Sidwell Friends’ one-week departure after a nearly two-year stay atop the rankings was just that — a one-week hiccup. Following a 68-49 victory over St. John’s in the D.C. State Athletic Association championship game Sunday, the Quakers return to the top spot with their local schedule wrapped up.
“We did not dig deep enough in that game,” senior Khia Miller said after the Quakers’ win Sunday. “We didn’t want that one enough. After watching some film and working on some things, we wanted it more today.”
The Cadets, who won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title, stay in the No. 2 spot after besting Georgetown Visitation in a DCSAA semifinal. Paul VI jumps Bishop McNamara for the No. 4 spot after claiming its 16th consecutive Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association title with a victory over St. Anne’s-Belfield.
In Northern Virginia, Madison, Robinson and Tuscarora advanced to their state semifinals and have a chance to claim crowns this week, while Osbourn Park dropped several spots after an eight-point loss to Manchester. In Maryland, Howard, Glen Burnie, Churchill and Oxon Hill are also just a victory away from state championship matchups. Elsewhere, Virginia Academy won the VISAA Division II title, and Dunbar dropped out of the rankings after a DCSAA first-round loss to Maret.
1. Sidwell Friends (28-3) Last ranked: 3
After a letdown in the Independent School League championship game, the Quakers took home the DCSAA title over No. 2 St. John’s.
2. St. John’s (26-7) LR: 2
The Cadets fell to Sidwell but complete their season with a WCAC trophy on the mantel.
3. Georgetown Visitation (24-6) LR: 1
The Cubs’ comeback effort fell short in a DCSAA semifinal loss to St. John’s.
4. Paul VI (23-10) LR: 5
The Panthers handed St. Anne’s-Belfield just its second loss to capture their 16th straight Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I title.
5. Bishop McNamara (21-6) LR: 4
The Mustangs won the WCAC regular season title but were eliminated in the tournament semifinals.
6. Shabach Christian (22-9) LR: 6
The Eagles defeated opponents from all across the country this winter.
7. Howard (24-1) LR: 7
The Lions are a win from returning to the Maryland 3A state final.
8. St. Mary’s (Annapolis) (27-0) LR: 8
The Saints finished their season as the Top 20’s lone undefeated team.
9. Virginia Academy (25-8) LR: 11
The Patriots won the VISAA Division II state title this year after last year’s Division III championship.
10. Glen Burnie (22-2) LR: 9
After beating Old Mill and Einstein, the Gophers return to the Maryland 4A state semifinals.
11. Robinson (26-3) LR: 13
The Rams have advanced to the Virginia Class 6 state semifinals in back-to-back years.
12. Osbourn Park (23-5) LR: 10
The Yellow Jackets missed a shot at their third straight state title game appearance with a narrow loss to Richmond-area power Manchester.
13. Bullis (19-10) LR: 12
Behind Maryland commit Riley Nelson, the Bulldogs nearly doubled last year’s win total.
14. Mount Zion Prep (21-11) LR: 14
The Warriors eclipsed 20 wins in their first varsity season.
15. Tuscarora (26-2) LR: 16
The Huskies beat Louisa County to reach the Virginia Class 4 state semifinals.
16. Churchill (22-2) LR: 19
The Bulldogs will play Western, the defending Maryland 4A state champion, in the state semifinals.
17. Madison (23-4) LR: Not ranked
The Warhawks, who have oscillated in and out of the rankings, are back in the Virginia state semifinals for a fourth straight season.
18. C.H. Flowers (20-4) LR: 15
The Jaguars beat Wise before being eliminated by Western in the Maryland 4A state quarterfinals.
19. Maret (19-11) LR: 17
The Frogs fell to Sidwell for the fourth time this season in the DCSAA semifinals.
20. Oxon Hill (22-3) LR: NR
The Clippers will play Poly in the Maryland 3A state semifinals.
Dropped out: No. 18 Dunbar, No. 20 Wise
On the bubble: Lackey, Meridian, Severna Park, St. Charles