will be difficult, should be a good fit with the Maniacs of Monticello. Losing Rashad Brooks to will hurt the Mustangs, he provided great shooting throughout his career. Monticello’s problem last year was their lack of post presence and the fact that Brooks basically carried the team. Now that Brooks is gone and the post area is still relatively empty, many predict doom for the Mustangs once again this season, but don’t be too quick to judge. Last year, Monticello was 7-15. Sure, that may be a terrible record, but look at their schedule last year. Charlottesville, Albemarle, and Western Albemarle twice, EC Glass, Spotswood, and many other top 25 teams last year lined Monticello’s schedule. That doesn’t mean they were bad last year, they just played really good teams. Rising sophomore Jacoby Jackson is back, and he should be better. Gabe Thacker also returns for his senior season.  Anthony Lee is poised for a breakout senior season. Even though a coaching change is difficult, the Mustangs should still be effective again next season.

Last three: 

6. Louisa
7. Powhatan
8. Orange 

1. King’s Fork 
2. Norcom
3. Lake Taylor
4. EC Glass
5. Grafton
6. Charlottesville
7. George Washington
8. Courtland
9. Millbrook
10. William Fleming
11. Glen Allen
12. Dinwiddie
13. Deep Creek
14. Washington
15. Sherando
16. Heritage
17. Smithfield
18. Phoebus
19. Caroline
20. Tabb
21. Woodgrove
22. Chancellor
23. Monacan
24. Lakeland
25. Fluvanna

Charlottesville’s Football Team got off to a great start, a 3-1 record going into week 6 against rival and 15th ranked Monticello. The Mustangs went on to win that one, giving the Knights a 3-2 record. Since then, it has all been downhill from there:

CHS Football Schedule After Week 6:

@ Albemarle, LOST 22-15

@ Powhatan, LOST 20-15

vs Orange, LOST 27-20

Those three close games have put the Knights at a 3-5 record, after starting out 3-1. There last two games don’t help, vs 5th ranked Western Albemarle and at 24th ranked Louisa. the odds favor Western by 14 and Louisa by 10. After this grueling five-game stretch, it is very possible that the Black Knights could finish the regular season 3-7.

Let’s hope the Knights can pull off some upsets.

I love to break down JD teams in many sports, and football may be my favorite. In the past, it’s always been Western or Monticello, but Powhatan destroyed both teams last year, unexpectedly. Watching what happened in week 1, let’s break down what might happen this year…

1. Louisa is overrated:

Louisa started out this year as a top 25 team in 4A. They did start out hosting number 10 Sherando (and got pummeled 35-7) and had to play at a top 15 team in Courtland (got killed 50-24) but that is no excuse to starting out 1-3 for a team this talented. After dropping those two, the lions regrouped and beat a weak King George team 36-26, then lost at unranked Albemarle 19-14. There is still time for the lions, but being top 25 preseason and now 1-3, that is very concerning for Lions fans.

2. Western Albemarle is very good….again:

Western has always been good. They made it to states last year with a come from behind victory over Waynsboro. They started out the year ranked number 3 in 3A. After a fourteen point loss to Brookville (not a bad loss), the warriors stumbled to number 10, but rebounded by hammering (12) Monticello 28-7 on the Mustangs field. That is an impressive feat. I’m not saying they’re going to win the District (yet) but it seems very probable.

3. DO NOT count out Charlottesville:

A 4-7 record last year was bad for the Black Knights. Now, in their fourth game, already have 3/4 of the victories they had last year. Their one loss is a good one, a defensive bout at ranked Dominion, where they lost by six, 12-6. Since then, they pummeled a 2-0 Harrisonburg squad 28-6,  hammered William Monroe in Stanardsville, 38-12, then stomped on Fluvanna, 33-12. The Knights are unfortunately not in the 4A top 25 (yet) but with a looming game at home against their rival Monticello, the Knights could grab a huge win this Friday.

The Charlottesville Black Knights played host to the Flying Flucos from Fluvanna at a rowdy Theodose Stadium for a Jefferson District opener Thursday night. CHS entered the game 2-1, and to even be in the conversation for the 4A Top 25, they would have to beat the 0-3 visitors from Palmyra.

CHS coach Eric Sherry got what he needed.

The Knights stormed to an easy victory, scoring 26 points in the first half alone en route to a rout of Fluvanna, all without their star running back Rashad Brock, who is injured.

Sherry isn’t afraid to call Brock one of the best running backs in the state.

CHS freshman Sabias Folley filled in for Brock, and the results were the same.

Fluvanna received the ball to start the game, but the CHS defense was able to stop the Fluco drive, forcing them to punt. CHS was ready to hop on Fluvanna quick and score, but Charlottesville’s quarterback, Rakeem Davis, fumbled a bad snap and the upset-minded Flucos recovered the ball.

Then, the Black Knight defense returned to the field.

Less than a minute after the fumble, CHS’s Sam Neale intercepted a Fluvanna pass, and made it to the 50 yard line.

Then, Sabias Folley took the drive into his hands. The weight of filling in for Brock didn’t stop the freshman, as he led the drive and eventually scored a touchdown on 3^rd and goal, giving the Black Knights a 6-0 lead. The two point conversion was unsuccessful, however.

The Knights used its defense to keep a 6-0 lead after the first quarter.

Then, CHS had another turnover, this time an interception, with 11:23 to play in the half. Again, the Black Knights’ defense made up for it’s offensive mistakes. This time, junior Lorenzo Louderback recovered a Fluco fumble, and ran all the way across the turf field, giving the Black Knights a 12-0 lead. This time, sophomore Tre Durrett was able to convert, and give his team a 14-0 lead with 10:36 left in the half.

Then, it was senior Deandre Bryant’s turn to take the reigns. He was, as usual, a huge threat on defense, but as a wide receiver, he gave the Black Knights a 20-0 lead after a completion from Davis.

Soon after, with the Flucos back on offense, Cam Childs, a Black Knight defender, caused yet another Fluco turnover, intercepting a pass which eventually led to a Durrett touchdown.

26-0 at the break.

The Flucos never really bothered the Black Knights at all during the rest of the contest. They did manage to score two touchdowns, but another Fluco fumble resulted in a 55 yard touchdown from Bryant.

The final was 33-12.

No, Brock was not needed in this one.

Charlottesville (3-1, 1-0 JD) plays host to its rival and 12^th ranked Monticello (2-2, 0-1 JD) next Friday at Theodose at 7:30 pm.

Fluvanna (0-4, 0-1 JD) plays host to Louisa next week.

Here are some other scores from Thursday:

 10 Western Albemarle (3-1, 1-0 JD)     28     Final

 12 Monticello (2-2, 0-1 JD)                     7

 23 Louisa (1-3, 0-1 JD)           14       Final

 Albemarle (3-1, 1-0 JD)       19

 21 Powhatan (2-2, 0-1 JD)     21       Final/OT

 Orange (3-1, 1-0 JD)                  28

 Fluvanna (0-4, 0-1 JD)               12       Final

 Charlottesville (3-1, 1-0 JD)      33