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Northern Virginia private schools claimed multiple spots in the first Division I state basketball rankings of the 2024-25 high-school season, with the Potomac School girls leading the local field at No. 5.
The McLean-based Panthers entered the poll after finishing second in last season’s Division I state tournament. They lost the championship game to St. Paul VI Catholic.
Paul VI, now in Loudoun County after previously being based in Fairfax, opened at No. 2 behind Alexandria’s top-ranked Bishop Ireton Cardinals.
Flint Hill of Oakton was ranked seventh, one position behind Arlington’s Bishop O’Connell. Paul VI recently defeated O’Connell during the regular season. Episcopal of Alexandria landed at No. 13, while Vienna’s Oakcrest received votes but did not make the initial rankings.
Northern Virginia schools also filled much of the boys poll. Flint Hill debuted at No. 11, and Potomac School was ranked 14th.
Paul VI earned the No. 2 position, followed by Bishop O’Connell at No. 3. Bishop Ireton was fifth, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes of Alexandria seventh and Episcopal ninth.
The Blue Ridge School of St. George in the Shenandoah Valley held the boys’ No. 1 ranking.
Many of the ranked Northern Virginia teams have already faced one another or are scheduled to meet during the regular season. At season’s end, the top 12 teams in each poll qualify for their respective Division I state tournaments.