Best first week games

For most schools in Virginia, the high school season heats up next week. I want to highlight some of my favorite games next week and what to look for.

West Potomac vs. Langley
On the 28th, Langley hosts West Potomac. West Potomac finished last year really strong, and they returned a lot of talent from last season. They’ve already looked excellent in their first few games, and I’m excited to see how they look against a fantastic Langley team. Dawn Houston, Abby Beddis Abby Beddis 5'8" | SG West Potomac | 2026 VA , and Olivia Jones Olivia Jones 5'3" | PG West Potomac | 2025 VA are names to watch for this WP team, along with a plethora of talented players they have. What Langley will do will run through Junior guard Anya Rahman Anya Rahman 5'8" | CG Langley | 2025 State VA . West Potomac is a pretty good defensive team, so how they deal with Anya’s shot-making and playmaking will be something to watch. Langley big Bri Borcherding was second-team all-district and should play a big part in this team’s success. These teams will be factors in postseason play, and this game should be fun to watch.

Massaponax vs. Gainesville
Another game on the 28th to watch is Massaponax vs. Gainesville. Massaponax lost a massive chunk of their production as most of their starting lineup were seniors. However, they retain their best player in Takeria Ramey, who’s arguably the best guard in the state in 2024. Takeria is a tremendous passer and a true PG. She can do everything you ask of her on the offensive end and is a plus defender. Conversely, Gainesville retains much of its production outside Demi Gilliam Demi Gilliam 6'1" | SF Paul VI | 2026 State VA , one of the state’s best sophomores. Gainesville is excellent defensively. Madison McKenzie Madison McKenzie 5'7" | CG Gainesville | 2024 State VA had a great year last year and will be one of the best guards in NOVA. She is a great defender and will give this Gainesville team some big scoring nights. You may see her draw the Ramey matchup. Gainesville also has Sophomore forward Peyton White Peyton White 6'0" | C Gainesville HS | 2026 State VA , who’s in for a big season. This should be a close, competitive game with two outstanding teams.

Catholic vs. Potomac School
On the 29th, Catholic heads up to play Potomac School. Both teams have a lot of talent, but the premier matchup in this game is the battle of these teams’ point guards. For Catholic, you have Zaniyah Williams Zaniyah Williams 5'7" | PG Catholic HS | 2026 State VA , who is extremely smart and terrific all around. Zaniyah is a 3-level scorer, and watching her last year, I couldn’t believe she was only a freshman. I’m excited to see what she does this season in her sophomore year. On the other side is Sabrina Anderson Sabrina Anderson 5'8" | PG Potomac School | 2027 State VA , one of the best freshmen in the state. I’ve watched Sabrina a lot this summer, and two things stand out whenever I see her: her competitiveness and offensive skills. She is one of the best shooters in the state and has elite ball handling. She makes plays for others and competes defensively. Sabrina relishes big moments, and you will see that in what should be a competitive game. Another thing to watch in this game is how Catholic deals with the size of Potomac School. 6’1 F/G Catherine LeTendre Catherine LeTendre 6'1" | CG Potomac School | 2025 State VA may be this team’s best player, and their starting frontcourt, Skylar Giuliani Skylar Giuliani 6'1" | PF The Potomac School | 2025 VA and Zoe Myslewicz Zoe Myslewicz 6'3" | PF The PotomacSchool | 2024 State VA , are both over 6’1 and active on the glass. For Catholic, Kylah Moore Kylah Moore 5'6" | CG Catholic HS | 2024 State VA and Jemma Eleby Jemma Eleby 5'11" | PF Catholic | 2025 State VA will be players to watch

James River Midlothian vs. Manchester
On the 30th, James River Midlothian welcomes Manchester. James River Midlothian vs. Manchester is about as important a game as you can have in November. These teams play in the same district and are the two best teams in their district. Both teams will not lose many games, and the margin of error in winning their district is minimal. That’s why both of these games are so important. They both also have two of the five best players in the state. For James River, you have UNC commit Lanie Grant Lanie Grant 5'9" | PG James River HS | 2025 State VA . Lanie will average well over 30 a game again and is arguably the best offensive player in the state. They also added Seimone Newton Seimone Newton 5'10" | SF James River HS | 2025 State VA , a top-10 Junior in the state. Manchester returned virtually everyone from a state runner-up team last year. Georgia Commit Mia Woolfolk Mia Woolfolk 6'2" | PF Manchester HS | 2024 State VA is arguably the best player in the state this season. Guard Rayne Wright Rayne Wright 5'11" | CG Manchester | 2025 State VA is a fantastic player for Manchester. She has great size and can play either guard position at a high level. Senior guard Leah Hampton Leah Hampton 5'5" | PG Manchester | 2024 State VA and freshman sharp shooters Finley Weaver Finley Weaver 5'5" | PG Manchester | 2026 State VA and Kileen Edwards will also be players to watch in this game.