Another dramatic and entertaining year of D.C.-area high school basketball is in the books. Our final boys’ rankings of the winter are filled with programs that achieved something impressive this season, whether that was a conference championship, a deep playoff run or a strong record.
In College Park, it was a rough few days for local programs at the state championships. Damascus, Largo and Meade put together impressive seasons but came up one win short of ultimate glory.
Farther north, a host of private schools gathered in Cumberland, Md., for the 61st annual Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament. From a talented field that included Washington Catholic Athletic Conference champion St. John’s and Interstate Athletic Conference champion Bullis, DeMatha emerged to beat McNamara in Saturday’s final and claim a fourth consecutive title. Stags senior Jaden Winston claimed tournament MVP honors.
Hayfield became the lone Northern Virginia boys’ team to capture a public school championship this season.
1. Sidwell Friends (27-4) Last ranked: 1
The Quakers set themselves apart this winter by winning the outright Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference title and a D.C. state title.
2. St. John’s (32-4) LR: 2
The WCAC champion fell to DeMatha in overtime in the Alhambra semifinals.
3. Paul VI (32-3) LR: 3
Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association champion and WCAC finalist will partake in the Geico Nationals tournament at the end of the month.
4. Hayfield (30-1) LR: 4
The Hawks successfully defended last year’s Virginia state title, defeating Patriot on Friday in the Class 6 final.
5. Patriot (27-4) LR: 6
The Pioneers’ impressive season ended one win short of a state title.
6. Bishop McNamara (27-9) LR: 8
The Mustangs fell to DeMatha in the Alhambra championship.
7. Gonzaga (26-11) LR: 7
The Eagles lost to Bishop McNamara in the Alhambra semifinals.
8. Bullis (26-5) LR: 6
The IAC champion was bounced from the Alhambra bracket by Bishop McNamara.
9. Jackson-Reed (28-8) LR: 9
The Tigers reached the D.C. State Athletic Association final for a second straight year.
10. Mt. Zion Prep (27-11) LR: 15
The Warriors earned a gritty win over Shabach Christian in Monday’s Maryland Private Schools Tournament championship game.
11. Shabach Christian (31-7) LR: 10
The Eagles fell to Mt. Zion Prep in the Maryland Private School Tournament championship game.
12. Largo (21-7) LR: 12
The Lions were defeated by New Town in the Maryland 2A championship game.
13. Riverdale Baptist (27-4) LR: 11
The Crusaders had a strong season, winning the Metro Independent School Athletic League title for a second straight season.
14. DeMatha (22-12) LR: 18
The Stags ended a tough season on a high note by beating McNamara in the Alhambra Invitational championship.
15. St. Andrew’s (24-7) LR: 13
The Lions finished in second place behind Sidwell Friends in the MAC regular season standings and conference tournament.
16. Bard (24-7) LR: 14
It was a dream season for the Falcons, who won the D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association and DCSAA A tournaments.
17. Damascus (25-3) LR: 16
After knocking off undefeated Frederick in the state semifinals, the Hornets fell to City College in the Maryland 3A title game.
18. Meade (24-4) LR: 19
The Mustangs lost to Parkville in Saturday’s Maryland 4A title game.
19. South Lakes (24-4) LR: 17
The Seahawks fell to Hayfield in the Virginia Class 6 semifinals.
20. Gaithersburg (19-7) LR: NR
The Trojans reached the Maryland 4A semifinals, where they lost to eventual champion Parkville.
Dropped out: No. 20 Sherwood