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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. 4 - Deep Run

Preseason Rank: 4
Level: VHSL Class 5 Region B
Head Coach: Josh Aldrich
2018: 13-9, Region B Champs, lost in state-semifinals

Top Players 

Tyler Bradt RHP 2019 (VMI)
Carson Jones OF 2019 (Virginia Tech)
Nick Noonan IF 2020
Eli Weisner IF 2019 (Furman, pictured)

X-Factor  

Brandon Hill RHP 2019 - A big key to the season success for the Wildcats is going to be how the pitching staff performs. The talent in definitely there for Deep Run and Hill is one of those who could have a big season. Last year was a bit of a battle with injury, but Hill possesses the stuff that could keep the Wildcats opponents at bay and let the talented offense get it done.

Key Players Lost

David Hanson

Outlook

After a somewhat surprising late season run that saw the Wildcats finally get healthy towards the end of the season, Deep Run won Region B as the eight-seed and run all the way to the state-semifinals, Deep run comes back for 2019 with the majority of their team back for this spring and look poised to make this year their year in Class 5.

The Wildcats have a plethora of depth both offensively and on the mound this year as the majority their team returns for this spring. Wildcats will have a deep an talented lineup returning with the likes of infielders 2019 Eli Weisner, 2019 Brooks Mazey (Randolph-Macon), 2019 Hayes Fallen (Hampden-Sydney) and talented 2020 Nick Noonan.  Weisner is a big bat who should be a staple in the middle of the order for the Wildcats with his ability to hit for average as well as pop. Mazey is a slick middle infielder who will pace the 'Cats toward the top of the lineup yet again this spring after an impressive 2018. Noonan is a bat that has a lot of versatility that could hit all around the lineup and should see a nice spring this year after a very strong showing as a sophomore last year Noonan might also see sometime in the outfield as well as the infield this year. Fallen will also add versatility and be a strong bat in the lineup. Add to that outfielders such as Carson Jones and Scott Sweeney, where Jones will be a middle of the order hitter and Sweeney will add a speed option to the top or backend of the lineup. Also returning to add a nice left handed stick to the order is backstop Drew Larsen. Adding more depth to the lineup will be Tyler Bradt and Alex Bertand, who also bring experience back to the lineup from last year.

Pitching will be a key for this season, and the Wildcats bring back a strong core of arms who should lead the way. Look for Bradt and RHP Brandon Hill (pictured, right) to head up the rotation this season for Deep Run. Both arms have the ability to eat plenty of innings and should have impressive seasons for the 'Cats as long as they stay healthy. A potential wildcard for Deep Run will be Jones, who could see some more time on the mound this season and could add more depth. Also adding to the rotation will be 2019 Jack Wrenn as well as 2020 Ryan Carroll.

On paper, Deep Run looks like a team that has a chance to make a run this 2019 season. We see this potential and think it could mean a big year for the Wildcats this spring. If they can play consistently this spring, that could make for a (no pun intended, well, a little bit) deep run in 2019 for the Wildcats.

MORE PRESEASON POWER25