Basketball: Gameday Broadcast Network to Air All 30 VHSL State Tournament Games Online

(March 6, 2012) - The Gameday Broadcast Network and the Virginia High School League will once again provide fans an opportunity to watch the 2012 VHSL Basketball State Tournament and Championships online.

Gameday, which has produced the state championships for football, basketball, and spring sports such as baseball, softball, and lacrosse for the past 5 years, will televise all 30 state tournament games live from VCU starting on March 6th and concluding on March 10th, 2012.

"The VHSL State Basketball Tournament is one of the most exciting events to watch all year long, and we are looking forward to bringing the action to those that cannot attend in person once again online," said Gameday Owner Andy Hayes. "Every semifinal and championship game will be produced live, and we will also carry the post game press conferences live as well on our site."

This year, Gameday will be offering several different packages to purchase. A full day pass will be $14.99 just like it has been the past two years. However, if fans want to watch every game from Tuesday through Saturday, a VHSL Championship Week Pass will be available for $49.99. That pass will provide All-Access for the entire week, and for those that are interested in obtaining copies of the broadcasts, Gameday will also have a package available for that as well.

College Corner: Park View Grad Amber Kerico Swims her Way to Rookie of the Year

 College Corner with editor Noelle Dormio

Courtesy of Mary Washington University

(March 2, 2012) - Park View High School grad Amber Kerico, a sophomore at D3 Mary Washignton, swam her way to the Rookie of the Year as Kerico and Marymount senior Anna Macedonia are sharing the 2012 CAC Women's Swimming Rookie of the Year award. It marks the first time since the award was added for the 1997 championship that co-winners were declared. 

Kerico, who helped lead UMW to its 22nd straight championship with five All-CAC honors, 400 medley relay, 100 fly, 100 breast, 800 free relay, 200 breast, is the 10th Eagle to win the award. 

A total of 33 athletes representing six of the seven teams participating in the championship were named to the 2012 All-CAC women's swimming team, including a conference-best 11 from team champion Mary Washington.

Girls Basketball: Woodgrove Advances to VHSL D3 State Semifinals, Loudoun County Falls in D4

See a complete photo gallery by Richard Kirby

(March 5, 2012) - While James Monroe High School's Keyontae Williams was putting in 25 points on Saturday at VCU's Siegel Center in Richmond, the second-year Woodgrove didn't have anybody scoring more than 12 points but eight Wolverines survived a 17-point JM run in the second quarter and banded together for a team effort 55-52 win in the VHSL Division 3 girls basketball quarterfinals.

Woodgrove (25-4) advances to the school's first ever state Final Four with a semi match-up Tuesday against R.E. Lee Staunton at 3 p.m. at the Siegel Center. Loudoun County (21-9) lost on Saturday in their Division 4 quarterfinal as the Raiders fell to Courtland, 56-46.

For Woodgrove, Sarah Hardison led the team in scoring with 12 points with Lindsey Fagan hitting 10, Maggie Buxton nine and Stephanie Purnell adding eight. Also for Woodgrove: Brooke Basinger six, Halle Lynch 5, Kaitlyn Lorinchak 3, Ashley Tilley 2.

Woodgrove was up by five, 16-11, after the first but JM's big run gave them a 28-16 lead but the Wolverines clawed back. Hardison and Purnell were huge in the second half with Hardison scoring 10 of her 12 after halftime and Purnell grabbing nine of her 11 rebounds.

Read a complete story by Steve Franzello at Fredericksburg.com

Raiders Falls to Courtland

Complete photo gallery from game by Richard Kirby

As for the Raiders, they fell to an undefeated Courtland (29-0) team despite a tie game at the half, 26-26. It was all Courtland in the third quarter with a 15-4 advantage and Loudoun County's hopes of a return to the Division 4 state title game were dashed.


Katrina Kirby had a huge game with 18 points for the Raiders. Casey Cummings and Maggie Phillips each scored nine for County. Also for LC: Alex Lapple five, Erica Linnemann 3, Chloe Knox 2, Taylor Tibbets 1.

Read a complete story by Justin Rice on Fredericksburg.com

Raiders postgame press conference

College Corner: Loudoun County Grad Dan Scanlan Remains Top 197-pound Wrestler in NCAA D2

College Corner with editor Noelle Dormio

Courtesy of Limestone College

(March 2, 2012) - Loudoun County High School grad Dan Scanlan, and Limestone College wrestling standout, remains No. 1 in the 197-pound division for NCAA DII. Scanlan demolished the competition at the region tournament on his way to winning his weight class. He was so dominant in fact that he earned the honor of Most Outstanding Wrestler for the entire two-day event.

Limestone College, a DII in Gaffney SC, wrestling team (9-8) has moved up one spot to No. 14 in the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches poll as released on Tuesday, February 28. The Saints moved up on the merit of a fourth place finish at the Super Region II tournament this past weekend.
Limestone had a tremendous showing at the Super Region II tournament as a program record eight wrestlers placed and a program record four qualified for the NCAA Championships that are to be held on March 9 and 10 in Pueblo, Colo.

Basketball: VHSL State Quarterfinal Scoreboard - Potomac Falls Boys, Woodgrove Girls Advance to Final Four

(March 3, 2012) - Results from VHSL basketballs state quarterfinals

Loudoun Results
Boys Basketball
Division 4
Potomac Falls 63, Tabb 58 (Final)
Grafton 58, Loudoun Valley 56 (Final)

Girls Basketball
Division 3
Woodgrove 55, James Monroe 52 (Final)

Division 4
Courtland 56, Loudoun County 46 (Final)

Complete Results
Boys
AAA
Petersburg 68, Edison 61
Kecoughtan 50, Gar-Field 44
Hampton 67, Osbourn 52
Henrico 56, Westfield 52

AA (Division 4)
Christiansburg 47, Amherst County 45
Potomac Falls 63, Tabb 58
Heritage-Lynchburg 48, Hidden Valley 42
Grafton 58, Loudoun Valley 56

AA (Division 3)
Cave Spring 56, Waynesboro 53
Fluvanna 75, James Monroe 58
Rockbridge County 77, Abingdon 49
Brunswick 63, John Handley 38

A (Division 2)
Virginia High 62, Glenvar 45
Lancaster 59, Dan River 58
Fort Chiswell 48, Union 47
George Mason 56, Essex 52

A (Division 1)
Hurley 57, Parry McCluer 49
Amelia County 61, West Point 47
Galax 53, Castlewood 44
Charles City 57, Luray 49

Girls
AAA
Highland Springs 53, West Springfield 46
Princess Anne 47, Potomac 42
Woodside 55, William Fleming 42
Oakton 73, Monacan 65

AA (Division 4)
Carroll County 42, Staunton River 27
Millbrook 68, Grafton 43
Salem-Salem 42, Broadway 37 (OT)
Courtland 56, Loudoun County 46

AA (Division 3)
Richlands 68, Rustburg 64
Liberty-Bealeton 73, Brunswick 51
R.E. Lee-Staunton 75, Abingdon 47
Woodgrove 55, James Monroe 52

A (Division 2)
Gate City 61, Patrick Henry-Glade Spring 49
Stuarts Draft 61, Northumberland 42
Glenvar 62, Virginia High 50
George Mason 66, Sussex Central 36

A (Division 1)
Galax 46, J.I. Burton 45
East Rockingham 75, Appomattox Regional 34
Covington 47, Haysi 40
Altavista 81, Rappahannock 35

Boys Soccer: Broad Run and D.C. United Academy Keeper Sam Legg to Play at Radford

Ashburn (March 2, 2012) - Last month the D.C. United Academy announced that 10 of its U-18 players had made college commitments including Broad Run High School senior keeper Sam Legg who will play at NCAA Division I Radford.

Legg helped the Spartans capture the Dulles District and Region II titles last season.

The complete list of D.C. United Academy players signing last month:

Football: Briar Woods Reaps Honors After Second Straight Division 4 State title

(March 2, 2012) - The Briar Woods High School football team has collected a bundle of postseason honors after a second straight VHSL Division 4 state title. Among the honors handed out by the Virginia High School Coaches Association and Virginia Preps, senior Alex Carter has been named the AA Defensive Player of the Year and Falcon coach Charlie Pierce has been picked as the D4 Coach of the Year.

Briar Woods Postseason Honors:
On Defense:
Alex Carter: Defensive Back First Team VHSCA and Va Preps
Alex Carter: Group AA Defensive Player of the Year Va Preps
Justin Baker: Defensive Line First Team VHSCA
Matt Rolin:    Linebacker First Team  VHSCA  and Va Preps
Mark Leith:  Outside Linebacker Second Team Va Preps and Honorable Mention VHSCA

On Offense:
Alex Carter: Return Specialist First Team VHSCA
Justin Baker: Offensive Tackle First Team Va Preps
David Clements: Kicker First Team VHSCA
Cam Serigne: Tight End First Team Va Preps and 2nd Team VHSCA
Trace McSorley: QB Honorable Mention Va Preps

Virginia Group AA Division 4 Coach of the Year:
Charlie Pierce

Complete VHSCA 2011 Football Picks

Girls Soccer: Woodgrove's Brittany Basinger Selected for U.S. Under-17 Women's National Team

(March 2, 2012) - Woodgrove High School junior Brittany Basinger returned home from Florida early in February after a successful training camp with the U.S. Under-17 Women's National Soccer Team that earned her spot on the squad that will attempt to qualify for the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Azerbaijan.

"She is unbelievably happy! We are certainly celebrating out here in Purcellville!," said Brittany's mother Jackie Basinger after the family got the great news.

Basinger, a Penn State recruit, stood out on defense at the training camp in Sunrise, Fla. as the USA team beat Germany twice during the week. With Basinger starting the U.S. won 2 - 1 on Feb. 6, and 1-0 on Feb. 9.

One of 18 girls selected to play in the March La Manga Cup, an international tournament in La Manga, Spain. Following Spain, the team will attend another domestic training camp in California. The team will then travel to Guatemala in May as the US will try to earn a berth to the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan.

Football: Potomac Falls Prospect Watson Gets Advice from Panther Grad and NFL New York Giant Adrian Tracy

Sterling (March 2, 2012) - New York Giants defensive end/linebacker Adrian Tracy took time on Friday to visit his high school, Potomac Falls, and he not only sat down with VivaLoudoun and the school newspaper for an interview but he gave up and coming Panther prospect Kareen Watson some advice on the recruiting game.

Tracy was a standout basketball and football player at Potomac Falls and passed up offers to play college basketball to walk onto the football team at William and Mary. He worked his way to becoming one of the top defensive linemen in the nation and was drafted by the New York Giants.

He spent 2010 on IR after an injury in preseason and spent last year on the Practice Squad after being one of the team's final cuts out of training camp. This year Tracy is determined to make the full roster. (We will have more later on Tracy's interview).

The 6-3, 190-pound Watson set a school record with 13 receptions in one game last year. On defense he played at end, linebacker and rover. Tracy is the not the first NFL player that Watson has gotten help from as he is trained by former NFL players Eddie Mason and Chris Samuels and he also works with current NFL players Rob Jackson and Darrel Young. Watson has clocked a 4.49 time in the 40.

See highlight film of Kareen Watson

Youth Sports - Basketball: 11th Annual Wayne Hussa Memorial All-Star Tournament Seeks Sponsors

(March 2, 2012) - The 11th Annual Wayne Hussa Memorial All-Star Basketball Tournament is seeking sponsors and raffle donations. The tournament honors Wayne Hussa, father of eight children and dedicated basketball coach. For more information contact Lisa Mears at mearsva@aol.com.

Girls Basketball: Middleburg Academy Senior Sammy Bane Signs with Shepherd University

Middleburg (March 2, 2012) - Last month, Middleburg Academy senior Sammy Bane signed her Letter of Intent to play NCAA Division II basketball at Shepherd University.

 Bane, of Chantilly, led the Lady Dragons this season, averaging 17 points per game, with 4 assists, 4 steals, and 4 rebounds. She shot 82 percent at the free throw line and led the team with more than 70 3-pointers. 

Sammy is pictured above with her mother, Denise and stepfather, Wayne Maiers and Girls Basketball Coach, Cornelius Snead. (photo courtesy of Cindy Fenton)

Youth Sports - Basketball: Registration Open for 4th Annual Loudoun Spring League for Boys 3rd to 8th Grade

(March 2, 2012) - Registration for the 4th Annual Loudoun Spring Basketball League is open for Boys 3rd thru 8th Grade teams. Games will be played mid-May to early June.

Please visit www.loudountriplethreat.org or email Michael.Spencer@marriott.com for more information.

Also, the Loudoun Triple Threat AAU Basketball program is holding tryouts for Boys and Girls teams. They are seeking volunteer coaches with college or high School coaching experience and/or college playing experience. Please visit www.loudountriplethreat.org or email Michael.Spencer@marriott.com for more information.

Youth Sports - Basketball: Virginia Run n Gun U15 Holds Tryouts Saturday March 3

(March 2, 2012) - The Virginia Run n Gun U15 boys basketball program is hosting an open gym/tryout tomorrow March 3 at the National Conference Center formerly the Xerox Center from 1 to 3 p.m.

The address is 18870 Upper Belmont Pl. Leesburg, VA 20176 and all are welcome. Please RSVP to arthur.robinson@att.net if you plan to attend.

News: VHSL Realignment Model Still on Track Despite Reservations, Especially from Eastern and Central AAA Regions; Region II Unanimously For 6-Classification Plan

(March 2, 2012) - The Virginia High School League realignment proposal for 2013-15, which would radically alter the high school sports landscape in the state is still on track after the Realignment and Reclassification Committee met on Feb. 27.

While there were some minor changes approved, including the splitting of the Dulles District into two districts -- a seven-team Dulles District and new five-team Potomac Disrict -- the VHSL is moving ahead -- despite objections from the larger schools in the Eastern and Central regions -- with a model for play in the state in six classifications for all sports and the elimination of the current A, AA and AAA model based upon regions.

A new postseason plan, with a new conference level above districts, feeding into sectionals and then states would have to be approved. The proposed plan is especially supported among the smaller schools in the state at the current A and AA levels with Region II, which hosts nine of the 12 Loudoun schools currently, voting unanimously for the plan thus far.

Revised #VSHL Aligment Model for 2013-2015

R&R Committee Minutes

Men's Soccer: Potomac Falls Grad Shanosky Loaned by D.C. United to Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Washington, D.C. (March 2, 2012) – D.C. United announced today that defensive midfielder Conor Shanosky, a Potomac Falls High School grad, has been loaned to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League. The United Academy graduate will be part of the Strikers’ roster for the entire 2012 season.

News: Briar Woods Cheer, Football and Softball Teams to be Honored by Board of Supervisors for State Titles

(March 2, 2012) - It may be easier to honor the athletes at Briar Woods High School that have not won a state title in the past year but at the March 6 Loudoun County Board of Supervisors meeting the Falcons competitive cheer, football and softball teams will all be honored for bring home VHSL state titles in 2011.

The meeting starts at 5 p.m. Here are the three ceremonial resoultions:

Briar Woods Cheer Resolution
Briar Woods Football Resolution
Briar Woods Softball Resolution

News: Supervisor Shawn Williams to Present 4 with Commendation for Rescue on Beaverdam Creek

(March 2, 2012) - Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Broad Run District representative Shawn Williams will present four area residents with a Resolution of Commendation at the March 6 meeting for their role in a rescue of a youth on the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir and the attempted rescue of his father.

The Resolution of Commendation is for George Lewis, Brad Odenheimer, Kim Hawthorn, and Sean Mullins in recognition of their roles in saving Michael DiGiovanna from drowning in the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir on November 27, 2011, and attempting to save Tony DiGiovanna, as well as their bravery and heroism.

Williams will present the honor at the Public Input and General Business Meeting scheduled for March 6 at 5 p.m.

News: Capital Country Challenge - a Battle of the Voices -- Comes to Loudoun for a Good Cause

(March 1, 2012) - Online auditions opened today for the Capital Country Challenge - a Battle of the Voices singing competition for country and country-pop crossover with proceeds going to help end homelessness in Northern Virginia.

Wesley Housing is hosting the competition which includes a live finals to be held during Spring Kick! at Great Country Farms in Loudoun County's wine country on May 5. The grand prize winner will receive a prize package including $1,000. This competition will showcase up-and-coming local vocal talent in the country and country-pop crossover genres in two divisions—ages 8-14 and 15-22.

Golf: Save the Date! 7th Annual Dominion Classic Set for April 30 at Trump National

(March 1, 2012) - The 7th Annual Dominion Classic, a fundraiser for ATLAS, the Dominion High School Parent/Teacher Organization, has been scheduled for April 30 at the Trump National golf course. For more information contact novahusky@yahoo.com or visit www.teeupfortitans.com.

Boys Basketball: TJ Senior Richard Kuzma of Leesburg to Play at Naval Academy

Leesburg (March 1, 2012) - Thomas Jefferson High School senior Richard Kuzma, a Leesburg resident, has committed to play basketball at the United States Naval Academy next year.

Kuzma chose Navy over MIT, West Point, Caltech and Southern California, where he had a National Merit Scholarship. Kuzma holds a 4.27 GPA and a 2340 out of 2400 SAT score.

On the basketball court, he holds TJ’s career, single-season and single-game scoring marks, including 35 and 37 point efforts. Kuzma, who has played four seasons with the Loudoun Triple Threat AAU team, is a two-time selection to the Liberty All District team and mainstay on the Washington Post area top 50 list for scoring, 3-point shooting and free throw percentage. More on Kuzman from Leesburg Patch.

Girls Soccer: Briar Woods Senior Lina Granados Living Her Dream (via The Falcon Flyer)

Lina Granados (back row 4th from right) with her Colombian U-20 teammates

By Kira Warner
The Falcon Flyer/Briar Woods High School

Team travels to Brazil for tournament

Ashburn (March 1, 2012) - On Dec. 9, 2011, Briar Woods High School senior, Lina Granados went to her home country, Colombia, to pursue her lifelong goal of playing soccer for the Colombian National Team. After weeks of intense two-a-day, 3-hour practices, fitness sessions and time spent working on strategy, all of the time and effort that Granados had put in paid off. She made the U-20 Colombian National team.

“I got emotional,” said Granados. “All of my hard work was finally feeling like it was paying off.” Read the rest of the article from The Falcon Flyer

Lina Granados (seated far left) is one of 7 Falcons
that will play women's soccer in college.

If you have an article from your favorite student publication that you want to share with Viva Loudoun -- simply send us the link!

Basketball: VHSL State Quarterfinal Match-ups

Virginia High School League 2012 State Basketball Quarterfinals

Boys
AAA
Thomas Edison vs. Petersburg
Kecoughtan vs. Gar-Field
Osbourn vs. Hampton
Henrico vs. Westfield

AA (Division 4)
Amherst County vs. Christiansburg
Tabb vs. Potomac Falls
Hidden Valley vs. Heritage-Lynchburg
Loudoun Valley vs. Grafton

AA (Division 3)
Waynesboro vs. Cave Spring
James Monroe vs. Fluvanna County
Abingdon vs. Rockbridge County
John Handley vs. Brunswick

A (Division 2)
Glenvar vs. Virginia High
Lancaster vs. Dan River
Union vs. Fort Chiswell
George Mason vs. Essex

A (Division 1)
Parry McCluer vs. Hurley
West Point vs. Amelia County
Castlewood vs. Galax
Luray vs. Charles City

Girls
AAA
West Springfield vs. Highland Springs
Princess Anne vs. Potomac
William Fleming vs. Woodside
Monican vs. Oakton

AA (Division 4)
Staunton River vs. Carroll County
Grafton vs. Millbrook
Salem-Salem vs. Broadway
Loudoun County vs. Courtland

AA (Division 3)
Rustburg vs. Richlands
Brunswick vs. Liberty-Bealeton
Abingdon vs. R.E. Lee-Staunton
Woodgrove vs. James Monroe

A (Division 2)
Patrick Henry-Glade Spring vs. Gate City
Northumberland vs. Stuarts Draft
Virginia High vs. Glenvar
George Mason vs. Sussex Central

A (Division 1)
Galax vs. J.I. Burton
Appomattox Regional vs. East Rockingham
Haysi vs. Covington
Altavista vs. Rappahannock

News: Virginia Senate Committee Kills So-Called 'Tebow' Bill

(March 1, 2012) - The Washington Post is reporting that a Virginia Senate committee has killed the so-called 'Tebow' bill that would allow home-schoolers to play high school athletics with their public schools.

News: Leesburg Police Say Potential Dangerous Schools Situation Averted by a Student Doing the Right Thing

(March 1, 2012) - Leesburg Police are saying today that the quick and courageous thinking of a Simpson Middle School student this week may have averted a possibly dangerous situation at one of the local schools involving an act of violence.

Here is the Leesburg Police Department report:

News: Loudoun County/NVVA Volleyball Supporter Peggy Luten Passes Away; Celebration of Her Life Set for Saturday

Leesburg (March 1, 2012) - The Loudoun County High School and Northern Virginia Volleyball Association communities are mourning the passing of long-time supporter Margaret "Peggy" Marie Luten, at age 52, on Feb. 24 in Leesburg. A celebration of her life will be held at noon Saturday, March 3 at the Raspberry Plain Mansion, near Leesburg, followed by a reception at the Luten’s residence.