The sports poll question asks (in boys' basketball) who is going to win the Northwestern District.

Right now Sherando is leading by an eyelash over Handley.

The next two weeks are going to be very telling of the following three teams; Sherando and James Wood.  Which one of the two is going to step up and make some noise at the top of this district?

Handley lost all five starters from last season, I have no idea what to expect from Geremi Long, Jeremiah Wilson, and company.  But they get a pass for now.  Next week, after I get a few more chances to see them play, I'll break it down.

James Wood can be explosive on offensive, and they can do it against decent teams.  A 24 point first quarter against a talented but undisciplined Battlefield team two weeks ago is proof of that.  Al Smith has an interesting offensive scheme, but he has the players to score serious points. 

Trae Tinsman is a very good sized guard/forward.  He can make plays and is not afraid take important shots.  Chris Skinner has the talent alone to be one of the best players in the area, I feel if he can refine his skills a bit...he will be.

Sherando boasts the effective, if a bit casual, coaching style of Garland Williams.  He will rely heavily on fourth year players James Bowens and Tanner Wise.  Wise told me that shooting is the biggest part of his game.  It's OK to have a player like that star on your team, as long as he knows when to dish it off.  I think Tanner realizes he has a tall and athletic center in Terry Wood, so if he gets in trouble around the perimeter he'll know where to go with it.

Bowens, at a young age, found himself playing street ball around his hometown of Manassas.  You can see the smooth and effortless stride in which he moves up and down the court.  That....is thanks in part to his roots.

Both Sherando and James Wood have good players that are worth watching.  But which one is going to put it all together and make a play for a regional berth?