Hatfield's VHSL Region Playoff Hoops Picks with Preview for Monday 2-23-26

See Matthew Hatfield's VHSL Region Basketball Playoff Picks for Monday, February 23, 2026 right here.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:43pm

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Mother Nature brought snow and ice to a few portions of the Commonwealth late on Sunday night, forcing the postponement of regional games in Occoquan Region 6C as well as a couple of other areas being affected with two-hour school delays. However, the ones that got hit with delays are still able to play this evening. By Matthew Hatfield's count, there are six regions in play on this final Monday of February 2026. In Region 5D, defending Class 5 State Champ Green Run starts its playoff quest of a fourth straight regional title. Two of their four regular season losses came at the hands of Princess Anne, which is on the bottom half of the bracket and hosts a Cox team that they beat by just two in the first encounter. Salem and Kellam square off in the rubber match after splitting two regular season meetings, while Indian River tries to avenge an 83-71 loss to Kempsville when the Braves host the Chiefs.

Why it matters

This is the final Monday of the VHSL basketball playoffs, with several top teams and defending state champions looking to advance to the next round. The results of these regional quarterfinal matchups will determine which teams move on in their quest for a state title.

The details

In Region 4B, it's Varina, annually a State Playoff fixture these days, aiming to extend its 15-game winning streak following a 0-2 start to the season. Caroline has won seven straight, including the Battlefield District Tournament Championship over Chancellor last week. As for Chancellor, they get a second meeting with the defending Class 4 State Champion Atlee Raiders, who lost the first encounter to the Chargers 61-58 back in December. Handley puts its eight-game winning streak on the line in hosting Millbrook, while GW-Danville travels to Salem and tries to extend its 12-game winning streak behind prolific scoring guard Kobe Morrison, who recently became the all-time leading scorer in Eagles history.

  • The games are scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The Northumberland vs. Middlesex game was postponed due to weather and rescheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Christian Dinges

A senior at John Handley High School who is averaging 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

Kyren Oglesby

A senior at John Handley High School who is averaging 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Kobe Morrison

The all-time leading scorer in GW-Danville High School history.

Julius Hymons

A player for the Green Run Stallions, the defending Class 5 state champions who are seeking their fourth straight regional title.

Kenneth Randolph

The head coach of the Varina High School Blue Devils, who feature several key members from their state championship-winning football team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.