UPDATE GIRLS:
Judge halts playoffs, giving Manor High girls' basketball team another shot at the title
A clerical error benched an unbeaten team. Now a judge has paused the playoffs, reviving Manor High girls' basketball championship hopes.
Updated: 6:54 AM EST February 28, 2026
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A championship dream that seemed over for the Manor High School girls' basketball team is suddenly back in play.
The Portsmouth team was forced to forfeit a playoff win this week, ending its 14-0 season. But Friday morning, a judge halted the regional tournament finals, giving the Mustangs new hope.
Attorney Steven L. Washington is representing the nine players and their parents.
The legal fight stems from the team’s removal from the Class 4 Region A girls semifinals. Washington filed for an injunction Thursday after the Mustangs were
ruled ineligible because of what he called a "clerical error."
“He didn’t fill out a form,” Washington said.
Washington was referring to Manor High School's athletic director, James Felton. According to court documents filed in Portsmouth Circuit Court, Felton failed to submit a required postseason waiver after a player transferred from Norfolk Academy in December. The student played throughout the regular season.
“If they lose a game on the court fair and square, that is what it is. But not just because — I lost, because I didn’t file a paper,” Washington said.
On February 19, Manor defeated Gloucester 88-20 and advanced as the No. 2 seed. The team was set to face No. 3 Warhill on February 24 when they learned they had been ruled ineligible and would have to forfeit their previous win.
“And they learned that two hours before they were about to play that game,” Washington said.
Gloucester ultimately
fell to Warhill in the matchup Manor was slated to play. Soon after, parents retained Washington to challenge the decision in court.
By Friday morning, a judge ordered the regional finals paused, hours before the final game, keeping Manor’s championship hopes alive — at least for now.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime run for those kids. Some people, they’ll never see a championship run again,” Washington said.
Washington said administrators from Manor High School were not present at the morning hearing. Portsmouth school officials declined to comment on camera, citing the ongoing legal matter.
For the families involved, the goal remains simple.
“Just to be able to play that game that they forfeited,” Washington said.
Other schools, like Warhill and Hampton, are also at a standstill as the injunction plays out in the courts.
In a statement, Williamsburg James City County Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel F. Keever wrote:
We understand and respect the judicial process, but are disappointed in the outcome, timing of the decision, and impact it has on our student-athletes, coaching staff, and Warhill community.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Monday.