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This spring we take a different approach to the unveiling of our Preseason Power25 teams across the commonwealth/DC. Instead of one full release, we will be doing a countdown starting today and running all the way to the beginning of the high school season. Over the course of the next 2.5 weeks, we will be counting down our preseason top 25.

VA/DC Preseason Power25: No. 12 - Western Branch Bruins

Preseason Rank: 12
Level: VHSL Class 6 Region A
Head Coach: Roland Wright (15th Season)
2018: 19-7 - Region A runner-up; Lost in State Championship to West Springfield

Top Players 

Antonio Vazquez RHP 2019
Micah Brown OF 2019
Reid Long RHP 2020
Kyle Carlson 3B 2020

X-Factor

Reid Long  - Long was the No. 2 on the pitching staff last year and had an impressive year as a sophmore for the Bruins. Look for another great year on the mound for the junior but its his bat that could really step up this spring after hitting .310 in 42 at-bats last year.
 

Key Players Lost

Conner Butler
Conner Epley

Outlook

The Bruins are looking for their third straight state final appearance after winning it all in 2017 and being the runner-up in 2018. With their two top arms returning and 6-9 offensive leaders back, it looks like the Bruins could very well be playing again late in the postseason.

On the mound it starts and stops with the Bruins two-headed monster in 2019 RHP Antonio Velasquez and 2020 RHP Reid Long. Both were workhorses for the team with a combined 123 of the 162 innings pitched last year. Both return and will head up the staff and look for great seasons once again for the talented two starters. Roberto Velasquez was third on the team in innings, and could see an increased role this year building off that last year and could be a back-end option out of the pen.

Offensively the Bruins return plenty of experience back this spring. Leading the way is Velasquez after hitting .333 last season. Kyle Carlson is another top returner coming off a .302 season last year is close to 80 plate appearances. Micah Brown looks like he could build off a really nice 2018 after hitting .339in 56 at-bats with 16 RBI, good for fourth on the roster and second out of the returners. Look for Long to build off a nice season last year as well. Keep an eye out for Jalen Perez who finished the season strong as a DH going 4-for-10 in the playoffs, and hit just over .400 in over 20 at-bats as a potential bat who could surprise this season. Aidan Foley looks to see his role expand this season as well at the plate as well and should build off a solid sophomore season. Foley could also help out more on the mound as well. 

With a talented core back to the Bruins this season, it definitely looks as if they should compete once again for a 6A crown in 2019 as they get the nod at No. 12 in our Preseason Power25.

MORE PRESEASON POWER25