The 2026 Class 6 state final brought together two excellent teams — not merely good ones. In an era of multiple classifications and many top players migrating to private schools, a very good team can sometimes make a run through the postseason and win a state title.
But on this afternoon at VCU’s Siegel Center, a very good team would not have been enough.
A great one was required.
Westfield proved to be exactly that, capturing the second state basketball championship in school history with a 48–44 victory over Landstown.
Both teams are built around spectacular guards capable of taking over a game. Landstown’s dynamic sophomore Damien Robinson showed that early, finishing coast-to-coast and drilling a deep three that briefly energized the crowd. Yet neither star guard was able to fully take control. Robinson finished with 12 points; Westfield’s Jemon Price had nine — both less than half of their season averages.
That wasn’t because of gimmicks or junk defenses. It was simply that both teams defend at a very high level.
Nearly every possession became a battle. Cuts were contested. Passes were pressured. Nothing came easily.
On the sidelines, Westfield’s Kevin Harris and Landstown’s Dwight Robinson paced and directed traffic, two highly respected coaches urging their teams through every possession.
The only disappointment was the crowd. Fewer than 1,000 fans were scattered through the seats for the midweek afternoon final, leaving the building quieter than a championship game deserved.
Then three buses arrived from Westfield.
Students poured behind one basket, found their rhythm, and suddenly the energy in the building changed.
But what mattered most was the game itself.
Landstown, smaller in both height and build, made up for it with speed and awareness. The Eagles attacked the lane and finished creatively around the rim, taking a narrow 25–24 lead into halftime. At that point it felt as if they might be able to make the decisive run. Their transition game was dangerous, and defensively they seemed to have answers.
Westfield had one of its own.
Will Robinson, the Bulldogs’ 6-foot-7 post player, stepped forward in a big way. Known mostly for his ability to stretch the floor, Robinson dominated inside instead — scoring through contact, controlling rebounds, and protecting the rim with four blocks.
He finished with 22 of Westfield’s 48 points.
The biggest basket of the afternoon may have come from Malachai Lee, a standout football player who continues to impress on the hardwood. With Westfield protecting a slim fourth-quarter lead and the offense beginning to hesitate, Lee drove the baseline and finished in traffic for a crucial basket that pushed the Bulldogs’ lead to five late in the game and eased the tension.
Landstown kept coming. Rashad Shaw scored 15 points and kept the Eagles within reach, but Westfield’s defense tightened as the clock wound down, forcing rushed possessions and increasingly desperate shots.
When the final horn sounded, Harris — who had spent 32 minutes directing every possession and urging his players forward — finally allowed himself a smile.
He turned toward the Westfield students behind the basket and stepped into the celebration.
For Westfield, a long season of expectations ended the way every coach hopes it will.
As state champions.