West Potomac Boys Basketball Defies Expectations in Standout 2025 Season
The 2025 season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the West Potomac High School boys basketball team. After graduating seven players and losing three more to transfers, few outside the program expected much from the squad. But Head Coach David Houston and his resilient group had other plans.
Instead of fading into the background, West Potomac finished second in their district, made it to the regional Final Four, and earned key victories that signaled a new era of competitiveness and grit. From veteran leadership to rising stars, the Wolverines’ season was marked by perseverance, defensive toughness, and a refusal to back down, no matter the odds.
Leading the Charge: Key Contributors
The heart of this year’s team came from a core group of players who not only produced on the stat sheet but set the tone in the locker room and on the practice floor.
Michael Ofori, a senior captain, was the engine that drove the team. A First Team All-District and All-Region selection, Ofori handled primary ball-handling duties, scored at will, and was the team’s go-to defensive stopper, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player.
Dominic Sanchez, another senior captain, was a force on the boards and finished third on the team in scoring. His rebounding and interior presence gave the team crucial second-chance opportunities all season long.
Max Tuttle, a junior captain, was second in rebounding and served as the team’s top post defender. Tuttle’s size, positioning, and effort helped anchor the team's interior defense.
Christian Morrison, a junior point guard, emerged as one of the best shooters in the area, hitting over 40% from beyond the arc and earning Second Team All-District honors.
Together, these four players formed a backbone of talent, leadership, and composure that carried West Potomac through one of the most challenging but rewarding seasons in recent memory.
Exceeding Expectations
Despite the adversity leading into the season—losing nearly an entire rotation to graduation or transfer—the team responded by rewriting the narrative. Coach Houston recalls how low the external expectations were.
“We were not expected to do well,” he shared. “But our team finished in second place in the district and made it to the Final Four of our region.”
One of the year’s most thrilling moments came on the road: a massive upset of undefeated CG Woodson on their senior night. That win served as a statement—not just about West Potomac’s talent, but about its grit.
Another key turning point came later in the season, as the team entered the second round of conference play. Their defensive performance against Lake Braddock, holding them to just 15 first-half points, was a signal to everyone that West Potomac had developed into a formidable, defensively elite team.
Development and Growth
While the veterans led the way, much of the season’s success was built on the development of younger players. In particular, Michael Ofori’s role grew dramatically—not just as a scorer or defender, but as the team’s primary leader on the floor. His willingness to expand his responsibilities and take on challenges was vital to the team's progression.
The emphasis on hard-nosed defense and team-first mentality paid dividends as the season wore on. West Potomac played every game with relentless energy, no matter who was on the floor.
Adversity and Resilience
Throughout the season, the team encountered a steady stream of obstacles, from missing players to tough matchups. But Coach Houston was proud of how his group responded to pressure and setbacks.
“We had many challenges where players were not able to play, for various reasons,” Houston noted. “Our team responded great, winning almost all of those games.”
Their final game of the year was a heartbreaker: a double-overtime loss to Hayfield Secondary, the same team West Potomac had defeated in the regional final the previous season. While the loss stung, the performance demonstrated the Wolverines’ toughness and character. To take a top team into double OT underscored just how much heart and resilience the players had shown all year.
Seniors Who Set the Standard
Despite only having two seniors, the team benefited tremendously from their presence. Both Ofori and Sanchez had been part of the regional championship team the year before, and their experience and leadership were invaluable in guiding a younger squad.
“They stepped up big time as leaders of our team/program,” said Coach Houston. “They showed up daily and did not miss any games or practices all year.”
Their example—consistent, reliable, and driven—helped instill the team culture that became one of the defining features of the 2025 season.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
If this year’s surprise success was just a glimpse of what’s to come, West Potomac fans should be excited. Coach Houston emphasized the benefits of experience gained by younger players who were thrust into bigger roles and delivered.
“The experience of playing in practice and big games will help all of them next year,” he said.
With key returners like Max Tuttle and Christian Morrison, and a group of young players who now know what it takes to compete at the highest level, the foundation is in place for another strong campaign.
Offseason Goals
Looking to 2026, Coach Houston and his staff are focused on skill development and athletic growth. The offseason plan is straightforward but critical: improve shooting and ball handling, while also focusing on individual athleticism—strength, speed, jumping, and quickness.
It’s a smart approach that recognizes the blend of technical skill and physical conditioning necessary to elevate a good team into a championship-level program.
Final Thoughts: Culture, Character, and Confidence
What stood out most about the 2025 West Potomac basketball team wasn’t just the wins or the postseason run—it was the way they defied expectations through effort, unity, and an unshakable belief in each other.
This team didn’t rely on hype or headlines. They relied on hard work, daily consistency, and trust in the process.
From a double-overtime battle against a regional powerhouse to a shocking upset on the road, this year’s squad proved that even in transition, West Potomac basketball is here to compete—and to win.
The future looks bright, and if this season is any indication, the Wolverines are just getting started.
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