2022 VHSL Preview: Region 6B

Battlefield
The Bobcats were the Cedar Run champs in the 2021 and Region runners-up. They were hit with the graduation, taking away two-way key contributor Jackson Baird (George Mason) as well as a second top arm in Joe Christopher (Bridgewater) and the other part of the heart of their offense in Adam Kuzmicki (Stony Brook). The Bobcats should retool and pick up right were they left off this spring. The rotation will be led by senior Carson Estridge (West Virginia), who had a strong 2021 and is poised to put together a dominant 2022 season. Senior Jack Robinson (Roanoke) is a quality second arm behind Estridge. Freshman Sammy Michel could also carve out some innings this spring for the Bobcats. Look for Cooper Harris to move up into the middle of the order and provide power while JP Williams (George Mason) anchors the defense from behind the plate. Also keep an eye on junior Grayson Snead at the plate as well.

Colgan
The 2021 Region Champs and State Runners-up lost a couple of key pieces from last year's team with the graduation of catcher Brody Pickette (Shenandoah) and outfielder CJ Faulkenberry (Longwood). While those losses will hurt, the bulk of the Sharks' roster returns this spring, highlighted by its big-time one-two punch on the mound in seniors Connor Knox (George Mason) and Ryan Kennedy (Virginia Tech). Junior Brett Renfrow (Virginia Tech) and senior Brandon Cassedy (CNU) also mix into the rotation as high-end bullpen options who would start for most other teams. Offensively, Knox and Kennedy play both ways, but the heart of the offense is Cassedy, Evan Blanchard (George Mason), Renfrow, and junior catcher Jae'dan Carter (Dayton). Carter Newman (Virginia Tech) will takeover at short and add a speed component to the offense as well. The Sharks are easily the on-paper favorites to win the Region and State Championship this spring with a team that is deep and talented offensively, defensively, and on the mound.

Forest Park
The Bruins are the team most likely to challenge Colgan in the Cardinal District this spring. Offense should be there calling card and senior Jack Pokorak (High Point) has one of the best bats in Northern Virginia. He provides power and ability to hit for high average. Seniors Jaden Guthrie (Grambling State), Owen Frye (DeSales), and Sean Pokorak (Lynchburg) will flank him in the offense and senior Andrew Cheripka (Bluefield State) will lead the rotation. 

Freedom (South Riding)
Moving up to Class 6 and joining the Cedar Run District this spring is Freedom. The Eagles took an unbeaten record into the Region 5C playoffs last year, but were upset in the Region semifinals, ending their season early. A few key graduations will impact Freedom with the loss of shortstop and lineup centerpiece Casey Cook (North Carolina) as well as the two-headed ace monster that was Val Taddei (Lehigh) and Connor Kolarov (William & Mary). While those losses will hurt, the 2022 Freedom team is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Cal Henderson (Louisburg CC) and sophomore Griffin Burkholder (West Virginia) will anchor an offense that will also feature seniors Tyler Smith (Ferrum) and Nathan Chen (Randolph-Macon). While the Eagles lost a lot of innings from 2021, they have a plethora of options to fill those innings this spring. Senior Dylan Greentree served as closer last spring and could return to that role or be stretched out. Fellow seniors Peter Hoenig (CNU) and Ryan Morrison (CNU) should see expanded roles and a trio of big-time junior arms will have a chance to take over the rotation this spring in Mason Butash (Penn State), Ryan Marohn (NC State), and Luke Proehl (Virginia Tech). Freedom will have jump right into the thick of things in Class 6 this spring and could push Colgan for the Region Championship.

Patriot
The Pioneers bring a lot back from a team that narrowly lost the District in 2021 and was eliminated in the Region tournament by Colgan in the semifinals. Gone to graduation are lefty Kevin Warunek (Longwood) as well as bats Bryce Demory (VMI) and Brian Wilson (Louisburg JC). The Pioneers’ offense will be its strength again this spring with seniors Max Ehrhardt (Salisbury), Kyle Vandenburg, Mason Balsis (Longwood), and AJ Shepard (Indiana) forming a powerful middle of the lineup. Senior Ryan Fyvie (Patrick Henry CC) adds depth to the lineup and freshman Grady Lenahan may force his way into some playing time as well. On the mound, Patriot has a stable of quality arms to choose from, including seniors Parker Hogge (Slippery Rock), Nathan Bishop (Roanoke), Matthew Boyd (Lock Haven), and juniors Jakob Foster (Mount St. Mary's) and Jordan Capuano among others. Look for Foster and Capuano to possibly emerge as aces this spring, but regardless Patriot has plenty of depth and options to work with on the mound as they look to return to the State Tournament this spring.