4A State Championship Preview:

These games will be played at Liberty University in Lynchburg on Friday, June 13 with the winners meeting in the Championship game at Liberty on Saturday, June 14, at 1:00 pm.

Grafton vs. Millbrook, 9:00 am

Grafton is the Conference 19 champion and lost a tough game to Hanover in the South Region championship game. The Clippers are keyed by two-way player Evan Sperling (UVA), who pitched them into the Regional championship game and hit the go-ahead home run late in their semifinal win over King’s Fork.

Millbrook enters the State Tournament on a 23 game winning streak, having won their fourth game this year against Sherando last week to win the Northern Region tournament. The Pioneers have demonstrated a knack for winning this year, whether in a tight game or a blowout. Millbrook’s offense has also not been held under three runs since their season opener, which is also their lone loss this year. The Pioneers’ strong offense is led by brothers Ryan and Connor Hartigan, Jacob Jaye, and Alex Amos. Colin Benner, Trey Braithwaite, and Anthony Simonelli have been a three-headed monster on the mound for Millbrook this season, as the Pioneers have the pitching depth necessary to win this two-day tournament.

Sherando vs. Hanover, 3:00 pm

Sherando enters the tournament as the Conference and Northern Region runner-up, having lost both championship games to Millbrook. The Warriors are 16-7 on the season and are very familiar with tight, tense, games having played nine one run games this year, including each of their last five.

Hanover is the Conference 20 and South Region champions, defeating Jamestown, Nansemond River, and Grafton in the Regional tournament. Hanover returns to the State Tournament for the second straight year and won last year’s AAA State Championship. As a result of last year’s run the Hawks are led by seniors Derek Casey (UVA), Trevor Denton (Pitt CC), and Matthew Corley (Mary Washington). Hanover would not likely be 20-2 on the season if it were not for the offensive contributions of a few youngsters, specifically sophomores Cayman Richardson (UVA) and John Gregory (Richmond). The Hawks are deep team that is battle-tested and has a strong chance of bringing home a second consecutive title.