Walk into the Siegel Center in Richmond on a state championship night, and you'll feel it. It is a specific kind of energy. It’s loud, it’s frantic, and usually, it’s blue and white. For years, John Marshall boys basketball hasn't just been a high school team; they’ve been a force of nature. Honestly, if you follow Virginia hoops, you know the deal. People love them or they love to complain about them. There isn't much middle ground.
The Dynasty That Ty White Built
You can't talk about this program without talking about Ty White. He spent 15 seasons turning a small school of about 540 kids into a national powerhouse. Think about that for a second. Most schools that size are lucky to have one kid who can dunk. White had rosters that looked like Division I college previews.
Basically, he turned the Justices into a "must-see" event. Last March, they didn't just win the VHSL Class 2 state title; they broke the record. They dropped 107 points on Graham High School in the final. 107. In a high school game. It was the first time a team ever hit triple digits in a Virginia state championship game. But then, everything changed. In April 2025, White announced he was leaving for Petersburg High, his alma mater. It felt like an earthquake hit Richmond sports.
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A New Era Under Danyelle Smith
So, what happened after the architect left? John Marshall boys basketball didn't just fold up shop, but the 2025-26 season has definitely been a transition. Danyelle Smith took over the whistle, and the vibe is different. It’s a younger group. They aren't the #1 ranked team in the nation anymore—MaxPreps currently has them sitting around #158 in the state and 5-8 overall as of mid-January 2026.
That’s a big jump from the 25-3 records of the past. But context matters. They are still 2-0 in their region. They still play a schedule that would make most coaches sweat.
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- Latrell Allmond is the name you need to know. He’s a 6'8" power forward who can essentially dominate a game whenever he decides to. He’s class of 2026, so the scouts are practically living in the gym.
- Ladarius Givan adds more size at 6'9". Having two guys that big in Class 2 is basically a cheat code.
- Ahmad Britt and Elijah Charles carry the load in the backcourt.
They’ve taken some lumps this year, like the 98-60 loss to Burbank or the overtime heartbreaker against Triumph Charter. But don't let the record fool you. This team is built for the postseason.
Why Everyone Is Always Arguing About Them
The elephant in the room with John Marshall is always "the rules." Because Richmond has an open enrollment policy, kids can live anywhere in the city and play for the Justices. Plus, they often get out-of-state transfers. Critics say it isn't fair that a school with 500 students plays against tiny rural schools while rostered with future NBA talent.
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The VHSL says if they want to move up to Class 6 (the big schools), they have to move all their sports up. That would be a disaster for their football or baseball teams. So, they stay in Class 2. They keep winning rings. People keep arguing on Twitter. It’s a cycle.
What to Expect the Rest of the Season
If you're planning on catching a game, keep an eye on the chemistry. The early season was rough because of the coaching change and losing stars like Aiden Argabright (who is now at the University of Richmond). But they are starting to click. They just beat Franklin 55-41, and they look like they’re finding a defensive identity.
The goal is still a deep run in March. Even in a "down" year, nobody wants to see the Justices on their side of the bracket. They still have the size, and they still have the "JM" on their chest that intimidates teams before the jump ball.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Scouts
- Watch the Regionals: This is where the Justices usually find their gear. The regular-season record is mostly a byproduct of playing national-level tournaments.
- Focus on Allmond: If you're a scout, Latrell Allmond's development as a perimeter threat is the thing to watch this spring.
- Check the Schedule: Their home games at John Marshall are tight, loud, and intense. It's one of the best atmospheres in Virginia high school sports.
- Monitor the Rankings: Watch the VHSL Class 2 power points. Even with 8 losses, their strength of schedule might still give them a high seed.
The era of 100-point blowouts in the state final might be on pause for a moment, but John Marshall boys basketball isn't going anywhere. They are still the standard for inner-city hoops in the Commonwealth.