VHSL 2025 Class 1 Basketball Playoffs Tips-Off: Key First-Round Matchups and Star Players to Watch

Virginia’s top high school teams hit the court Monday as dynamic regions clash in a high-stakes battle for the state championship, featuring standout performances from Tyreek Lundy, JaMarcus Russell, and more

VHSL

The 2025 Virginia High School League (VHSL) high school boys basketball playoffs have already begun for some regions, but the top class – Class 1 – will begin postseason play this Monday, as the state of Virginia is once again in the process of determining is basketball state champion.

Here are some key first round matchups and players to watch out for in the 2025 VHSL tournament.

Class 1 Region A – No. 1 Northumberland vs. No. 8 Essex

The top team in this region, Northumberland (13-3) is led by junior Tyreek Lundy, who has averaged 24.3 points per game. The Richmond-based Indians are ranked No. 5 in Virginia Division 1, as they will host fellow Richmond foe Essex (8-8). Trojans are ranked No. 24 in Virginia D1. These two schools previously met on February 14th, where Northumberland dominated Essex 65-27.

Class 1 Region A – No. 4 Mathews vs. No. 5 Westmoreland

Mathews (16-8) will host Westmoreland (11-10) in the first round. In Virginia D1, the Norfolk-based Blue Devils are ranked No. 17, while the Washington DC Metro-based Eagles are ranked No. 18.

Class 1 Region A – No. 2 Middlesex vs. No. 7 Chincoteague

In a battle of two Norfolk-based schools, Middlesex (15-5) is looking to make a run behind top scorer JaQuan Griffin, while Chincoteague (6-9) looks to pull off an upset with their top player Camaury Davis. The Chargers are ranked No. 13 in Virginia D1.

Class 1 Region A – No. 3 Lancaster vs. No. 6 Northampton

Lancaster (13-7) has junior guard JaMarcus Russell leading the way with an impressive 22.3 points per game, while Northampton (8-11) hopes to pull off a shocker with their top scorer Jaylen Anderson (15 PPG). The Richmond-based Red Devils are one of the top-ranked schools in Virginia D1 at No. 8, while the Norfolk-based Yellowjackets are No. 19.

Class 1 Region B – No. 1 Cumberland vs. No. 8 William Campbell

Cumberland (16-6) is the top seed in Region B and will host William Campbell (5-17) of Roanoke. The Richmond-based Dukes are ranked No. 10 in Virginia D1.

Class 1 Region B – No. 4 Altavista vs. No. 5 Rappahannock County

Richmond-based Altavista (10-13) will host Rappahannock County (9-13) of Roanoke. The Colonels are ranked No. 12 in Virginia D1.

Class 1 Region B – No. 2 Brunswick vs. No. 7 Sussex Central

Brunswick (13-9) looks to continue their solid season as they host Sussex Central (8-10) in this Richmond-based matchup. The Bulldogs are ranked #14 in Virginia D1.

Class 1 Region B – No. 3 Franklin vs. No. 6 Buffalo Gap

Franklin (12-11) of Norfolk will look to avoid an upset against Harrisonburg based Buffalo Gap (5-14). The Broncos are ranked No. 15 in Virginia D1.

Class 1 Region C – No. 1 Parry McCluer vs. No. 4 Grayson County

Parry McCluer (18-4) is one of the top seeds in Region C as they will host Grayson County (6-17) in a Roanoke-based matchup. The Fighting Blues are one of the top-ranked schools in Virginia D1 at No. 3.

Class 1 Region C – No. 2 Auburn vs. No. 3 Eastern Montgomery

Auburn (15-9) will face Eastern Montgomery (14-9) in another Roanoke-based game. The Eagles are another top-ranked Virginia D1 team at No. 4, while the Mustangs have a leading scorer in Cyrus Montgomery.

Class 1 Region C – No. 1 George Wythe vs. No. 4 Highland

The top-ranked school in Virginia D1 and another No. 1 seed, the Maroons of George Wythe (20-4) will host the Rams of Highland (12-9). Both schools are based in Roanoke.

Class 1 Region C – No. 2 Narrows vs. No. 3 Fort Chiswell

Narrows (14-10) will face Fort Chiswell (17-10) in the first round. The Green Waves (Virginia D1 #10) are led by top scorer Carter Holmes, while the Pioneers (Virginia D1 #6) have their own leading scorer in freshman Owen Jackson.

Class 1 Region D – Twin Valley vs. Twin Springs

The lone first-round matchup in this region, Twin Valley (3-18) will face Twin Springs (14-11) in a Tri-Cities battle.