If you’ve spent any time in a high school gym lately, you know that 2026 is hitting differently. Specifically, if you're tracking Patrick Henry boys basketball, you've probably noticed that the name "Patrick Henry" covers a lot of ground across the country. We aren't just talking about one school. From the "Patriots" in San Diego holding down a top-30 spot in their section to the hard-nosed squads in Roanoke and Ashland, Virginia, the 2025-26 season has been a wild ride of buzzer-beaters and statement wins.
Honestly, it's easy to get the teams confused. But once you dig into the rosters and the recent box scores, the individual stories start to pop.
The San Diego Powerhouse: Patrick Henry’s Rise in Division 2
Out in California, the Patrick Henry Patriots are currently 14-6. That’s not just a decent record; it’s a statement. They’ve been climbing the MaxPreps rankings steadily, recently sitting at #26 in the San Diego Section and a solid #6 in Division 2.
What's the secret? It’s basically the Alexander Newlands and Isaac Weatherred show.
Weatherred, a senior guard/forward, is averaging 19.4 points per game. He’s the kind of player who can create his own shot when the shot clock is winding down and everyone in the gym knows where the ball is going. Meanwhile, Alexander Newlands is a literal wall in the paint. He’s a senior center shooting 58% from the field and pulling down 12 rebounds a night. You don't just "score" on Newlands; you hope he's looking the other way.
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They just came off a massive 80-57 win against Hoover on January 13, 2026. Before that, they clipped Helix 66-60. They did drop a close one to Coronado (59-56), but this team has won eight of their last nine games. If you're looking for a team with deep playoff potential, this is it.
Grinding it Out in Ashland: The Virginia Battle
Switching gears to the East Coast, the Patrick Henry squad in Ashland, Virginia, is facing a much tougher schedule. They currently sit at 5-3 overall.
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. They had a nail-biter win against Chancellor (44-43) back on January 7, but then hit a rough patch with losses to Atlee and Henrico. The Henrico game on January 13 was a 61-49 loss that showed some gaps in the late-game execution, but the talent is clearly there.
Key Players to Watch in Ashland:
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- Zach Stevens (Sr., SG): Leading the team with 21.0 points per game. He is a pure bucket-getter.
- Trey Brice (Jr., SF): The glass-cleaner. Averaging 13.0 rebounds.
- Nate Solada (Sr., PF): Shooting a ridiculous 60% from the floor. He's efficient and doesn't waste possessions.
- Brown Cobb (Jr., PG): The engine of the offense with 5.0 assists per game.
They’ve got a big matchup coming up against Mechanicsville on January 16. If they want to move up from their #191 state ranking, they’ve got to start stringing together conference wins in the Capital region.
The Roanoke Legacy and the Community College Connection
Then you have the Roanoke, Virginia, Patrick Henry team. They’re coached by Jack Esworthy, a name that's basically synonymous with PH basketball at this point. He’s been there forever—since at least 2009. The roster this year features seniors like Dariyon Williams (a 6'8" center) and Damarion Perdue. They’re a scrappy group, though their record hasn't been as flashy as the San Diego squad this year.
And we can't forget the college level. Patrick & Henry Community College (often just called Patrick Henry) is out there competing in NJCAA Region 10. Their season has been... tough. They’re currently 1-13.
They’ve struggled with defensive efficiency, giving up nearly 89 points per game. But individuals like Jayse Barrett and Kendrale Kidd are still putting in work. It’s a developmental grind at that level, and honestly, the jump from high school to JuCo ball is a lot bigger than most people realize.
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What Most People Get Wrong About These Teams
People tend to look at a win-loss record and think they know the whole story. They don't.
For the San Diego Patriots, their 14-6 record hides the fact that they played a brutal tournament schedule early on. They took some lumps in November against Christian and Steele Canyon, but those games are exactly why they are blowing people out in January.
In Ashland, the 5-3 record is actually quite impressive when you consider the strength of the Capital region. Every night is a dogfight. There are no "off nights" in Virginia high school hoops.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits
If you’re following Patrick Henry boys basketball this year, here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the "Home" vs "Away" Splits: The Ashland team plays significantly better in their own gym. If you’re betting on a comeback, wait for the home stand starting January 16.
- Focus on the Paint: In the San Diego circuit, watch Alexander Newlands. His ability to stay out of foul trouble usually dictates whether the Patriots win or lose. When he plays 30+ minutes, they almost never lose.
- Check the Live Streams: Most of these games are now on the NFHS Network. If you can't make it to Roanoke or San Diego, the film tells a much better story than the final score.
- Recruiting Reality: For scouts, Weatherred (SD) and Stevens (Ashland) are the real deal. They have the frame and the shooting touch that translates to the next level.
The season is hitting its peak right now. Whether it's the high-flying offense in California or the defensive struggles and growth at the community college level, Patrick Henry basketball remains a staple of the winter sports landscape.
To keep up with the latest scores and roster moves, check the local MaxPreps pages for your specific region, as updates usually roll in within 24 hours of tip-off. Keep an eye on the San Diego Section Division 2 playoffs; that’s where the real drama is going to unfold next month.