by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi
A relentless defense and two smooth-shooting brothers carried Lancaster through its first perfect season in school history and the Red Devils capped it with an exclamation point—claiming the Virginia High School League’s Class 1 boys basketball championship, 62-40, over George Wythe-Wytheville!
The March 9 final at the Virginia Commonwealth University Siegel Center in Richmond drew thousands of Red Devil fans from the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and beyond as alum came from near and far to cheer LHS on to its third state basketball title in 11 years.
Lancaster came close last year, losing to Westmoreland in the state semifinals after beating the Eagles three times prior. That loss only made the Devils more determined.
“Everything we wanted was accomplished,” said senior guard Tyson Henderson, who scored 14 points and grabbed three rebounds in the final. “The goal was to win the state and we did it. Us losing last year really motivated us. Winning states was like our revenge tour.”
Lancaster went 29-0 this year, beating foes from private schools and bigger divisions in its quest for the VHSL title.
“Those games are what prepared us,” said LHS coach Dwayne Pinn. “Our schedule was based upon getting to VCU….
