Shenandoah Valley teams claim three State Championships, three Runner-Ups

Congratulations to all our local high schools that represented the Shenandoah Valley with pride during the VHSL Basketball State Championships in Richmond over the weekend.

Three of the six teams claimed state titles including the Luray boys, Clarke County girls, and Handley boys.

In Clarke County’s 67-55 win over Union, senior Alainah McKavish claimed the school’s all time scoring record and bookended her career with a second state title after winning as a freshman.

Handley got over the hump after previously going 0-4 in State Championship games to claim the first trophy in their 103 year history, 61-42 over Hampton.

Luray brought home their first State Trophy in 50 years after a double overtime win over Fort Chiswell 84-82 and overcame Fort Chiswell’s Owen Jackson scoring a state championship record 53 points.

The Luray girls, Central boys, and Skyline girls were named State Runner-Up at VCU and we also congratulate them on incredible seasons.

For more local sports coverage, follow the Sports Dogs Podcast.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

The Duke’s State Championship Preview: Clarke County vs Union

3/13/26 Richmond, VA- Clarke County High School returns to the VHSL Class 2 Girls Basketball State Championship game to take on Union High School in the first game of our coverage from VCU starting at 12:10 pm, 12:30 tip-off on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, TheRiver953.com, and The River 95.3 app brought to you by the Hike Kidz Foundation c/o Brickhouse Bar and Grill.

Clarke County has dominated their way to the State Championship game from the regular season all the way to the Siegel Center.

The Eagles only losses came to State Semifinal opponent Strasburg and a team still in play for the Maryland state title.

In the first year under Coach Shadd McCaw, Clarke County has had a clear goal of reaching Richmond and he has already referred to the game as a “business trip.”

Once the playoffs began after the late regular season loss to Strasburg, the Eagles found another gear and have won each postseason game by at least 11 points.

Alainah McKavish reclaimed District and Region Player of the Year and still upped her play for the title run.

She has increased her points, blocks, and assists per game since the end of the regular season and now stands at 22 ppg, 2.4 blks, and 3.2 ast.

Paige Stemberger’s return from injury added another senior leader to a youthful team (four sophomores) and her defensive ability raises the ceiling for a Clarke County team that could likely compete for a championship at any of the Classifications in the VHSL.

Team defense will be key for the Eagles to slow down Union’s star Katelynn Witt.

Witt is the greatest scorer in Union history after eclipsing 1,300+ points and has averaged 30+ through the playoff run.

She is coming off a 38 point Semifinal win over Ridgeview but the Bears did not have any other players in double-figures.

Clarke County has already succeeded in limiting stars throughout the Valley like Emily Gorrell and JMU-bound Reagen Edsall, but Witt may be the most pure scorer they have faced so far.

I look for the Eagles to throw a lot of fresh defenders at Witt to try to wear her down and force off balance shots.

Overall, Clarke County has a more well-rounded roster and players who can step up even if their player of the year has an off night…

Spoiler Alert: She won’t.

The Eagles finally get to celebrate with the trophy they have really wanted all year long, Clarke County 76- Union 56.

For more pregame coverage of the Class 2 girls state championship, CLICK HERE for color commentator Josh Kirby’s interviews with both coaches and Alainah McKavish.

For previews of all our local state championship teams from the latest Sports Dogs Podcast, CLICK HERE.

The Duke’s Bull Run District Championship Preview: Clarke County vs Strasburg

2/18/26, Berryville VA- Clarke County hosts Strasburg in the Bull Run District Girls Basketball Championship Game with coverage starting around 7:30 pm on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, The River 95.3 app and TheRiver953.com for the first of two Hike Kidz Foundation Games of the Week c/o Brickhouse Bar and Grill (Boys Championship game will take place on Thursday).

Clarke County was pinned as the early favorites to repeat as Bull Run District Champions this season, but Strasburg made sure no one forgot about them after a 21-3 record and splitting with Clarke County in the regular season.

Strasburg upset Clarke County just 7 days ago at home 48-47 after a late Jayden Stinnette lay-up, but stumbled in their final regular season 56-51 to Central before a rematch three days later in the Bull Run District Semifinals where the Rams won 54-51.

In the win vs Clarke County, Strasburg snapped a 12 game Eagles win streak and limited All State Forward Alainah McKavaish to just 3 points in the first 3 quarters.

Limiting McKavish will be key to another chance at knocking off the Eagles.

In the first matchup between the schools in early January, McKavish dominated with a 21 point and 10 rebound performance and was one of five Eagles to knock down at least two 3-pointers.

McKavish leads Clarke in nearly every statistical category but has a strong and experienced supporting cast with 8/9 players returning from last years State Semifinal squad.

Paige McKavish (15.9 ppg) and Kendall Harman (10.5 ppg) join Alainah (20.6 ppg) in double digits while Savannah McCaw leads the Eagles with 4.1 assists per game and Paige Stemberger’s lock-down defense leads to 3.6 steals per game.

The Rams are led by seniors Emily Gorrell and Jayden Stinnette.

When Clarke County zeroed in on Gorrell last week, Stinnette made them pay with the game winner.

Gorrell leads the Rams in scoring with 17.8 per game and assists with 3.2 while Stinnette is just behind at 11.9 points per game and is the leading rebounder with 8.3 per game.

The duo is playing their best as the Rams enter the playoffs with both earning a double-double in the BRD semifinals.

Individually, Gorrell is on a tear with three straight games over 20 points.

Strasburg will have an advantage in coaching experience with Kelly Stinnette leading the bench for her third season while Coach Shadd McCaw is still in his first year as head coach.

While a loss tonight wouldn’t end either teams season, Clarke County should be in playoff mode and will look for revenge against the only team in Virginia to beat them this season.

I look for the Eagles to come out very aggressive and Alainah McKavish to be a little more “selfish” early to build a Clarke County lead then pull away for a 60-45 win.

For a regular season recap and playoff preview, check out last week’s Sports Dogs podcast here. 

Color commentator Josh Kirby spoke with Clarke County’s Shadd McCaw here. 

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

The Duke’s Hoops Preview: James Wood vs Clarke County

12/1/25, Winchester, VA – James Wood hosts Clarke County in the Hike Kidz Foundation Game of the Week courtesy of Brickhouse Bar and Grill with a girls and boys basketball doubleheader on Fox Sports Radio 1450, TheRiver953.com and The River 95.3 app.

The girls tip-off first at 6 pm with pregame coverage starting at 5:45 pm followed by the boys with an estimated start time of 7:30 pm, 7:15 pregame.

The Clarke County girl’s squad returns a star-studded lineup that advanced all the way to the State Semifinal before falling to John Marshall, 67-56.

Leading the way once again for the Eagles this season will be the duo of Paige and Alainah McKavish.

Alainah enters her senior season after another 1st Team All State campaign last year and averaged 21.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, and 3.9 steals.

Paige earned 2nd Team All State during her Freshman year and was second on the team with 10.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, and 3.1 apg.

While the roster experienced little turnover, former Head Coach Regina Dowling left for Sherando and her assistant Shadd McCaw will takeover as head coach.

McCaw will look to continue the Clarke County tactic of jumping on opponents early with their signature full-court pressure and the Colonels will need to be ready for physical and aggressive opening night.

These teams met on opening night last season and Clarke County ran away with a 61-24 win.

James Wood returns a few key members from last year’s team including guard Aubrey Nail (7.1 ppg, 2.2 steals, 2.7 apg) and forwards Hailey Harlow (4.7 rpg and 62.5 FT%) and Ashlyn Evans (5.8 rpg).

The Colonels have some huge shoes to fill this year following the graduation of former 1st Team All District selection Josie Russell who led the area in rebounding with 13.1 ppg and added 18.4 ppg.

When the boys tip-off, it will be James Wood who returns more experience while Clarke County will be searching for who will step-up next.

The Colonels return the senior backcourt of Brodie Sirbaugh and Ashby Copenhaver who combined for nearly 20 points per game and a good size front court including 6’5″ Michael Bell and 6’4″ Ronnie Barrett.

James Wood showed solid improvement behind that core last season to reach .500 after a 7-14 campaign in 2023-2024 and will look to take it another step farther this season.

The Eagles lost their top two scorers from last season in Tanner Sipe and Lincoln Booker and will be without the lone returner in double-figures Isaac Nei due to a minor injury.

Coach Kent Auslander is excited about JR guard Chris Reid and  SR guard Maddox Roberts after a great offseason.

Reid was a standout for the JV squad and Roberts has great length as a 6’3″ guard and could be the teams top player after averaging just 3 ppg and 2 rpg last year.

While the Clarke girls will hit the court running, the boys side may take time to find their footing with so many new pieces.

The McKavish sisters might outscore the Colonels on their own and the Eagles should start the season with a win, 64-38.

The boys game should be more competitive and I look forward to the matchup of senior guards for James Wood and the emerging Maddox Roberts with experience providing the edge, Colonels win 58-52.

For a preview on the girls matchup with both coaches and Josh Kirby, click here.

For a preview on the boys matchup with both coaches and Josh Kirby, click here. 

Clarke County inducts five members to Hall of Fame

Clarke County High School inducted five new members to the Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday night during the football game against Fort Defiance.

Inductees included girls’ basketball standouts Anna Blue Catlett and Sydney (Chrane) Wild.

The 2015 graduates helped Clarke reach two State Semifinals and were named State Co-Players of the Year as seniors.

Anna finished as the school record holder in 3 pointers while Sydney wrapped-up her career as the second leading scorer in school history.

Justin Dulaney was a three sport standout in football, basketball, and baseball.

He set the school record for points in a track season and went on to play football at William and Mary.

Sean McDonald joined Dulaney for basketball and football.

During his senior football season, McDonald was named All State and District Player of the Year after breaking the school’s all time passing record.

Doug Aylestock was honored as a contributor for his work as a sports photographer.

Aylestock started his own photography page then joined Clarke County Sports where he continues to cover Eagles athletics.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Local basketball teams conclude playoff runs

The remaining local high school basketball teams wrapped up their seasons over the weekend in the State Semifinals after incredible playoff runs.

The Clarke County girls and Luray boys fell to John Marshall High School in the Richmond area.

Handley came up just short in front of a sold-out crowd in Winchester against Varina.

All three teams earned Regional Championships to make their way to the State playoffs.

Some other accomplishments for these teams includes the 21-0 best start in school history for the Judges, Clarke County retaking the top spot in the Bull Run winning the regular season and tournament championships in addition to the Region, and the Lurays boys program rebounding from six wins just two years ago to back-to-back state playoff and Regional Championships.

Join Randy and Ryan for the Sports Dogs Podcast on Thursday to recap these incredible runs.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

The Duke’s Preview: Clarke County vs Prince Edward

The VHSL State Playoffs begin with tonight’s Van Metre Homes Game of the Week as Clarke County hosts Prince Edward County in girls basketball with coverage starting at 5:45 pm for the 6 pm tip-off on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com, and The River 95.3 app.

Clarke County has coasted through the District and Regional Tournaments with an average margin of victory of 38.2 ppg and claimed both tournament trophies.

Clarke County now turns their attention to the State Tournament where they look to put together the same run like they did just two years ago to hoist the third and most significant trophy a team can aspire to attain.

Alainah McKavish and Devin Simmons-McDonald were members of the 2023 Championship Team and know what it takes to get back to the promised land.

McKavish upped her game each season since the Freshman campaign and recently earned the Region 2B Player of the Year while Simmons-McDonald provided great post presence on her way to a 2nd Team All-District selection.

Alainah’s sister Paige and Paul VI transfer Paige Stemberger also earned All-Region nods and when the starters faulter or get in foul trouble like in the Regional Championship Game, underclassmen like Anna Taylor, Haley Foltz, Kendall Harman, and Savannah McCaw have stepped-up.

Clarke County’s depth and post season experience will pose problems for a Prince Edward team that will enter the State Quarterfinal after their first loss of the season to John Marshall in the Regional Championship Game.

Prince Edward coasted to an undefeated record through the regular season and early rounds of Regionals before falling to last year’s State Runner-Up.

While Prince Edward dominated regular season play, they did not see many competitive teams throughout their schedule with only two opponents finishing the season over .500.

Clarke County on the other hand faced a competitive Bull Run District schedule and only district loss came to the Co-Regular Season Champions, Strasburg, while the other losses came against opponents from higher classifications.

This battle tested schedule has allowed Clarke County to transition well to the heightened stakes of the playoffs and some of their most significant contributors are already familiar with the State stage.

Clarke County will also have a distinct height advantage over Prince Edward as all five starters are over 5’8″ while Prince Edward does not have a player on the roster over 5’7″.

The experience and length of Clarke County will help the Eagles of Berryville maintain control of the tempo of tonight’s ball game and dominate the boards while the Eagles of Farmville may leave the 3+ hour bus ride to be shell-shocked by a better team like they were against John Marshall.

Clarke County advances to the State Semifinals, 65-42, and will likely see the Justices then.

The Duke’s Hoops Preview: Clarke Co vs Page Co

The Region 2B Quarterfinals begin tonight with the Van Metre Homes Game of the Week featuring #1 seed Clarke County and #8 seed Page County with pregame coverage starting at 5:45 pm for the 6 pm tip on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com, and The River 95.3 app.

Clarke County soars into the Regional Playoffs after winning their last 11 games on the way to a regular season and playoff Bull Run District Championship.

Alainah and Paige McKavish led the way this season with both earning 1st Team All District.

Alainah claimed District Player of the Year shortly after recording 29 points and 11 rebounds in the District Championship game last week.

The duo regularly creates offense from their aggressive defense and four of Clarke County’s five starters average over 2 steals a game.

Clarke County’s full-court and half-court zone defense caused problems in the Bull Run District playoffs allowing the Eagles to open up massive leads including a 27-5 1st quarter against Central and a 19-2 lead through the first 6:49 against Rappahannock County.

Page County has struggled against these Eagles twice this season with two losses by a combined 94 points.

The first meeting saw Clarke County win 83-23 which was their largest scoring output and margin of victory on the season at that point.

While the Panthers will enter the game well rested after being off for the last 10 days and preparing for the likely opponent of Clarke County, that much time off could lead to a slow start which would be insurmountable against a team like the #1 seed Eagles.

The winners of this matchup will face the winners of tonight’s  #4 Central vs #5 Buckingham County on Thursday in the Semifinals and the Region 2B Championship game will be held at Shenandoah University on Saturday.

I predict Clarke County to run out to another early postseason lead and keep their hopes of a State Championship alive, Eagles 65- Panthers 38.

The Duke’s Hoops Preview: Clarke County vs Central

The Central Falcons head to Clarke County to take on the Eagles in tonight’s High School Basketball Game of the Week on Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com, and The River 95.3 app with coverage starting around 7:15 pm.

Central has taken the region by storm and enters the evening with a perfect 5-0 record.

Coach Jeff Whittle’s squad has tremendous depth this year and an experienced roster of all seniors, juniors, and one sophomore which has helped them jump out to a hot start.

With the exception of the close win over Stuarts Draft, Central has jumped on their opponents in the second half this season to create insurmountable leads.

In their opening win over the Riverheads, Central dominated the 4th quarter 21-2 and mimicked that performance last game against the Gladiators with a 27 point 3rd period.

Central also tallied two impressive wins over Class 4 opponents James Wood and Sherando in the same fashion.

Against the Colonels, Central dominated the 4th quarter 20-7 while the Warriors were outscored 39-22 in the second half.

While the Falcons utilize a variety of players in their deep roster, leading the way for Central this season is 6’4″ senior Luke Williams, three point shooter Haiden Click, and sophomore sensation Dereck Batiz-Lugo.

Clarke County entered this year off an incredible 2023-2024 season which saw the Eagles advance to the State Quarterfinals before falling to eventual State Champions John Marshall, but this years team will look much different.

2nd year Coach Kent Auslander lost five of the top six performers from last season and will be without Tanner Sipe to start the season after a football injury, but there are some promising young players like sophomores Colton Johnson and Isaac Nei.

Returning contributor Lincoln Booker bring back the most varsity experience and averages 9 points this season.

Clarke County’s biggest issue so far this season is turnovers and the Eagles really struggled to get the ball up the floor in their last game against Skyline.

Central’s experienced roster will be able to take advantage of Clarke County’s turnover troubles and a big second half will put the Eagles away.

Central stays undefeated and advances to 6-0, 65-48.

The Duke’s Preview: Central vs Clarke County ft Coach Casey Childs

Clarke County (5-0) visits Central (1-4) for a Monday night edition of the High School Football Game of the Week on The River 95.3, Fox Sports Radio 1450, theriver953.com and The River 95.3 app with coverage starting at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm kick-off.

Clarke County enters the contest flying high with an undefeated start through non-district play including some tight contests against perennial playoff contenders and a few blowouts in typical Eagles fashion, tough defense and a strong running game.

Wyatt Palmer has taken over the role as the lead back totaling 667 yards this season for 9 touchdowns while averaging 9.4 yards per carry and is coming off his best game yet.

Palmer dominated Catoctin with 213 yards on the ground and two bookend touchdowns to secure the 21-13 victory.

Eagles linebacker Carson Chinn regularly stacks up defensive stats as one of the areas leading tacklers (63 total) and added Homecoming King to his accolades off the field during last week’s win.

Chinn, Palmer, and the rest of the Eagles will need to bring their A game to Woodstock to knock off a Central team that will be playing with a chip on their shoulder the rest of the season.

After three of the Falcons opening wins were forfeited due to an ineligible player, Central earned their first official victory of season last week against a tough King William team, 19-10.

While losing your starting quarterback is never an ideal situation, Central is fortunate to fall back on Nick Barahona.

The senior started at quarterback for two seasons including the Falcons run to the VHSL Class 2 State Championship game his sophomore season.

Central has lost a lot of production over the past few years due to graduation including Tyler Forbes, Nathan Lopez, Luc Retrosi and more, but like the Eagles, boast a strong rushing attack and tough defense.

The Falcons defense has not allowed more than 10 points in a game this season and is spearheaded by leading tacklers Brady Hecker (47 total) and Chris Brown (39 total, 2 INTs) along with one of the areas leaders in sacks Matthew Folk (5 sacks, 23 total tackles).

While Central has dominated the series lately, winning 5 of the last 6, the two teams have split the last 16 contests dating back to 2005.

On top of the change at quarterback and a recent tragedy in Woodstock that forced the game to be moved to Monday, Clarke County may be able to focus more on what lies between the chalk lines.

That clarity under longtime head coach Casey Childs will be an advantage over a Central team facing a lot of adversity with a first year head coach in Rowdy Hoover and help the Eagles to a tight victory, 20-16.

To listen to my interview with Clarke County Head Coach Casey Childs, click here.Â