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For the next two weeks we will roll out our Preseason Power 25. Three staff members voted on their version of the thirty best teams in the Preseason Power 25, with a possibility of 90 total vote points for each team. Since we released 25-11 last week, this week we will reveal two teams per day until we get through the complete Power 25 on Friday. Voting for preseason teams centers more around the depth of talent on that team, as well as where it stacks up within their region/area, as opposed to strictly predicting schedule outcomes. 

Generally, larger schools and classifications have a greater depth of player talent on roster. However, once the season begins and records begin to take shape, the Power 25 will be adjusted as needed. In addition to that, we will debut our Private School Top 10 around April 1st and Small School Top 10 around mid-April. 

Starting off our Top 10 this morning are the Mills Godwin Eagles. Godwin returns as much arm depth as there is in the state and are poised for another run at the Class 5 State Title.

#10 Mills Godwin

The Eagles are the defending Commonwealth Classic Champions, Region 5C champions, and state semifinalist. Most importantly, the Eagles return arguably the most pitching depth of any team, in any classification, in the state. Hank Piersol (VCU), Luke Smyers (Alabama), Zach Boyd (William & Mary), Hunter Ross (William & Mary), and Charlie Gunn (CNU) are the top arms in the rotation. There is more depth behind them, but these are the arms that should lead the way. Limiting opposing offenses will not be the issue, the issue will be finding a way to score runs versus some of the premier arms they face. Jackson York and Eric Capps will be two returning bats in the lineup that will have to be consistent producers for the Eagles to have a successful 2024 season. In addition to those two, Piersol and Smyers bring their own offense to the table that should be welcomed faces in the middle of the order. This is a senior heavy team, but there are two underclassmen that should be pivotal parts of this offense and team. Sophomores Matthew Hartsfield and Alex Boyd should fit into the infield in some capacity. Hartsfield is probably the more offensive of the two, with Boyd being a very strong defender that is a switch hitter at the plate. Godwin will need to find some breakout players at the plate, and if they can do that, you could find them hoisting a trophy in early June.

Final Thoughts:

"When you draw up what a dream pitching staff in high school should look like, the Godwin staff is what you would want to see. Multiple front end arms, mix of left handers and right handers, velo, pitchability, and arms that can spin it. This staff has the potential to go seven to eight arms deep and never miss a beat. However, the offense is where the question marks lie. The Eagles struggled at times to produce offense last year and lost a good bit of that firepower. They will be somewhat inexperienced up the middle, but the arms can carry the weight."

- Jason Burton (Virginia/DC Scouting Director)