George Wythe High School Boys and Girls VHSL1A Champs The Maroon and Gray
GW girls grab title Lady Maroons defeat Buffalo
By Jessica Blevins
RICHMOND – The wait is over. For the first time since 1989, George Wythe’s girls basketball team reigns as state champions. The Maroons delivered a poised, disciplined performance at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center, defeating Buffalo Gap 50-44 to claim the VHSL Class 1 championship and etch their names in program history.
This victory wasn’t just about a single game—it was the culmination of decades of near-misses and a team that
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refused to let inexperience define them. With a roster composed almost entirely of underclassmen, George Wythe played with the confidence of a veteran squad, controlling the tempo, sinking crucial shots, and withstanding every challenge thrown their way.
The Maroons (27-3) built their lead with sharp perimeter shooting, knocking down eight three-pointers to account for nearly half of their scoring.
Junior guard Makaylan Luttrell and Alana Malavolti each
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Gap 50-44 to make
history
pionship in hand, Campbell knows coaching has its challenges—especially as the landscape changes.
“Basketball is still basketball, but coaches today have to deal with more than coaches 20 years ago,” he said. “But I’ve been blessed. My girls show up in the summer, they work in the off-season, and they’re committed. A lot of coaches can’t say that. I’m lucky.”
For Campbell, the memories go far beyond wins and titles.
“The state championship will always be the highlight,” he said. “But it was seeing the joy on my girls’ faces—watching them reach their goal—that meant everything. And my daughter being on the team made it even more special. That hug—I’ll remember that for a lifetime.”
Off the court, Campbell wears another hat as Athletic Director at George Wythe. It’s a role he embraces with the same energy and pride.
“I enjoy it. Our student-athletes are great, and I love taking care of them and promoting our programs,” he said. “We’ve got a great administration and faculty. I’m truly blessed to be part of this school.”
But at the heart of everything he does are the relationships.
“That’s the most important thing—being a part of their journey, on and off the court. I want them to know they can always count on me,” Campbell said. “I love watching them play other sports, grow as people, and find success beyond basketball.”
That sense of connection extends beyond the team. “Our community is GREAT. Just look at the support during the three state championship games,” he said. “Seeing the stands full of proud
Maroon fans at the Siegel Center in Richmond—that was special. Thank you to everyone who supports George Wythe.”
Campbell’s commitment to the little things—even his own game-day rituals—speaks to his thoughtful approach.
“I have to cut my fingernails before every game,” he said. “I’ve done it since high school. I also like to do things at the same time and in the same way—I guess I’m just a creature of habit.”
His favorite drill? The shell drill, with an emphasis on defensive rotations. And growing up, his favorite player was Jason Kidd.
“He could control the game without scoring a point. That always stuck with me. As a coach, I try to learn from everyone. We’ve got to support each other in this profession.”
Of course, Campbell knows he doesn’t do it alone—and he’s quick to credit the staff that helped make this season so special.
“Coach Malik Johnson is superb,” he said. “He’s my right-hand man, a great basketball mind, and he was masterful at breaking down film and preparing our girls. His presence has elevated our program.”
He also praised assistants Linda Brinkley, Tyler Cannoy and Lance Grubb for their dedication and key contributions.
“Linda was a great addition this year and she’s really picked up what we’re trying to do,” he said. “Tyler works hard behind the scenes with scouting and personnel, and Lance is helping develop our younger girls for the future. I can’t thank them enough.”
As for what’s next? The celebration won’t last long. “We’ll soak it in, but the girls already have their minds made up. We’re even hungrier for next year,” Campbell said. “It’s time to go to work— and we’ll see everyone in the stands for another journey.”
All-State honors abound
George Wythe brought home more than a team title in basketball this year.
Senior leader Reed Kirtner was named the Virginia High School League’s Class 1 Player of the Year, and Tony Dunford was selected as Class 1 Coach of the Year.
A two-time all-state first-teamer and a second-team selection last season, the 6-foot, 1-inch Kirtner finished his career as George Wythe’s all-time leading scorer with 1,680 career points.
For the second time in three seasons, George Wythe head coach Tony Dunford led his Maroons into the state finals with a 26-4 record and the school’s second state championship with a 78-37 win over Franklin in the Class 1 finals. Wythe finished runner-up in 2023, falling to Lancaster in that year’s final. Since taking over the program in 2019-20, Dunford’s teams are 103-40 overall and 71-16 the past three seasons.
Only those players selected to all-region first teams are eligible for selection to the All-State team. Each All-State selection committee comprises eight basketball coaches (2 from each Region).
Joining Kirtner on the All State first team was fellow Maroon, junior David Goode. Senior Shane Huff was picked for the AllState second team.
Patrick Henry senior Cole Caywood was also named to the first team. Caywood’s junior brother, Cade Caywood, was named to the second team, as was Chilhowie senior Will Goodwin and Fort Chiswell freshman Owen Jackson.
On the girls’ side George Wythe head coach Doug Campbell was named the Virginia High School League’s head coach of the year for Class 1.
Campbell led his Maroons to a 27-3 record and the school’s second state championship with a 66-44 win over Buffalo Gap. The only other state title for the Maroons came in 1989. Since taking over the program in 2013-14, Campbell’s teams are 234-76 overall in 12 seasons, including a runner-up finish in 2017. Before taking over the Maroon program, he led the boys’ program at Castlewood, compiling a 52-24 record and reaching the state quarterfinals in each of his three seasons at the school.
Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography
Treyvon Rainey scores during the regular season. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com
He has a career overall record of 286-100.
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In Their Own Words
Name: Rex Delp
Grade: 12
Future Plans: After High School I plan on attending a big college. I hope to be a student manager for the basketball team of the school I attend.
What’s No. 1 on your Spotify Wrapped?
Morgan Wallen
What one memory will you carry with you from your time as a Maroon?
Celebrating big wins with the team.
What do you enjoy most about playing your sport?
Competing everyday with my best buds
Name: Holden Luttrell
Grade: 12
Future Plans: Pilot or Coach
What’s No. 1 on your Spotify Wrapped?
Gunna
What one memory will you carry with you from your time as a Maroon?
Sophomore year season.
What do you enjoy most about playing your sport?
Getting after it with my boys
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Alayna McNulty of Honaker kept it from being a Maroon clean sweep. The senior Tiger was named the Player of the Year for Class 1.
A first-team selection in back-to-back years, the 5’11” McNulty averaged 15.1 points, shooting 46.0 percent from the floor (170-367), and 8.1 rebounds (3.7 defensive/4.4 offensive) per game, while leading the Tigers to a 28-2 record, a Region 1D title, and a spot in the Class 1 Final Four before falling to eventual state champion George Wythe, 31-34. McNulty finished her Honaker career with 1,540 points, 871 rebounds, 247 assists, 278 steals, and 89 blocks.
The Maroons had two players named to the AllState first team and one to the second team.
Caroline Harris, a sophomore, was picked for the first team, as was junior Makaylan Luttrell. Abby Berry, a senior at George Wythe, was selected for the second team.
Blair Jackson, a senior from Fort Chiswell, was named to the All State first team.
Galax senior Jenna Sayers was picked for the second team.
Marcus Caudill/SWVA Photography Alana Malavolti drives to the hoop during the regular season.
Coming up Clutch Freshman delivers big in championship run for GW girls
By Jessica Blevins
She hadn’t done anything quite like it all season. But when the moment arrived, freshman Avery Cline didn’t flinch.
Down by two points with less than a minute to play in the Class 1 state semifinal, Cline caught the ball behind the arc, squared up, and let it fly.
Swish.
The go-ahead three-pointer gave George Wythe its first lead of the second half and capped a furious 14-point comeback against Honaker.
Just over 20 seconds later, with the game on the line again, she calmly sank two free throws to secure the 34-31 victory—sending the Maroons to the state championship.
“I knew we were down by two and was hoping I could get an open look,” she said. “My teammates moved the ball so fast—it gave me the chance to take that shot. I got to shoot the basketball, but we made the shot [as a team].”
It was the kind of performance that turns heads—not just because of the stakes, but because it came from a player still in her first year of high school basketball. Cline didn’t expect to have such a big role this season, but when the team needed her most, she delivered like a veteran.
“I was just in the zone,” she said. “I wanted our team to win.”
To those who had followed the Maroons all season, it was a breakout moment from a quiet contributor who had steadily grown more confident with every game. Though she entered the year unsure of what to expect, Cline’s poise had been quietly building.
“In each game, I felt my confidence grow more and more,” she said. “I got more comfortable in my role on the team as the season went on.”
By the time the Maroons reached the state semifinal, Cline had fully stepped
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Caudill/SWVA Photography
Marcus
Avery Cline fires one in from beyond the arc.
Marcus
Photography George Wythe players celebrate during the run-up to dual state championships. To purchase photos, contact Marcus Caudill at www.SwvaPhotography.com
Caudill/SWVA
Sarah Goode
George Wythe players gather around during a time out at Richmond. Photos courtesy Sarah Goode.
Side by Side
The sibling bond behind George Wythe’s state titles
By Jessica Blevins
Carted to gyms in carriers and raised in the stands, Holden and Makaylan Luttrell grew up wherever the game took their family—surrounded by basketballs, bleachers and a sport that, for one, was love at first sight and for the other, an acquired passion. Still, neither imagined their parallel basketball journeys would end with state championships—won just hours apart.
In March, the George Wythe siblings did just that—claiming VHSL Class 1 state titles and cementing their shared legacy. For their family, it was a dream realized. For the Luttrells, it was the culmination of years of sibling rivalry, relentless training and a bond that carried them through every win, loss and injury along the way.
“It’s really amazing,” Makaylan said. “We never expected it to happen. I keep saying it—God was with us. He knew we could do it together.”
Holden, a senior, called it redemption. “Two years ago we lost, and then didn’t win last year either. This year, it just all clicked. Like Coach Dunford said, we weren’t just hungry—we were starving.”
Basketball isn’t just a sport in the Luttrell household—it’s part of their family identity. Their dad, Jason, has coached both middle and high school basketball. Their mom, Chrissy, has helped with youth teams and kept the book. From infancy, Holden and Makaylan were loaded into car seats and carried to gyms, where they spent countless hours in the stands— watching, snacking and soaking up the game.
For Holden, basketball was instant. For Makaylan, it took time. Their dad brought her to the gym when she was little, but at first, she didn’t even want to touch the ball. Over time, though, it stuck.
They spent their childhoods challenging each other—shooting contests in the driveway, dunk contests on the trampoline, and daily trips to the rec center that
often ended in competition.
“We always went to the rec center and played,” Makaylan said. “But we couldn’t play one-on-one without fighting. It made us better, though.”
Holden agreed, laughing: “We definitely pushed each other. A lot of fights, but it was worth it.”
Despite the rivalry, the siblings have always shown up for one another. After finishing her own games, Makaylan was a constant in the stands for her brother, cheering him on with all the enthusiasm of someone who understood the stakes.
“He makes me better just because he is who he is,” Makaylan said. “He likes to try to be better than me—and I like to try to beat him too.”
Holden returned the favor.
“If it’s a teammate, I’ll tell her to shake it off,” he said. “But if it’s someone else, I’ve got her back.”
Their bond goes beyond protection—it’s about shared experiences. “After games, we talk—compare perspectives, break things down,” Holden said. “It’s cool to have that with your sibling.”
Makaylan, a junior, took on a leadership role this season alongside the team’s lone senior, Abbigail Berry. With years of experience and long-standing connections to her teammates, she found herself stepping into that space naturally.
“Since Abby was the only senior, someone else had to take on that role,” she said. “I tried to be the best leader out there because I’ve been around the sport. I’ve been with these girls for a lot of years, so they understand where I’m coming from.”
She added that taking on that responsibility now will make her transition into full leadership as a senior feel familiar.
Holden, meanwhile, embraced what he called the “dirty work”—rebounding, making extra passes, taking charges, and doing whatever the team needed.
“I knew I had to do the dirty work on the team,” he said. “I had to get the rebounds, make the extra pass, take a charge. I knew
that if they could buy in—not to following me, but to understanding that—that we’d be a good team.”
Both siblings led in their own ways, but their energy extended far beyond the court. Whether in the game or on the bench, they were known for their support of teammates and their ability to rally the team—and the crowd—with their enthusiasm.
There was a moment during each of their championship games when the emotion became overwhelming.
“After the game ended, I saw my dad in the tunnel and gave him a big hug—we were both bawling,” Makaylan said. “Then Holden came over, and we all had this big group hug. It was emotional, but the best kind of emotional.”
Holden remembered the final seconds as they unfolded on the court. “I was dribbling up, saw the fans, and knew—this is real. We did it.”
Neither of them got to that point easily. Holden had battled injuries in previous seasons and once again faced setbacks this year—but stayed focused and determined to contribute when it mattered most.
“He had to fight for playing time after that,” said Chrissy Luttrell, Holden and Makaylan’s mother. “Every minute he got, he earned.”
Their determination showed in the way they responded to challenges. After being blown out by Honaker in the region tournament last year, Makaylan’s team came into this season with something to prove.
“They beat us by 25 or something last year at Region,” she said. “We knew we could play better. So when we faced them this season, we kept working. We lost by three the first time—but the third time, we beat them.”
There’s still playful debate over who technically won their title first—but neither one would trade the experience of
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More than winning Dunford makes connection a priority for his Maroons
By Jessica Blevins
For George Wythe boys basketball coach Tony Dunford, the game has always been more than just a sport—it’s been a lifelong passion.
“After my playing days were over, I knew I wanted to stay involved,” Dunford said. “My high school coach and mentor offered me a job on his staff right after graduation, and I felt like I had to take that opportunity.”
Dunford began his coaching career in the early ’90s and brought decades of experience with him when he joined the Maroons as an assistant coach under Pat Burns during the 2016–17 season. Now in his sixth year as head coach, Dunford previously coached at Brookville High School, Christiansburg High School and Roanoke College.
While he passed on a few Division III opportunities after graduating from Pulaski County High School in 1990, Dunford had his sights set on a different future.
“I knew I wanted to coach,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 33 years now, and it’s still just as rewarding as when I started.”
That mindset carries over into his coaching style, which blends structure with adaptability.
“Everyone loves to run and play fast, but at the high school level, you have to adjust to your personnel,” he explained. “Designing a game plan that fits your players’ strengths each season is one of the most enjoyable parts of coaching.”
Motivation, he believes, comes from more than just fiery speeches or pressure—it comes from belief.
“I constantly build my players up and remind them of how much they’re improving,” Dunford said. “I help them visualize their potential as individuals and as a team. I’m lucky to have a group of self-driven kids who also help lead one another.”
For Dunford, character outweighs talent.
“You can always improve your skills with hard work,” he said, “but if you don’t carry yourself with character, treat others well, and represent your school and community with pride, the rest doesn’t matter. I want our players to be good citizens, husbands, fathers and leaders. That’s what’s most important.”
That foundation has helped shape a program focused not just on wins, but on growth.
“Of course we aim to win championships,” Dunford said, “but our primary goal is to get better every day. Focus on the next practice, the next play, the next game. If we do that, the success will follow.”
This season, the Maroons did just that— and it led them all the way to a state championship. But Dunford said some of their most competitive moments came during practice.
“These kids love each other. They push each other,” he said. “We have an intelligent, tight-knit group with great character. I’m proud of them regardless of wins or losses—but watching them grow and compete has been special.”
Teaching unselfishness is part of the daily work. “We talk about it, we show film, we share quotes—it’s something we intentionally practice, just like free throws,” he said. “Selflessness isn’t something that comes naturally to every team, but it’s what makes good teams great.”
One of Dunford’s most memorable moments came in the 2022–23 season, when George Wythe edged Auburn in the state semifinals.
“David Goode hit the winning free throws down the stretch, and their best player missed a shot at the buzzer,” he said. “That feeling—the joy and elation I had for those kids—I’ll never forget it. I want to feel that again, and I believe I will.”
Still, coaching in today’s climate isn’t without its challenges.
“Kids are playing sports year-round now, and it’s not always healthy,” Dunford
said. “There’s a lot of pressure on high school athletes, and I try to remind them to step back and just enjoy being kids. I want them to stay well, physically and mentally.”
After more than three decades in the game, Dunford still prioritizes connection—on and off the court.
“Not every kid gets the same playing time or shot attempts, but I love them all the same,” he said. “I just hope I’ve helped them become the best versions of themselves.”
He also knows none of it happens in a vacuum.
“We are incredibly blessed to have a supportive community,” he said. “They feed our kids, sponsor camps and trips, and travel anywhere to cheer them on. It’s a kid-friendly, loving community, and we’re so thankful.”
Even the beginning of practice holds meaning for Dunford.
“When our kids are stretching, that’s my favorite part of the day,” he said. “It gives me a chance to put an arm around them, ask how their day was, and connect. That bonding time is invaluable.”
Game-day rituals? He has a few.
“I always talk to my mom,” Dunford said. “She loves our team and always gives me a little advice. This year it’s been, ‘Tell those kids to follow their shots.’” And as for luck—“I have a lucky pair of socks I wear for every game.”
As for coaching influences, Dunford is quick to name a favorite.
“I’m a huge Tony Bennett fan,” he said. “I admire the values and ideals he stands for. The college game truly lost a great one when he stepped away.”
And while Dunford may have accomplished one of the highest honors in high school basketball, his focus remains right where it started—on the kids.
“Wins come and go,” he said. “But helping young men grow into great people? That’s why I coach.”
Name: Caroline Harris Grade: 10
Future Plans: Ultrasound
What’s No. 1 on your Spotify Wrapped? Drake
What one memory will you carry with you from your time as a Maroon? Going to state with our boys and girls team
What do you enjoy most about playing your sport? Being with my friends and having fun
Name: Alana Malavolti
Grade: 10
Future Plans: Work towards playing college ball.
What’s No. 1 on your Spotify Wrapped? SZA
What one memory will you carry with you from your time as a Maroon? Just the whole experience at state.
What do you enjoy most about playing your sport? The adrenaline rush at the tip off of the game.
Name: Madalyn Morris Grade: 10
Future Plans: Attended college, complete an RN nursing program, and become a registered nurse anesthetist.
Continued from Page 18 doing it together.
In Their Own Words
What’s No. 1 on your Spotify Wrapped? Headlines by Drake
What one memory will you carry with you from your time as a Maroon?
My time isn’t over yet, but being able to compete for and win a state title with the support of our community.
What do you enjoy most about playing your sport? Being able to compete in a sport I love with my friends who are also my teammates.
Name: Baylee Campbell Grade: 9
Future Plans: Go to college and major in Psychology
What’s No. 1 on your Spotify Wrapped? Drake
What one memory will you carry with you from
of them takes lightly.
your time as a Maroon? When my dad punted the ball into the bleachers at practice. Also, when we tried to escape from practice and he made us run.
What do you enjoy most about playing your sport? Playing with my friends and playing for my dad.
Name: Destiny Davis Grade: 10
Future Plans: Become a lawyer
What’s No. 1 on your Spotify Wrapped? Stay by Rihanna
What one memory will you carry with you from your time as a Maroon? Coach Campbell crying after the state semifinals. What do you enjoy most about playing your sport? Being able to play
it with my best friends.
Name: Makaylan Luttrell Grade: 11
Future Plans: After graduating, I am planning on playing basketball at a collegiate level while I get my Bachelor’s Degree. Then I’ll get my PHD in Radiology.
What’s No. 1 on your Spotify Wrapped? I don’t have Spotify, however I listen to many genres of music on Apple Music.
What one memory will you carry with you from your time as a Maroon? Winning the State Championship! It’s a very special moment that I will never forget because I got to win it with my best friends and an amazing coaching staff. Also, my brother (Holden Luttrell) won the State Championship as well and on the same day too! So it’s something we’ll never forget.
What do you enjoy most about playing your sport? I enjoy playing basketball because not only does it teach you lessons on the court but it also teaches you valuable life lessons that you won’t forget. I also enjoy getting to share the love of the sport with my family and teammates.
The George Wythe community was behind them the whole way, packing gyms, donating meals for road games, and cheering them on like family.
“If we played in Virginia Beach, they’d follow us there,” Holden said. “We feel that support.”
Little kids often recognize them out in public—and that’s not something either
“Little kids come up to me at Walmart, tell me I played great,” Makaylan said. “That’s so special—to be that person for them.”
Holden is considering playing football at Bridgewater College, though Liberty University is also on his radar as a possible next step academically. Makaylan plans to return for her senior season with renewed focus and more confidence than ever.
For now, they’re both soaking in what they accomplished—not just for themselves, but for each other.
“I just want to thank God for every opportunity He’s given us to play together and do what we love,” Holden said.
“All that hard work paid off,” Makaylan added. “It was emotional—but amazing.”
From childhood court battles to championship banners, their story isn’t just about winning—it’s about the bond that carried them there.
