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Welcome to the 2019 VISAA preview. We will give you a brief recap of how the season ended in each division, along with a list of teams we feel could contend along with a description of the team and who to keep an eye out for for each team. Lots of info with over

Division I

2018 saw St. Christopher’s take home the championship after a 7-2 victory over Norfolk Academy. St. Christopher’s made it to the championship defeating Collegiate with a walk-off homerun off the bat of Nick Biddison to advance. Norfolk Academy upset Benedictine in the first round of the playoffs, then knocked off Paul VI in the semi-finals to make it to the championship game.

The 2019 spring looks to be a competitive one with the potential to see another Richmond area based team take home the hardware this spring. Big challengers coming out of the Beach area will hope to spoil that. 

Contenders

Benedictine

The top team in the regular season saw their 2018 spring get cut short after being upset by Norfolk Academy in the first-round last season. Although some key senor have gone for the Cadets, the roster is still deep and talented and might just be stronger this spring.

Anchoring the offensive attack this spring will be the No.1 player in the 2019 class in the PBR VA/DC rankings, SS Jamari Baylor (Louisburg). Baylor is an uber-talent who will attract many pro scouts this spring for his offensive and defensive talent. Also returning to the lineup and a year older is 2021 Jay Woolfolk who when not pitching will patrol the outfield and be a key cog in the lineup. Also returning and adding a big stick to the middle of the lineup is 2020 C Jack Hall. 2019 3B Jack Carpin will also return to the lineup and be a strong contributor for the Cadets. Casey Green will also be a key piece of the lineup while also being a big arm for Benedictine. The Cadets also welcome back talented 2019 MIF Brett Cook (Tulane) who returns for his senior season after spending the last two years at IMG Academy in Florida. Cook will add a big bat to a deep and talented lineup.

Benedictine have two very talented arms heading up the staff this 2019 spring. Back again will be Green (Coastal Carolina) who will be the ace and is another draft prospect this spring with his lively arm and projectable frame who already brings a low 90’s fastball. Woolfolk will return as the. No. 2 this year and will see some bigger game action taking over for Mark Loving. Woolfolk is currently the No. 1 ranked player in the VA/DC 2021 class. 2019 Alex Markus, and a junior triumvirate of Jack Anderson (Army), Bennett Lloyd, and Brock Carter add an immense amount of depth to the Cadet staff. If you are a casual baseball fan who wants to catch only a couple games of high school baseball, make sure Benedictine is one of your stops.

Collegiate

A team we forgot to mention in our Central Virginia title contenders, the Cougars have 11 key returners back from a team that was one pitch away from playing for the Division I state championship last year. Not much was lost from last year’s squad, but one major player lost was their two-way star Travis Reifsnider, who was a key cog not only at the plate but on the mound as well. It will be hard to make up the .521 batting average, seven homeruns and 32 RBI he provided. It does however look like the next two years could be a nice run for the Cougars as their four top returners all reside in the 2020 class. LHP/OF Trey Boll (Virginia), RHP Michael Stewart (JMU), SS/RHP Nigel Williams, and C/RHP Lew Rice all return and were key pieces for collegiate during their sophomore campaigns.

Stewart (52 IP, 2.12 ERA) will assume the ace role again this spring for the cougars with Boll, Will Hutchins, and Rice again being key arms. Look for 2021 Heth Alexander to see an expanded role this spring as well.

Rice (.333, 6 HR, 28 RBI) leads the offensive returners as an explosive left-handed hitter. Williams (.320, 33 R) will anchor the top of the order and continue to create havoc. Look for Boll (.260, 29 R) to have a nice season as well and be a hitter to pick up some of the pieces lost from Reifsnider. Keep an eye out for OF Donovan Williams to see a bigger role this season as well.

Norfolk Academy

The surprise team of 2018 looks like they should challenge for a title this spring with a strong group of returners from the state runner-up roster. Leading the way on the mound will be 2019 Brendan Kastner to assume the ace role this spring with 2020 Ethan Hennessy and Dawson Montagna playing key roles on the staff.

Offensively, 2019 Landon Porter (Hampden-Sydney) will anchor the lineup and play a key role in the middle infield for the Bulldogs. Hennessy and Montagna will also be key pieces to the lineup and watch out for 2020 Julian Franks-Pollock, who is an exciting prospect as well with a loud bat who should help the Bulldogs.

St. Christopher’s

The defending champs will have plenty of pieces to replace this 2019 spring, but look like they will have some key returners in place to make them a title contender this year. The Saints will have to find replacements for key pieces Hunter Andrews (Roanoke), Nick Biddison (Virginia Tech), and Maddison Furman (VCU), which will be very hard to find, but one constant yet again will be 2019 RHP/SS Patrick Routsis (ODU) who will be the ace on the mound and be a key cog in the middle of the order this season. Also on the mound for the Saints will be 2019 Charlie Vozenilek who has plenty of experience and will take over the No. 2 spot in the rotation for Furman.

Offensively it will be Routsis and 2021 SS Griff O’Ferrall leading the offensive charge as the main returners with experience. O’Ferrall had an impressive season in his freshman campaign and will look to build off of that this spring. Damone Fleming looks like he could be a key cog in the middle of the lineup this season as well after injury limited his 2018 spring. Jack Vanichkachorn could also see some time as well. Losing 7 of 9 offensive starters from last year will make some movement and shifting around in the lineup early in the season to find the right piece, but Coach Tony Szymendera enters his 32^nd season at the helm for the Saints and should have this team contending again this spring.

Don’t Count Out

Bishop O’Connell

O’Connel have a very deep squad and will be one to keep an eye on this spring as they should be contenders for the WCAC and VISAA title. We will have a more in-depth preview for them in our WCAC preview, but names to note include 2020 LHP Jake Berry (Virginia), 2019 LHP Peter Colevas, 2019 IF Nick Liverpool (Belmont-Abbey), 2019 RHP William Pickford (Virginia Tech), and 2020 IF/RHP Eddie Eisert (NC State).

Cape Henry Collegiate

The Dolphins bring back two of their top arms in 2019 with 2019 P Alex Gianascoli and 2019 RHP Aiden Kuhle. Look for 2021 Jacob Exum to add more innings this year and potentially round out the rotation. 2020 Trent Jones could potentially add some innings as well on the mound on top of his time in the outfield, and 2020 Dane Hoggard (Seton Hall) could also be a back-end type arm from behind the plate.

Offensively, there is reason for excitement for the Dolphins with Hoggard leading the way yet again for the offense in his junior campaign. Jones will be right there with haggard after a solid 2018 season and should provide some protection in the lineup. Kuhle and 2021 Josh Holland should also build off solid seasons last year to impact more, and keep an eye on 2021 transfer Kyle Edwards (Old Dominion) a lanky and projectable middle infield prospect who has a chance to be a very good player down the road. This will be an interesting team to follow this 2019 spring.

Flint Hill

2019 O’Kelly McWilliams is a bonifide ace for the Huskies as Flint Hill is more than likely the front runner to contend for a MAC championship this spring. 2021 Jackson Werth has the makings for a breakout spring after a solid summer campaign this past year.

Norfolk Christian

2020 Ty Johnson returns as the do it all two-way talent for Norfolk Christian leading the offense and ace of the staff. 2021 Luke Short and 2020 Gardner Meeks looks like they will make up for some of the innings lost from the graduation of Bradley Gilbert as they should round out the rotation.

2021 Aiden Deike will help out Johnson as one of the top offensive returners along with Sebastian Silva, an exciting catching prospect in the 2020 class. Look for 2019 Andrew Allgood, 2020 Garrett Gartrell, 2020 Baraka Florence, and 2019 Carlos Bland to build off of strong 2018 seasons to make for a deep lineup for the Ambassadors

Paul VI

The panthers lost some key arms from the 2018 season, but don’t be surprised to see them competitive again in 2019 with a bit more youthful roster. Again, we will have a deeper preview in our WCAC Preview but some name to know now are 2019 C John Barrie, 2022 LHP Bradley Gagen (Virginia), 2019 LHP Nick Ortega (Mary Washington),and 2022 RHP Bryce Dolby.

Potomac

2020’s Tristan Nelson and Michael Hansan are the top two offensive returners in 2019 who should pace the offense. Hansan will have to play a bigger role on the mound after the graduation of Carter Bosch in 2018. Keep an eye on two-way talent 2020 Chris Gaston.

Trinity Episcopal

The Titans could be a sleeper contender this spring as the Titans have a nice combination of returning arms and offense who could play a big role this spring. Look for senior Ty Barker (VMI) to anchor the offense this spring with 2019 Corey Miller (Chatam College), and 2020 James Nelson being nice pieces to the lineup around Barker. Anchoring the rotation will be 2019 Brennan Tyznar (Randolph-Macon) and 2020 Blake Loughran. Keep an eye on 2020 Nick Failon to also play a nice role for the Titan with two-way potential.

Division II

It was Miller school once again taking home the Division II crown, defeating Steward 3-0 in the championship game. Miller advanced to the finals after beating Atlantic Shores and Steward defeated Highland to advance to the final.

Though they are revamped in 2019, Miller looks to be the favorite heading into the start of the season with a solid pitching staff and plenty of offense returning this spring. Though another year has strengthened the competition with some young talented teams getting a year older and hoping to unseat the Mavericks.

Greenbrier Christian

After a transition 2018 spring, look for the Gators to roar back this spring with arguable one of the deepest and talented lineups in the state. 2019 UT/RHP JT Inskeep (VMI), 2020 SS Nic Britt (William & Mary), 2020 OF Ryland Brown, 2019 C Gavin Younce, 2019 OF Josh Stevens (Christopher Newport), 2021 OF/C Austin Younce, 2021 1B/RHP Ethan Ott, and 2021 MIF James McGrady make for an extremely deep and talented lineup that will be one of the toughest to face game in, game out. Brown, Inskeep, Ott, and Gavin Younce could be the RBI machines in the heart of the order with Britt, McGrady, Stevens, and Austin Younce getting on base plenty and adding RBI’s as well.

The biggest question for the Gators lies on the mound. Anthony Morton and Inskeep look to head up the rotation and keep an eye on the very talented 2021 LHP Bailey Matela to add big innings as well. Matela could see his role expand as the season progresses. Gavin Whitehurst will also add innings as well while also adding another stick to the lineup.

All-in-all it’s a talented group at Greenbrier and don’t be surprised to see them back in the mix for a D-II title.

Highland

After a semifinal run in 2018, it was thought the Hawks might be in a rebuild after losing some key pieces on their staff and a younger lineup. After having the opportunity to see some of their new faces this winter, that thought process might be changing as the Hawks look to have a nice talented roster this spring.

On the mound look for 2020 RHP/SS Blake Fisher to lead the way in the rotation with 2019 OF/LHP Luke Burner (WV Wesleyan) combining to make an impressive 1-2 punch in the rotation for the Hawks. 2019 3B/RHP Joe Debardi (Mount St. Mary’s) could potentially take over the closer role this spring for the hawks, closing out games. Keep an eye out for the very talented 2021 IF/RHP Ed Wagner to also contribute key innings as the season progresses for the Hawks. Wagner has a very projectable frame and a live arm with more in the tank. Wagner could make up for innings lost from 2019 RHP Matt Michel, who transferred back to public school for his senior season.

Offensively, Burner will head up the lineup after being conference player of the year in 2018. DeBardi and Fisher will man the middle of the lineup for the Hawks. 2019 OF Dylan Fisher (Lynchburg) and 2020 OF Eddie Gimbel will be table setters at the top of the order. 2021 C Garrett Pancione returns after starting every game behind the dish in his freshmen campaign and adds depth to a deep lineup. Wagner and 2021 1B Blake Cuddington should see some time in the order as well for the team this spring as the Hawks should see themselves back in the state tournament and fight for a title in 2019.

Miller School

The defending champs again look to be the front runner for the 2019 crown with talented returners looking to see expanded roles plus an infusion of new faces to the Maverick roster.

On the mound, the Mavericks again look very deep and talented heading into the spring. 2020 RHP/SS Ethan Chenault (Wilmington) will be part of a talented staff that also includes new faces 2019 LHP Jack Masloff (VCU), and 2020 RHP Garrett Payne (NC State). Look for this three-headed monster to anchor the rotation. Chenault and Payne are both lanky projectable arms with live fastballs and their best years in front of them, while Masloff is another power fastball from the left side. LHP Matt Sykes (George Mason) is a three-year starter who again will add to this rotation, one of the deepest and possibly the best top four in the state.

Offensively, Miller should be paced in the middle of the order by 2020 OF Jeremy Wagner (Austin-Peay). The sweet swinging talent will pepper the gaps and don’t be surprise to see plenty of extra base hits and occasional pop from this talented youngster. Pacing the top of the order is 2020 1B Jack Marshall, who at last years state tournament seemed to get on base every at bat. Marshall shows great bat control from the left side and just seems to find barrel on every swing and is an extremely tough out at the top. 2019 Nate Burton (Mary Washington), Chenault, 2020 Henry Hardie, 2020 Lucas Adams should also add depth to the order. 2019 OF/1B Jack Carey could also expand on his role and add some pop to the lineup. Do not be surprised to see a new face or two jump out this spring also.  

Steward

Steward once again will be a top competitor in D-II and again will be paced by their extreme strength in the pitching rotation. That starts with their dynamic duo of LHP’s 2019 Logan Ransom and 2020 Harrison Clifton. Both are big game pitchers that give the team a chance to win every time out. Supplementing those two will be 2020 LHP Matt Gaither and 2021 Zach Rosenthal.

Offensively, Steward will be paced by 2019 William Glazebrook (UNC_Pembroke) who will anchor the heart of the order. Ransom will also be a key piece to the lineup manning the outfield when not pitching.

Again, the big game arms of Steward are going to lead this team again in 2019, and it’s hard to argue that there isn’t a better big game pitcher than Stewards senior, Logan Ransom.

Don’t Count Out

Atlantic Shores

Shores lost some key pieces from their semifinal run of 2018, but still have a nice squad in place to contend this spring. Key players include OF Dylan Cupp, P/1B Chase James, OF/P Diego Doran, and SS/RHP Nic Mattfield. Keep an eye on Doran, who is an exciting new face for Shores and should see an expanded role this season.

Covenant

The Eagles will be a tough team headed by senior Delcan Kent on the mound and 2019 IF Mason Mitchell pacing the Covenant offense. 2019 Marcus Bunch and 2020 Jake Hoadley should also pace the offensive attack for the Eagles along with Kent. Mitchell, 2019 Wesley Arrington will also be top arms for the Eagles this spring.

Fredericksburg Christian

The Eagles have added some new faces to the roster and could be a quiet competitor in D-II this spring. Most notably, 2020 RHP Joel Tarrh could anchor the pitching staff while the addition of talented backstop 2021 JT Carter will add a quality stick to the lineup with their already talented returner, 2020 SS Sabin Roane. Keep an eye on the Eagles.

Nansemond-Suffolk

Offensively, NSA looks to be paced by 2019 SS Zach Morris (VMI) this spring. New face 2019 Hyatt Hurst (Mary Washington) should be a nice piece to the lineup as well while also patrolling behind the dish and handling the pitching staff. That pitching staff will be anchored by 2019 Nic Psimas (Virginia Tech) who adds an imposing frame with a lively fastball.  

Division III

2018 saw a wild finish to the D-III state championship game where Walsingham outlasted Fuqua in a 10-inning contest that ended on a walk-off stolen base turned errant throw that ended the game and got Walsingham their State-Title. Walsingham advanced to the championship defeating Carlisle in the semifinals while Fuqua advanced to the championship defeating Brunswick, who upset No. 2 seed Southampton Academy.

2019 again looks like we could see a similar final four this spring, which makes for a very interesting regular season as the pairings will play a huge role as to who will make it throought

Contenders

Brunswick

The Vikings had the upset of the season in 2018 as a No. 7 seed defeating Southampton in the playoffs. Though they lost some key pieces to graduation, there is still strong core of offense returning in 2019. 2019 Cole Mosely and 2020 Chris Redman will pace the offensive attack as the top returners along with 2020 Hart Creedle. 2020’s Kyle Tanner, Bryant Poarch, and Will Bryant will also be key pieces building off of strong sophomore seasons for the Vikings.

On the mound is where the Vikings will need to find some arms to lead them back to Colonial Heights. Creedle, Redman and Bryant could be those to do it along with Mosely.

Carlisle

The Chiefs only lost two components to a strong offensive attack in 2018. A year older now, this young and talented team should be an exciting one to watch this spring. Leading the way is the uber-talented 2020 RHP/OF Trey Carter (Florida State) Carter is one of the most talented players in the commonwealth, no matter the age, and will be a dynamic piece of the puzzle for  Carlisle. Offensively, Carter, 2019 Tyler Nuckols, 2021 Addison Clark, 2019 Taylor Roberts and 2020 William Clark will each be big players on the offensive end for the Chiefs. Clark looks to build off an impressive freshmen campaign and could have a big season for the Chiefs this spring and will be a player to watch.

On the mound Carter, 2020 Tyler Nuckols and 2021 Garrett Kangas will form an intriguing pitching staff that will have hitters off balance throughout the year. Nuckols will be the key piece of the rotation after his strong junior season leading the team in wins and innings. Kangas is a tough sidewinder that will pitch in the upper 70’s to low 80’s that will be extremely tough on right-handed hitters and shows great control of the strike zone. Carter brings a 90-93mph fastball that will bring plenty of electricity. If Carter can give the Chiefs more innings on the mound this season, watch out. Clark should also contribute on the mound and provide key innings for the Chiefs as well.

Fuqua

The Falcons return a majority of their team from 2018 but the graduation of Hunter Gilliam (Longwood) will be an extremely hard one to replace. Offensively, the Falcons will be led by 2020 Colton Copley, who will patrol the middle this year defensively as well. Look for the Osbourn brothers, 2020’s Matt and Drew, as well as 2022 Tanner Thomas to pick up a lot of the slack from Gilliam’s graduation. 2019 LHP/1B Christian Adams will also be a key player on offense as well as on the mound. If 2020 Eli Warner returns, that could also boost the Falcons chances to get back to the championship. Copley, Adams, and DJ Williams will be the key arms for Fuqua this season.

Southampton

Though the Raiders lost a lot of players to graduation, they should still in contention for the title. Leading the offense will be 2020 Cameron Belter, 2019 Wyatt Jernigan, 2020 Jeremy Harmon, and 2019 Josh Smiley. 2020 Trey Dunlow and Belter will be the leaders of the pitching staff as the most experienced returners. You can never count out Southampton and don’t be surprised to see them potentially back in the mix this spring.

Walsingham

The Trojans bring back a big portion of their offensive leaders this spring as the defending state champs will again be led by a big three of 2020 SS Tanner Schobel, 2019 3B Zach Stanko, and 2019 1B Christian Carter offensively. 2022 Jacob Miller-Bopp looks to build off a solid campaign offensively in 2018 and will also be an innings eater on the mound for the Trojans. 2019 Nathan Wildasin will be another key hitter while patrolling centerfield as well.  2021 Sam Villeda could also see a more expanded role this spring, while 2021 Lincoln Lubsen should also build off a very strong freshmen season last spring

Look for Miller-Bopp and Schobel to head up the pitching staff this season for the Trojans. They will have to find someone to pick up the innings lost from Jason Covaney who graduated. Stanko should provide innings on the backend as well. Look out for 2022 Paull Williams to see an expanded role this spring as contributing with 18 innings as an 8^th grader last year.  Do not be surprised to see the Trojans back in the finals this season.