Hampton Roads Matchup Preview: Salem vs. Princess Anne

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rosters are set, schedules are out, and we're a few weeks from tipping off the 2026–27 Hampton Roads season. I spent the summer identifying prospects, uncovering hidden gems, and getting an early look at the incoming freshmen. Now there's only one thing left to do. Tip it off and play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shortly after Thanksgiving, fans can catch high school girls basketball almost any night across Hampton Roads. The region is loaded with talent, and those players will get to show what they've added to their games. With opening tip approaching, here's one of the marquee matchups I've circled on my calendar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Salem vs. Princess Anne | December 1 at Salem</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If anyone in Virginia Beach can dethrone Princess Anne this season, Salem might be the best bet. Of course, that's easier said than done. Still, if Salem is going to pull off the upset at home, these players could make the difference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319795"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af37e3679954"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A big guard and Georgia State commit who can score and pass with anyone in Hampton Roads. She has arguably the best court vision in the region and can put up 20-plus points and 10 assists. Against Princess Anne, a big night from Medina could set the tone for a Salem upset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["584607"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af37e3679a55"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones gives Salem another way to put pressure on Princess Anne. The undersized guard is the Sun Devils' best shooter, and her quick release punishes defenders who give her space. She also handles the ball well and finds teammates. Still, she's at her best defending the ball. Jones uses leverage to stay on the ball handler's hip and steer her into tough spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Salem has the talent to make this interesting, but Princess Anne enters the season as three-time defending state champions. The Cavaliers carry a 71-game unbeaten streak into the season. With new head coach Ladeja James at the helm, expect Princess Anne to bring its best to Salem. Leading the way are two seniors with championship experience, North Carolina commit [player_tooltip player_id='443350' first='Micah' last='Ojo'] and a sharpshooting wing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["443350"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af37e3679ada"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For the past three years, the best player in Hampton Roads conversation has started and ended with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='443350' first='Micah' last='Ojo']</strong>. The North Carolina commit and Team USA member enters her senior year with three state titles and three championship MVPs. Now, she has a chance to finish her entire high school career unbeaten. And she has no plans to start losing at Salem. A dangerous scorer and defender, Ojo can take over a game on either end. Opponents build their game plans around stopping her, and she still finds ways to take control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1999959"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af37e3679b6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1999959' first='Destiny' last='Ware'] can shoot. That skill has flown under the radar for three years on a loaded Princess Anne roster. Now, as a senior, she has room to take on a bigger role. Leave the big guard open on the wing, and she'll make you pay. Close out too hard, and she can put it on the floor and finish through traffic. She can swing a game with one shot, especially if you give her a clean look late.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to believe we get a matchup this big so early in the season. Still, Salem and Princess Anne could set the tone for the rest of the season in Hampton Roads. As we highlight more marquee matchups, I encourage you to pick a game, get in the gym, and watch. There's talent all over Hampton Roads girls basketball, and it's worth seeing in person.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->