5 things you need to know
Movin’ up
Cape Henry won its first boys Virginia Independent Schools state title last season. The Dolphins move up in competition this season from Division II to Division I and also upgraded their schedule significantly to include several nationally-ranked teams. Cape Henry plays No. 1 Huntington Prep (W.Va.) on Jan. 12 at the MLK Roundball Classic at Churchland High School.
For a good cause
Deep Creek will host the Hornet Tip-Off Classic on Saturday. The tournament includes boys and girls teams from Deep Creek, Tallwood, Pasquotank (N.C.) and Northeastern (N.C.).
‘State tourney or bust’
A boys team from South Hampton Roads failed to reach the Group AAA state tournament last season for the first time since 2007. Hampton and Kecoughtan advanced from the Eastern Region, with the Crabbers winning the state title.
Enjoy it while it lasts
The Virginia High School League moves to a six-classification system next school year, so this is the final season of the Eastern Region and Group AAA tournaments as they’ve been known for years. The new system separates longtime playoff rivals, including Maury (moving to Group 5A) and Norcom (Group 4A).
Coaching milestones
Maury coach Jack Baker, left, leads all active Virginia High School League coaches with 649 victories. Baker has been at Maury since 1976. Other coaches piling up the wins are Nansemond River’s Ed Young (384), Norfolk Collegiate’s Jim Markey (232), Landstown’s Dwight Robinson (190) and First Colonial’s Mark Butts (182).
–Larry Rubama
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