Loudoun County, Va. — As the high school girls basketball regular season starts to wind down in Loudoun County, a few local teams have continued to stand out from the crowd, while several others are potential contenders. Each week, Varun Shankar and I will be alternating releasing our girls and boys basketball rankings. In a three-district county, we wanted a way to put things into perspective. Enter: the LoCo Top 5.
Of course, if you’re into hard numbers, check out the full Cedar Run District, Potomac District, and Dulles District standings.
1. Loudoun Valley (7-0, 13-0) —
Loudoun Valley has proven itself throughout the season and a 16-point win over No. 3 Tuscarora on January 21 further reinforces their top on spot of our rankings. Led by junior guard Jordan Campbell, senior forward Megan Stevenson, freshman forward Louis Volker, and a whole cast of supporting players, the Vikings are primed to win the Dulles District regular season and make a deep postseason run.
Next up: Loudoun Valley travels to Park View on February 3
2. Woodgrove (8-0, 12-4) —
Woodgrove pulled out a couple of close wins against Riverside – who’s on the bubble – and No. 5 Briar Woods on by two points and three points, respectively, to remain on top of the Potomac District. On January 21, the Wolverines traveled to Riverside where they defeated the Rams 41-39. Woodgrove turned around and defeated the Falcons, 57-54, in Purcellville on January 24.
Next up: Woodgrove travels to No. 4 Potomac Falls on February 4
3. Tuscarora (8-1, 13-4) —
A double-digit loss to No. 1 Loudoun Valley on January 21 woke Tuscarora up as the Huskies went on a 3-game winning streak, including wins over Loudoun County, Park View, and Dominion to improve to 8-1 in the Dulles District. Led by senior guard Isabellah Middleton, the young Huskies are allowing just over 41 points per game. Only one team stands in their way of winning the district championship, but they’ll have their hands full when they travel to Loudoun Valley on February 14.
Next up: Tuscarora travels to Heritage on February 4
4. Potomac Falls (6-1, 13-4) —
With the exception of undefeated Loudoun Valley, Potomac Falls currently boasts the longest win streak in Loudoun County, having claimed six in a row. The Panthers’ defense is relentless and is currently allowing just 33.35 points per game. A 44-24 win over Riverside on January 28 headlined their last two week’s of play. Potomac Falls will have its chance to top the Potomac District, if they can get through Woodgrove in a rematch on February 4.
Next up: Potomac Falls hosts No. 2 Woodgrove on February 4
5. Briar Woods (4-4, 11-7) —
Briar Woods has been plagued by inconsistency all season, however, the Falcons still have a lot of weapons on both offense and defense. Briar Woods rebounded from back-to-back 3-point losses to Woodgrove and Freedom with a 4-point win over Stone Bridge on January 31 in Ashburn.
Next up: Briar Woods travels to Riverside on February 4
On the bubble: Riverside (4-4, 11-7)