“I’ve never seen anyone happier to put on a pinny,” Monticello’s Jacob Pelton said.

Monica Wright could not help but laugh.

“Coming back in that last game was really amazing,” said Patriots coach Mark Ragland. “When you’re up 2-0 and then everything turns against you, it’s really hard to find that inner strength.“

In the waning moments of last Sunday’s exhibition game at John Paul Jones Arena, Sylven Landesberg soared majestically toward the basket.

When it came time to make a decision on where to attend college, Elizabeth Brightwell knew she didn’t want to go far from home.

For three years, Virginia — for various reasons — hasn’t subscribed to it. Instead of working inside-out, UVa has attempted to go outside-in.

And, to that end, Virginia coach Dave Leitao has zeroed in on Mychal Parker — a silky-smooth wing player who just so happens to be playing at the nearby Miller School this year.

Scattershooting around the ACC, while second-guessing myself concerning Miami coach Randy Shannon ...

It’s official now — Central Virginia is a powerhouse region for private school girls cross country.

Virginia’s porous defense was a recurring theme during the 2007-08 season — and a major reason why the Cavaliers slipped from first to 10th in the ACC standings.

Virginia director of athletics Craig Littlepage has given Groh more than a vote of confidence. And, yeah, we know the old adage that a vote of confidence is usually the kiss of death.

It’s been eight years since Albemarle High went to the state semifinals, but after a strong 3-1 victory over past Frank W. Cox High Tuesday night, the Patriots are bound for Richmond’s Siegel Center.

The Chargers, who lift weights after practice every day, used their strength and size to their advantage and ousted Western Albemarle from the Group AA tournament on Tuesday night.

The All-JD squads, first through third teams.

UVa, which lost in the ACC Tournament semifinals to Virginia Tech last week, earned a No. 2 seed and will open at Klockner Stadium against Army on Friday at 5 p.m.

Quintin Hunter helped spark the Hornets to a pair of wins that completed a five-game win streak to close out his football stint at Orange County

The Warriors will travel to Chancellor today in the first round of the state tournament.

The Patriots will finally head back home for the Group AAA quarterfinals, the program’s fifth trip to the state tournament in the Mark Ragland era.

On Monday, a source told The Daily Progress that Virginia has a legitimate shot of reeling in one of the jewels of the 2009 class — Renardo Sidney, a 6-foot-10, 250-pounder out of Los Angeles’ Fairfax Senior High.

In a few blinks of the eye — yet again — Virginia was trapped behind the 8-ball away from home.

Heading into this season, it was widely assumed that Virginia would start Jeff Jones, Sammy Zeglinski or Sylven Landesberg in the backcourt alongside Calvin Baker.

“It’s such an exciting game, the feeling’s electric all week,” Woodberry coach Clint Alexander said of atmosphere. “I told the boys after they won the Prep League title, it’s a one-game season.”

In Purcellville, Albemarle volleyball pulled off a monster upset in the Northwest Region Championship, as the Patriots knocked off home standing Loudoun Valley, 3-2.

“It was a really bad start, but the whole first straightaway I was just focusing on getting as close to the pack as I could,” said Thomas Baker.

Albemarle’s boys cross country team saved the best for last.

Quincey September’s knuckles and fingernails were bleeding, he was exhausted and he’d fought through leg cramps the entire game.

Where’s Dr. Lou when you need him?

UVa suddenly finds its postseason hopes in need of life support.

Jay is at Wake Forest blogging the game against the Demon Deacons.

Virginia will get an up-close look today at the Great Redshirting Experiment when the Cavaliers take on Wake Forest in a game that neither team can afford to lose.