Thursday, March 29
Veteran Coach West Trying To Rebuild TC Girls’ Lax
Titans drop Patriot District opener to Lake Braddock
The T.C. Williams girls’ lacrosse team showed some fight in the second half of its Patriot District opener against Lake Braddock, starting the final 25 minutes with a 4-0 run. By that point, however, the Bruins had already proven to be the superior squad on its way to victory.
TC Crew Opens Season Against Washington-Lee
The T.C. Williams crew team kicked off the spring 2012 rowing season on March 24 at the Dee Campbell Boathouse in Old Town with its first and only home regatta of the year — a scrimmage against longtime rival Washington-Lee that not only provided the Titan rowers with, in the words of boys’ head coach Pete Stramese, "a good litmus test" to start the season, but left both Stramese and girls head coach Mercedes Kiss feeling confident about the team’s prospects moving forward this spring.
West Potomac Softball Produces Torrid Offensive Start
Wolverines hit seven home runs in first four games.
Danielle McHugh started West Potomac’s weekend long-ball party with a leadoff home run against West Springfield.
West Potomac Seniors Underwood, McHugh to Compete in College Athletics
West Potomac seniors Sarah Jane Underwood and Danielle McHugh signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Underwood, a standout cross country and track athlete, will run for Penn State University and McHugh will play softball at Tennessee Tech.
Sophomores Snow, Gaudian Lead Bruins past T.C. Williams
Lake Braddock girls’ lax responds to loss with pair of victories.
Lake Braddock sophomore midfielder Allie Snow scored less than 30 seconds into Tuesday’s girls’ lacrosse match-up against T.C. Williams. Moments later, Snow controlled the draw, scampered down the field and scored again. Fellow 10th-grade middie Kristen Gaudian then made it three goals in the opening minute and the Bruins were off to the races.
Wednesday, March 28
12-under Springfield Storm White Girls Soccer Team Wins Jefferson Cup
A month earlier, youth team had captured Arlington Invitational.
Springfield Storm White followed up its recent Arlington Invitational Spring Soccer Tournament win with their biggest championship victory yet as they garnered the coveted gold medal in the girls’ under-12 Championship Division (eight versus eight) of the Jefferson Cup, held March 17 and 18 in Richmond.
Chantilly Boys Lose Close One to Bruins, 3-2
Chargers soccer makes spirited comeback after trailimng 3-0.
In Chantilly High boys’ soccer action last week, the Chargers, in a non-district game played at Lake Braddock Secondary, lost a close 3-2 contest to the Bruins.
Centreville Baseball Hoping to Remain Hot in Florida
Wildcats, winners of their first four games, are headed for Orlando for spring break week.
An early season trip to Florida for spring break week is always nice for a high school baseball team, but it’s even better when a team has gotten off to the sort of fast start that the Centreville Wildcats have.
Paul VI Defeats Coolidge in City Title Game
Panthers finish best-ever boys’ basketball season 35-3.
The Paul VI High boys’ basketball team concluded its historic 2011-12 winter season with a win in the Abe Pollin City Title Championship Game over DCIAA Champion Coolidge, 70-64.
Northern Region Sports Roundup
Lloyd to be inducted into basketball shrine.
The Lee High boys’ soccer team (1-2-1), under head coach John Millward, was able to hold off a late charge by the Oakton Cougars to win 1-0 in Lee's home opener this past Tuesday night, March 27. After a quick re-start, and some quick midfield play, Luis Aguilar, a senior forward, found senior midfielder Jamie Ahmed, who took a one-touch into space then placed a 36-yard shot into the upper net with 12 minutes left.
Tuesday, March 27
Attackers Leonard, Dubick Lead Churchill Lax to Victory
Duo combines for 10 goals in season-opening win against The Heights.
The Churchill boys’ lacrosse team, loaded with goal-scoring threats of all ages, took the first step in a season of high expectations, beating The Heights 16-6 on March 22 on the campus of the Potomac private school.
Vienna Finishes With Perfect 17-0 Record
Warhawks defeat McLean in Fairfax County youth basketball finals.
The Vienna Div. 1 eighth grade boys’ basketball team came from behind to beat McLean, 46-40, in the finals of the Fairfax County Youth Basketball League (FCYBL) Tournament Championship. The title game victory capped a perfect 17-0 season for the Vienna team, under head coach Dean Marsden.
Yorktown Girls' Soccer Team Beats Lake Braddock
Coach Brunt wants to see more confidence out of Patriots.
Head coach Vicky Brunt would later say the Patriots need to change their approach in the early stages of competition. On this night, however, sophomore Meghan Flynn made sure Yorktown’s miscues wouldn’t register in the loss column.
Madison High Softball Defeats Majors
Ross earns win on the mound.
Spring Break is set to begin next week, but the Madison High girls’ softball team got an early start in Spring Break tournament play with the first game of its own `Madison Spring Tournament’ last Thursday, March 22 versus Mount Vernon High.
NOVA Women Capture State Basketball Crown
Vienna’s Carlie Zirkle earns MVP honors.
The Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) women’s basketball team won the 2012 Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Championship by defeating Southside Virginia Community College, 48-26. The tournament was held March 2-4 in Chesapeake. Former Marshall High standout Carlie Zirkle (Vienna) received the most valuable player honor and was named to the All-Tournament team, along with Halley Cummins (Vienna) and Yvette Gilliam (Woodbridge).
Thursday, March 22
Sports Notes from the Northern Region
State high school hoops champs; Jimmy Lange wins again; Westfields hosts prestigious golf tourney.
Game Reports Wanted: Coaches, team managers/parents - Please send high school team game results to sports editor Rich Sanders at richsand8@aol.com, or contact him on twitter at richsand8. In game reports, please include date and place of game, game highlights, team win-loss record, and any other news-worth items. Photos are also accepted.
Langley Softball Wins Opener Over Robinson
Saxons knock out three home runs.
The Langley High girls’ varsity softball team started their 2012 spring season with a home game versus the Robinson Secondary Rams on March 16. The Saxons had a strong game at the plate on way to a 16-4 victory.
Reston/Herndon Sports Notes
Reston Raiders competing at youth ice hockey Nationals.
The Reston Raiders PeeWee AA Blue team has had a season of exceeding expectations. Coached by Dave Regan, the locals amassed 24 points and put together an 11-7-2 record in the competitive CBHL. The Raiders’ season will continue on as they were honored by a selection to represent Virginia at the 12-under U.S. National Championships, set to take place here at home (Ashburn and Reston) from March 28 through April 1.
Chantilly Boys' Soccer Ties Broad Run
Chargers home versus South County this Friday night.
The Chantilly High boys’ soccer team opened the spring season with a pair of home games last week – a 1-1 tie versus non-Northern Region opponent Broad Run (Dulles District) on Tuesday, March 13, and a tough 1-0 loss to region opponent Thomas Jefferson High on Thursday, March 15. In the deadlock versus the Spartans from Broad Run (Ashburn), Chantilly’s Billy Germain scored on a header shot off a crossing pass from teammate Mannaan Umar.
Huge Turnout for South Lakes Baseball Opener
Seahawks fall to Herndon in local rival game, 13-3; Oakton off to 3-0 start.
The South Lakes Seahawks varsity baseball team kicked off their 2012 high school season Friday night, March 16 against rival Herndon High. The rain cleared and the stands at South Lakes were packed with a large contingent of fans, including students and little leaguers. Reston Little League was well represented on both teams with 18 alumni participating.
Lancers’ Baseball Team Ready to Step Up
Lee, under new coach John Dowling, looking to improve on two-win 2011 season.
The Lee High baseball team, under new head coach John Dowling this spring, opened the season up by splitting a pair of games at the Langley High Ice Breaker Invitational last week. The Lancers, in their season-opener last Thursday night, March 15, could not hold onto a large lead in an 8-6 loss to Washington-Lee High of Arlington. But they came back the following night at the four-team Invitational with a 5-2 victory over Edison on Friday, March 16. Both games took place at Langley High School in Great Falls.
St. Patrick’s Day Basketball Celebration at Wakefield High
Northern Region’s top seniors boys’ high school players, including Westfield’s Quentin Basil, compete in All-Star game, festivities.
Bryant Fultz wasn’t among the top performers in the dunk contest during the Northern Region Coaches Association All-Star Boys’ Basketball festivities on March 17, but the West Potomac senior made his mark during the main event.
Wednesday, March 21
Churchill Softball Enters Season with Revamped Confidence
Last year’s winning record was Bulldogs’ first since 2000.
The Bulldogs enter the 2012 season with a revamped confidence stemming from a year of winning softball.
Mount Vernon Boys’ Lax Wins District Opener
Mount Vernon senior Shoshone Smith totaled eight goals in the Majors’ first two games.
Six different Majors scored a goal as Mount Vernon jumped out to a 4-0 lead and held on for a 6-3 win against Yorktown on March 16 at MVHS.
MV Goalkeeper Belanger Leaves Team
Mount Vernon junior goalkeeper Lucas Belanger, an all-state performer, has left the boys’ soccer team, head coach Robert Garza said Monday, March 19.
Saints’ Reed Wants To Prove She’s Earned Accolades
Junior attacker is already all-time leading goal scorer for SSSAS lax.
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes junior Carly Reed has pretty much done it all in her high school career, but remains driven to succeed by a desire to prove she has earned the accolades bestowed upon her.
Yorktown Boys’ Lax Has Big Shoes to Fill
Patriots lose all-time leading scorer Crowe, top defender Devine.
Yorktown junior attackman Joe Crawford called the team’s March 16 performance against Mount Vernon “rough.” After losing 18 seniors from last year’s National District championship team, it might take some time before the Patriots put forth an effort of the smooth variety.
Exciting All-Star Afternoon
Concorde/Patriot All-Stars beat the Liberty/National team 109-108 in overtime.
West Potomac's Bryant Fultz threw down a fourth-quarter alley-oop dunk from fellow Wolverine Randall Brobbey, scored a team-high 15 points and earned game MVP honors as the Concorde/Patriot All-Stars defeated the Liberty/National team 109-108 in overtime at Wakefield High School.
Thursday, March 15
Whitman Baseball in Search of First Region Championship
Senior shortstop/pitcher Flack selected MSABC preseason all-state.
The Whitman baseball program has never won a region championship. With a talented roster and postseason success each of the last three seasons, the Vikings are looking to leave their mark in 2012.
Churchill Hopes To Learn from 2011 Postseason Success
Bulldogs reached region final under head coach Scott Blackwood.
Ten months after a surprise run to the region final, members the Churchill baseball team enter the 2012 season knowing they’re capable of great things if they put in the work.
James Enters First Season as Robinson Baseball Coach
Former West Springfield skipper led Spartans to 2010 state championship.
Now the head baseball coach at Robinson, John James has the opportunity to lead a new group of players to success. While the coach’s past achievements with West Springfield are worthy of respect, James would prefer the Rams follow his direction based on what he’s able to help them accomplish.
Titans Salvage Tie Against Mount Vernon in Opener
TC in search of first Patriot District title since 2008.
Frustration could have gotten the best of the T.C. Williams boys’ soccer team. After a few missed goal-scoring opportunities and disagreements with officiating, the Titans trailed 1-0 late in their season-opening match at Mount Vernon. But rather than give in, TC found a way to put one in the net and salvage a tie against a team that reached the regional quarterfinals each of the last two seasons.
Mount Vernon Captain Oakley Returns from Broken Leg
Majors enter season with state tournament aspirations.
Amardo Oakley served as motivation in spirit to the Mount Vernon boys’ soccer team during its 2011 season opener. One year later, a healthy Oakley is back to motivate his teammates in the flesh.
Mares Leads West Springfield to Season-Opening Victory
Six-foot-two junior scores four goals against Yorktown.
Yorktown junior Jennie Basile netted her second goal of the evening with 7:16 remaining in the first half when West Springfield girls’ lacrosse coach Brian Puhlick decided enough was enough.
Yorktown Baseball Looks to Return to Top of National District
Led by the battery of pitcher John Yoest and catcher Red Dowdell, Yorktown enters the 2012 season with hopes of returning to the top of the district and advancing past the regional quarterfinals. Dowdell is a senior who will play his college ball at Virginia Military Institute.
Yorktown Girls’ Lax Searching for Regional Respect
Patriots have won six consecutive National District titles.
The Yorktown girls’ lacrosse program has dominated the National District to the tune of six consecutive championships. While keeping the streak alive is important to the Patriots, Yorktown enters the 2012 season with a bigger goal in mind: be competitive against teams outside of the district.
Langley, McLean Enjoy Successful Ice Hockey Seasons
Local high school rival teams face off in postseason quarterfinals.
Kevin Diner scored twice and Evan Sterling had a goal and three assists as Langley High School posted a 6-1 upset win over McLean in the recent quarterfinal round game of the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League (NVSHL) playoffs at SkateQuest Reston.
Perfect Ending for Oakton Girls Basketball Season
Unbeaten Cougars defeat Princess Anne in state finals.
Completing one of the best athletic seasons any Northern Region team has ever known, the Oakton High girls’ basketball squad put a final exclamation point on its 2011-12 winter season for the ages when it defeated state nemesis Princess Anne High of Virginia Beach, 58-39, in the Virginia State AAA Tournament championship game, which took place last Friday night at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Siegel Center in Richmond.
High School Basketball Season Now Complete
Edison and Fairfax boys made super postseason runs; West Springfield girls qualified for states.
The high school basketball season is now complete for all Northern Region girls’ and boys’ teams. On the girls’ side, Oakton High captured the Virginia State AAA title for the first time ever under longtime head coach Fred Priester. The Cougars defeated Princess Anne (Virginia Beach), 58-39, in the state title game last Friday night at the Siegel Center in Richmond. Oakton, which has won three region crowns over the past four years, finished the winter season with a perfect 31-0 record.
Emerson Set for One Final Season as Paul VI Baseball Coach
Panthers have enjoyed incredible success under longtime skipper.
In an emotional address to players and families last Thursday night, March 8 at the Paul VI High baseball team’s annual `First Pitch Dinner,’ Billy Emerson announced he will step down as the Panthers’ head baseball coach at the end of this upcoming spring season.
Paul VI Posts Double State Champions at States
Panther boys and girls basketball teams win respective VIS State titles.
Both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams from Paul VI Catholic High School won their respective Virginia Independent Schools Div. 1 Championships on Saturday, March 3.
Westfield’s Breakthrough Season Will Long be Remembered
Following tough loss in Concorde finals, Bulldog boys road region tournament wave to first-ever title.
Over an eight-day period in late February, the Westfield High boys’ basketball team put together a remarkable stretch of play which resulted in the program’s first-ever Northern Region title and provided a lifetime of highlight moments for Bulldog players, coaches and fans.
Friday, March 9
Another Crowning Success for Westfield Wrestler Beau Donahue
Westfield junior gains his second straight state championship.
Winning one individual state title is an accomplishment a high school wrestler will always treasure. But winning two is an enormous feat when one considers the pressure to live up to the high expectations of a state champion and the fact that every opponent is highly motivated to defeat the best wrestler out there.
Wednesday, March 7
Churchill Boys Fall to Magruder in Region Final
Bulldogs reach first region championship game in 33 years.
Magruder, the region’s top seed and defending champion, defeated No. 2-seed Churchill 54-39 on March 3 to take home the region title and advance to the state tournament. While disappointed their season had ended, the Bulldogs could take pride in what they had accomplished not just this year, but since the arrival of head coach Matt Miller four years ago.
Wolverines Not Assuming They’re Patriot District’s Best
Talented West Potomac softball team in search of first district title since 2006.
The West Potomac softball team entered the 2011 season loaded with talent and, as far as the Wolverines were concerned, possessed a clear path to the Patriot District championship. It didn’t take long for perennial power South County to issue West Potomac an early-season wake-up call.
West Potomac Rifle Team Members Receive All-Metro Honors
This year’s West Potomac rifle team members DJ Whetzel, Lindsay Paul and Russell Bradley each received All-Metro Honorable Mention recognition for the 2011-2012 rifle season. All-Metro recognition is determined by average league match score during the season. This is the highest number of All-Metro League Awards received by the team in a season.
Five Ireton Seniors To Play College Sports
Five Bishop Ireton seniors — two football players and three girls’ soccer players — signed letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.
Inexperienced Titans Hope To Continue Program Growth
TC enters third season under head coach Mike Mulherin.
The Titans have aspirations of continuing their growth under third-year head coach Mike Mulherin. However, TC will have to do so with a green group after losing the majority of its primary contributors from 2011.
Wakefield Boys’ Lax Looks To Snap Losing Streak
Warriors have lost 91 straight games, haven’t won since 2004.
Brian Gilman uses the Wakefield boys’ lacrosse program’s losing past for motivation as the first-year head coach attempts to point the Warriors toward a winning future.
Saxon Football Players Make Collegiate Commitments
Harvey, Clemete set to take their game to the next level; underclass lineman Jack Howerton earns All-State recognition.
Two Langley High football players – defensive standout Marcus Harvey and two-way lineman Dylan Clemente - recently made commitments to play the sport at the collegiate level.
Cougars Claw Their Way to State Tournament Victory
Oakton gets a big late game basket from Caroline Coyer and pulls away from Monaca in state quarterfinals.
There were less than four minutes remaining in last Friday night’s Virginia State AAA girls’ basketball quarterfinals playoff game between Oakton High and Monacan High of Richmond. A basket by Monacan had just tied the score and Oakton needed to answer. And who better to answer the call than senior guard Caroline Coyer, one of the region’s best all-time players, who has made her share of big baskets in leading the Cougars to state playoff appearances in three of her four high school years.
Edison Boys’ Enjoy Wonderful Breakthrough Season
Region runner-up Eagles fall to Petersburg at state quarterfinals.
In the end, it proved to be one of the best seasons in the history of the Edison High boys’ basketball program. The Eagles, part of the less-heralded National District, were not one of the teams most Northern Region hoops followers were taking seriously at the start of the 16-team regional playoffs.
Ryan Forrest’s Quest for State Crown Falls Just Short
South Lakes senior wrestler finished second in Virginia despite battling illness over the postseason.
Following a third place finish in his respective 145-division weight class at last winter’s 2011 Virginia State AAA high school wrestling championships, South Lakes’ Ryan Forrest was determined to come back and capture this year’s ultimate prize – a state crown.
Breakthrough Season to Remember Ends for Westfield
Region champion Bulldogs, at state playoffs, take Henrico to the wire in four-point loss.
The Westfield High boys’ basketball team struggled to get its footing early on in it’s first-ever Virginia State AAA playoff game last Friday night versus Henrico High of Richmond. Perhaps it was a case of opening minute jitters which played a role in a sluggish first quarter in which the Bulldogs, this year’s Northern Region champions, committed nine turnovers and scored just six points.
Jim Smith Earns 400th Coaching Victory
Longtime Chantilly High basketball coach recorded landmark win this past season.
Jim Smith, head coach of the Chantilly High boys’ basketball team, recently reached a milestone in his coaching career as he won his 400th game.
Bulldogs Bask in Glory of First Region Basketball Crown
Westfield, behind tourney MVP Elcano, defeats Edison in boys’ finals.
For a seasoned, talented Westfield High boys’ basketball team, the key to this season’s stellar postseason run, which reached a pinnacle when the Bulldogs captured their first-ever Northern Region tournament title, the result of a convincing 62-49 finals win over Edison this past Monday night, Feb. 27, at Robinson Secondary, has been its ability to simply continue during the playoff season what it did all throughout the regular season when the team from the Concorde District went 19-3.
Centreville High’s Season Ends at Region Quarterfinals
Wildcat boys open basketball regionals with win over Washington-Lee before falling to McLean.
In the end, the Centreville High boys’ basketball team finished its season just one win away from making it to the Final Four of the Northern Region tournament.
End of a Remarkable Basketball Season for McLean Boys
Highlanders go 24-4, capture Liberty crown, and reach region Final Four.
The McLean High boys’ basketball squad, under head coach Kevin Roller, had one of the best teams in school history this season, enjoying an outstanding regular season followed by a postseason in which the Highlanders captured the Liberty District tournament title and ultimately went all the way to the Northern Region tournament semifinals.
Oakton Girls Re-Claim Northern Region Basketball Crown
Kathleen Coyer steps up to score 29 points in win over West Springfield.
The `Coyer Era’ of Oakton High girls’ basketball could not be winding down in more spectacular fashion than it currently is. The Coyer twins, senior guards Caroline and Kathleen, have played vital roles in the Cougars’ unparalleled success over the past four years. Caroline, the team’s point guard, is one of the Northern Region’s all-time best players. Katherine, at shooting guard, is a tremendous defensive player who scores when called upon and can match the on-court prowess of the best players out there.
Indoor Track Season Wraps Up at State Meet
Local Northern Region athletes compete in Hampton.
A number of local athletes put together strong showings at last weekend’s Virginia State AAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, held Friday and Saturday (Feb. 24-25) at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton. On the boys’ side, Westfield High finished third overall and was the top finisher from out of the Northern Region. The Bulldogs finished with 27 team points. The team champion was Western Branch (48) of Chesapeake, a member of the Eastern Region. Finishing second was Grassfield (34 points) of Chesapeake.
Fairfax Boys Show Flare for Drama in Basketball Postseason
Rebels’ season ends with overtime loss to Edison in region semifinals.
Fairfax High’s basketball postseason of 2012 will long be remembered because of the team’s success as well as the grit and determination the Rebels showcased as three of their playoff contests were decided in overtime.
Spartans Fall to Oakton in Region Basketball Finals
Katherine Coyer has game to remember as Cougars defeated defending champs.
West Springfield High’s bid for a second straight Northern Region girls’ basketball crown was not realized on Monday night when the Spartans, going up against the team they eliminated at regionals a year ago, lost a hard-fought title contest to unbeaten Oakton, 63-49, at Robinson Secondary.