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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. 5 - Grafton

Preseason Rank: 5
Level: VHSL Class 4 Region A
Head Coach: Matt Lewellen (9th Season)
2018: 20-3, Region A Champs, Lost in State Semifinals

Top Players 

Trey Gibson RHP 2020 (Liberty)
Zack Wojnarowski 2019 (VMI, pictured)
Tyler Cotten C 2020
Joey Majewicz LHP 2019 (Radford)

X-Factor  

Brayden Hodges / Jack Daszkowski INF - Grafton has arguably the deepest pitching staff in the state, yet there still have a few questions on the offensive end in terms of depth in the lineup. Hodges and Daskowski will play big roles for the season success as their performance could lessen the load for Cotten and Wojnarowski in the lineup. Look for really solid seasons from these two.

Key Players Lost

Justin Bowers

Outlook

A team with such depth on the mound this season and a wide variety at that will make for a very interesting season in 2019 for the Grafton Clippers, and we think there is potential for it to end special.

Having already talked about pitching, the Clipper have a three-headed monster who most likely will be their 1A, B, and C options on the mound in 2020 RHP Trey Gibson, 2019 LHP Joey Majewicz (pictured, right), and 2019 RHP Andrew Shartzer all back from last year and have plenty of experience from last seasons state tournament run. Gibson and Shartzer saw plenty of starting time for the Clippers last season, and Majewicz was a super reliever as well as spot starter for them. You more than likely will see something similar simply because of the versatility of Majewicz. Where three and four game weeks early in the season can be a daunting task, this should be no problem for the Clippers with these three and then don't be surprised to see their RHP/OF Mark Petko get himself into the fold quickly as it could eventually become a four headed monster, or he could be another option late in games as a closer type along with their shortstop Zack Wojnarowski.

Offensively the Clippers have a nice group coming back thought they will have to replace Justin Bowers whom they lost to graduation. Leading the offensive attack will be 2020 Tyler Cotten, and  Wojnarowski. they should be a strong duo towards the top of the lineup. Cotten should be in store for an impressive season for the Clippers and will be a player to watch as a top uncommitted prospect out there. Gibson will also contribute on the offensive end for Grafton. Look for Petko to build off a nice sophomore season in the outfield and see his role expand this year. The aforementioned X-Factors Hodges and Daszkowski will once again be key player on the offensive end in the infield for the Clipper as experienced returners.

The combination of balance and depth for the the Clippers make them a team to beat in 4A this year and surely will get a bullseye on them every game this season. That gets the nod at No. 5 in our Preseason Power25.

 

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