Class 4 Playmakers One Win from the State Final

The VHSL Class 4 state semifinals tip off Tuesday night with four teams just one win away from the state championship game. Hampton will face Salem, while Manor takes on Heritage in matchups filled with talented playmakers and proven leaders. Each program features standout athletes who have driven their teams through the postseason and will again be relied upon in the semifinal spotlight. Here's a look at the players who could make the biggest impact as their teams chase a spot in the state final.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hampton vs. Salem, 7pm</h2>   Hampton (Region A Runner-Ups)    Zuriel has emerged as Hampton's leading scorer and one of the team's most dangerous offensive weapons. She thrives in transition, pushing the pace and finishing fast-break opportunities while also knocking down pull-up jumpers off the dribble. The junior guard can score at all three levels, whether attacking the rim, hitting mid-range shots, or spacing the floor from beyond the arc. Her ability to finish through contact and against multiple defenders makes her a constant challenge for opposing defenses.     Taylor brings relentless energy to Hampton's backcourt and impacts the game on both ends of the floor. She helps initiate the offense by bringing the ball up the court and keeping it moving with quick reversals and smart decisions. Defensively, Taylor's hustle stands out as she looks to disrupt opponents and turn steals into transition opportunities. Her athleticism and grit make her a spark for the Crabbers throughout the game.     Price plays a key role in orchestrating Hampton's offense from the point guard position. She shows strong court awareness, consistently making the extra pass or reversing the ball to find open shooters. Price also attacks the basket effectively from the perimeter, protecting the ball as she navigates through defenders and finishes at the rim. Despite her size, she is capable of finishing through contact, drawing fouls, and stretching defenses with her three-point shooting.     Rogers brings physicality and aggressive scoring from the wing for Hampton. She looks to push the ball up the floor and attack the basket with strength and confidence. In transition, Rogers uses her body well to finish through contact and maintain positioning against defenders. Around the rim, she shows balance and control, often finishing on two feet while keeping defenders behind her for high-percentage opportunities.     Lenard provides Hampton with confident perimeter scoring and shooting consistency. She stays patient and composed when looking for her shot, highlighted by a February performance where she knocked down seven consecutive three-pointers and finished with 25 points in a win over Warwick. Lenard can also create offense off the dribble, using a spin move in transition to attack the rim. Her ability to stretch the floor and draw contact makes her another key scoring option for the Crabbers.     Wellons adds another versatile scoring threat to Hampton's lineup. She is a smooth shooter who can pull up for mid-range jumpers or knock down shots from beyond the arc. Wellons is also comfortable creating offense off the dribble, allowing her to score at multiple levels. Her awareness of open space and smart decision-making help keep Hampton's offense balanced and flowing.    Salem (Region D Champions)    Crawley serves as Salem's primary perimeter scoring threat and a consistent playmaker on both ends of the floor. She has a quick release and confidently knocks down shots from anywhere on the perimeter, whether off the catch or dribble. Crawley also creates space with retreat dribble and pull-up threes, making her difficult to guard in isolation. Along with averaging 12.8 points per game, she contributes across the stat sheet with rebounds, assists, and steals.     Custer anchors Salem's frontcourt with her size and strength in the paint. She is dominant on the boards, collecting second-chance opportunities and converting putbacks around the rim. Offensively, Custer establishes strong post position, calling for the ball high and finishing high to score over defenders. Averaging 14.6 points and 6 rebounds per game, she provides Salem with a reliable interior presence on both ends of the floor.     Rider adds versatility and aggressiveness to Salem's lineup as a forward who can create offense in multiple ways. She handles the ball well enough to push the pace in transition and finish at the rim on fast breaks. In the half-court, Rider attacks from the nail and drives through contact to score. With her scoring ability, rebounding presence, and playmaking contributions, Rider remains a key two-way player for the Spartans.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Manor vs. Heritage, 7pm</h2>   Manor (Region A Champions)    Brown continues to drive Manor's offense with her dynamic scoring and playmaking ability. In the Mustangs' dominant 95-41 state quarterfinal win over Hanover, she poured in 29 points while controlling the tempo of the game. A shifty guard with tight handles, Brown can push the pace, attack the rim, and facilitate for teammates with impressive court vision. Her ability to score at all three levels, combined with strong leadership and communication on the floor, makes her a central piece of Manor's postseason push.     Babb has emerged as one of the most electrifying young guards in the postseason. The freshman exploded for 29 points in the state quarterfinal win over Hanover, highlighted by a memorable ankle-breaking move that energized the crowd. Babb is a quick, shifty ball handler who can blow past defenders and finish through contact in the lane. She also stretches defenses with three-point shooting and pull-ups off the dribble, giving Manor another confident scorer capable of producing at all three levels.     Jones provides Manor with a strong interior presence while also showing the ability to stretch the floor. Jones positions herself well around the basket for scoring opportunities and rebounds while also stepping out to knock down jumpers or three-pointers when given space. Her ability to run the floor in transition and capitalize on open opportunities adds another dimension to Manor's offense.     Gatling adds size and versatility to the Mustangs' lineup as a forward who can impact the game in multiple ways. She runs the floor well in transition and looks to position herself for fast-break opportunities at the rim. Gatling can also handle the ball and push the pace, facilitating or kicking out to teammates when defenses collapse. With the ability to score inside, attack off the dribble, and knock down perimeter shots, she provides Manor with another multi-level offensive option.     Eason brings versatility and offensive creativity to Manor's lineup. She can handle the ball up the floor and attack from the perimeter, using strong court awareness to read defenses and find openings. Eason frequently uses pump fakes to shift defenders out of position before attacking the lane or creating space for a short jumper. Her ability to split defenders, protect the ball on drives, and find open teammates makes her a well-rounded offensive contributor.    Heritage (Region C Champions)    Stanford, the Region C and Dulles District Player of the Year, serves as the centerpiece of Heritage's lineup. In the state quarterfinal win over Charlottesville, she recorded a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while also adding 4 assists. Stanford combines size, versatility, and physical play to score inside and defend multiple positions. Her leadership and consistent production make her the focal point of Heritage's frontcourt.     Stanford provides Heritage with a versatile scoring option from the perimeter. The junior guard uses her length to shoot over smaller defenders while also contributing on the boards. In the state quarterfinals, she recorded 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals, showing her impact across multiple areas of the game. Her scoring ability and defensive presence give Heritage an important two-way contributor.     Makitka brings experience and defensive intensity to Heritage's backcourt. She is known for her high motor ability to pressure opponents defensively while also hitting timely shots offensively. In the regional championship win over Woodgrove, she contributed 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. Her veteran leadership and ball-handling provide stability for Heritage in high-pressure situations.     Ehrmantraut serves as a key playmaker and steady presence for Heritage's offense. Often tasked with managing the ball in transition and under defensive pressure, she helps keep the team organized. In the state quarterfinals against Charlottesville, she contributed 7 points while helping control the tempo of the game. Her ability to facilitate and stretch the floor adds balance to Heritage's backcourt.     Stancato has quickly made an impact for Heritage despite being a freshman. Known for her elite speed and defensive tenacity, she brings energy and pressure to the backcourt. In the state quarterfinal win over Charlottesville, she added 6 points. Her fearlessness attacking the lane and defensive effort have already made her a valuable part of Heritage's rotation.

The VHSL Class 4 state semifinals tip off Tuesday night with four teams just one win away from the state championship game. Hampton will face Salem, while Manor takes on Heritage in matchups filled with talented playmakers and proven leaders. Each program features standout athletes who have driven their teams through the postseason and will again be relied upon in the semifinal spotlight. Here's a look at the players who could make the biggest impact as their teams chase a spot in the state final.