The varsity boys basketball team finished the regular season with a 17–3 record. Although Poolesville’s season ended with a 48-45 loss to Century High School in the second round of the MCPSSAA 2A state playoffs, the Falcons’ 17-3 record stands as the best regular season in Poolesville basketball history.
The Falcons also went 5–1 in the Montgomery County North division, finishing second in the region and earning the No. 1 seed in the 2A West Region, entering the playoffs.
Head Coach BJ DeBuchannane, who was named Montgomery County Coach of the Year for the 2025-26 season, said he believed the team had strong potential entering the year.
“Last year we had a lot of injuries early in the season, but once we got healthy, we won 12 of our last 13 games,” said DeBuchannane. “With four of our five starters coming back, I knew that we had the chance to be a special team.”
After a close 57-55 loss to Montgomery Blair on Dec. 9, the Falcons responded by winning their next five games. The team later went on a 12-game winning streak, during that stretch, the Falcons held 11 opponents to under 45 points, including against Albert Einstein High School where they were held under 22 points, their lowest total allowed this season.
Senior Emmanuel Chukwurah, who was named Montgomery County Defensive Player of the Year, said defense was a major focus for the team.
“On defense, our team runs a 1-3-1 zone, and I play the lone spot at the top,” said Chukwurah.“Personally, I always followed the eyes of the offensive player, which would lead to me getting a steal or preventing some type of action being run by the other team.”
Chukwurah averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 steals, and 1 block per game, while also earning First Team MCPS North All-Division honors.
“I also study a large amount of film, so I already knew the tendencies of each team,” Chukwurah said.
Chukwarah believes team camaraderie also played a major role in the Falcons’ success throughout the season.
“Over the years, we grew together as a family and gained a chemistry that few friend groups achieve,” said Chukwurah.
The Falcons also proved they could win away from home, finishing the season with nine road victories, including wins at Northwest, Quince Orchard, and Rockville. The team ended their regular season with a 47-45 victory against Northwest, showing their ability to execute in close games.
