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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. We will release three teams per day for the first week and then move to two teams per day once we reach the Top 10 next week. 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. 

The Tuscarora Huskies check in at #13 after a very strong 2023. They return two premium arms and one of the best underclass hitters in the state. See the full preview below.

Tuscarora

2023 Record: 22-4 *Lost in VHSL 4A State Semifinals*

The 2023 4C Region Champs are coming off of a magical season, but they lost a trio of key players in shortstop and closer Bauer Burkhart (Marshall), second basemen and No. 2 starter Colin Keel (Bridgewater), and catcher Braydon Kelman (Frederick CC). Despite those losses, the Huskies welcome new skipper Noah Lacy to the dugout with what has a chance to be a dynamic duo on the mound. Senior lefty Brendan Cowen (Virginia Tech) was dominant in 2023 as a junior and is a contender for Pitcher of the Year in Virginia this season. Junior lefty Ashton Peshke (Maryland) wasn’t leaned on much this year but has the stuff and potential to have a breakout season. Offensively, sophomore infielder Connor Quill (Virginia Tech) will look to build off of a spectacular freshman season as he becomes the centerpiece in the lineup. Seniors Nick Sheehan and Isaac McIntosh and junior Mike Kozikowski will surround Quill and are poised to build on strong 2023s. Last year’s Huskies were a pitching and defense team that got the big hit when they needed it and this team is structured the same way, look for Cowen, Peshke, and Quill to carry them back into State Tournament contention this spring.

Final Thoughts:

"Brendan Cowen is an ultra competitive arm and one of the best in the state. Pair him with junior left hander Ashton Peshke and you have one of the best 1-2 punches in the state. The Huskies are gonna have to figure out how to replace their shortstop and catcher, who both graduated. If they can sure up some of those middle of the field pieces, they have a chance to make it back to the 4A state tourney."

- Jason Burton (Virginia/DC Scouting Director)