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January marks the decisive stretch of the winter season for local high school teams, with district competition set to dominate schedules once play resumes following the recent snowy weather.
Most girls and boys basketball teams have played no more than one or two district games. From here, they could face district rivals twice a week—or more often if weather-related postponements force tighter schedules.
Holiday tournaments are over, and the early non-league matchups that served as warmups are largely finished. The next seven games for both Lake Braddock Secondary School basketball teams, for example, are against Patriot District opponents. Other Fairfax County programs face similar runs.
The shift extends beyond basketball. Three of the Fairfax Lions wrestling team’s final four matches are against Patriot District competition.
Some regular seasons will conclude near the end of January, with postseason tournaments beginning in early February across winter high school sports. Snow and other inclement weather, however, could continue to reshape the road to the playoffs.