The 2025-26 season for Banner's varsity boys' basketball team was nothing short of unforgettable, ending with a 78-66 victory over Denbigh Baptist Christian School to secure the Virginia Independent Schools' Athletic Association Division IV state championship on Saturday at Benedictine School. Banner took home its second state championship, having also claimed the title in 2023.
In the deciding game, Banner, the top seed in the tournament, owned a four-point lead (36-32) at halftime and took control of the game in the third quarter, pushing to a 12-point advantage entering the final stanza. Denbigh Baptist, a Christian school based in Newport News, got within six points late in the fourth quarter, but Banner seized back control of the contest in the final two minutes. The team and our fans erupted in celebration as the final horn sounded. And our Bearcats honored the time-honored championship tradition of cutting down the nets following the awards ceremony, a symbol that will forever live in Banner lore.
Banner opened the tournament by thrashing Richmond Christian, 112-59, before recording a hotly-contested and dramatic 75-71 triple-overtime victory over Carlisle School in the semifinals at Benedictine School.
The players loved having our fans decked out in white as a part of a 'white-out' in the final four matchup and the deciding contest.
Our Bearcats completed the campaign with a 19-6 overall record (11-3 in the region) and reached significant milestones that will long be remembered. As the season wraps up, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our four seniors—Xavian Bagley, Braedyn Carter, Landon Moore and Izaiah Robinson. Robinson crossed the 1,000-point threshold in his prep career—a truly amazing accomplishment, and we're so proud of you, Izaiah.
Their leadership, commitment and dedication have left a lasting impact on the program. We’ll be praying for them as they finish their senior year and step into the next chapter of their lives. As for the returning players, the work begins now to prepare for the 2026-27 season—another chance to chase more championships.
The 2025-26 campaign was one for the history books, and we can’t wait to see where this team's collective drive will take them next.
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- Click here to watch a replay of the game.
