Western Albemarle survives Hidden Valley’s furious comeback in state semifinals

Roanoke County, March 3, 2026 — Western Albemarle withstood a late charge from Hidden Valley to escape with a 62-54 victory in Tuesday night’s Class 3 state quarterfinal at a packed gym in Roanoke.

The Warriors appeared in control for much of the contest, but the Titans trimmed the deficit in the closing minutes and had possession in the final 30 seconds with a chance to pull within a single possession. Each time Hidden Valley crept closer, however, Western Albemarle found an answer—whether it was a timely rebound, a forced turnover, or a clutch free throw—to keep the margin at two possessions.

Key moments came on the defensive end, where Western Albemarle’s Samuel Seaborn contested shots from Hidden Valley’s Riley James and Wyatt Clarke on consecutive possessions, and Zachary Chase challenged Steele Torrence’s drive to the rim. Nolan Stype and Wynn Womeldorf battled for a critical late loose ball that ultimately swung possession back to the Warriors, allowing them to run valuable seconds off the clock.

When the horn sounded, Western Albemarle had secured its spot in the state semifinals while ending Hidden Valley’s season in dramatic fashion.