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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. 15 - Salem (Roanoke) Spartans

Preseason Rank: 15
Level: VHSL Class 4 Region D
Head Coach: Wes McMillian (6th Season as HC, 18th overall)
2018: 19-3, Class 4 State Champs

Top Players 

Parker Stallard SS/CF 2020 (Virginia Tech)
Zian Honaker LHP 2020 (pictured)
Zac Honaker 3B/OF 2019
Caleb Lingenfelter RHP 2019

 

X-Factor

Parker Stallard SS 2020 - The very talented junior is going to be moving from outfield to shortstop for Salem this season, filling the shoes of Joe Quinn who was a key player from last years state championship run and hit over .400 in his senior campaign. Stallard seems more than capable to handle the switch, which will be a huge help to the Spartans.
 

Key Players Lost

Joe Quinn

Outlook

Salem returns 7 of their 9 starters from a state championship squad look poised to contend for a repeat bid in 2019. With that great depth of returning talent few would argue that in order to get out of Region D, you will need to get through the Spartans.

The mound will once again be a strength for the Spartans as their rotaton of 2019 Caleb Lingenfelter and 2020 Zian Honaker will be one of the top 1-2 combos in the state. Lingenfelter went 5-0 last season for the Spartans. Honaker went 8-0 as a sophomore last year allowing less than 1.5 earned runs a game in what was an impressive season for the lefty. He has a lanky projectable frame with more in the tank. Hunter Tensen and Trevor Gallagher should round out the pitching staff while Tensen looks to build off a nice sophomore campaign out of the pen.

As state before, the Spartans return the majority of their lineup and will be a tough nine to face from top to bottom. leading the offensive attack is 2019 3B Zac Honaker, who hit almost .500 last spring. Speedsters Stallard and Jaden Fetrow will pace the top of the order and create havoc on the bases while they should also make fo excellent range and coverage in the middle of the infield. Matt Wright will aslo return behind the plate as a top offensive returner. Look for Gallagher to add a nice bat while in a UT role working between corner infield and the DH spot while Tensen will see an increased role in the outfield.  Keep an eye out for Michael Morrison and Jack Hudson to see increased roles this spring and add depth to the Spartan Roster.

The deep pool of returning talent from State championship team give plenty of reason to believe the Spartans can repeat in potentially is one of the hardest Classifications in the VHSL. Look for the champs to challenge again for a title as they get the nod at No. 16 in our Power25.

MORE PRESEASON POWER25