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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 beach is littered with talented teams this spring and the next one in the Power 25 is the VISAA Division I back to back state champion Cape Henry Collegiate Dolphins.

#14 Cape Henry Collegiate   

The Dolphins are coming off of back to back state championships and return one of the best players in the state in Tanner Schaedel (ODU). Schaedel won every postseason award imaginable last year and is set up to have yet another strong spring. Joining Schaedel is fellow All-State honoree, Andrew Hart (NJIT). Hart will lock down centerfield for the Dolphins and is one of the best defensive outfielders in the state. Cape will have to figure out how to replace some of the big offensive departures from the 2023 state championship team, but they have four pieces on the mound in Schaedel, Payton Friske (VMI), Trajan Taylor, and Colin Lebel (George Washington) that should allow that offense a chance to grow. Another arm that could factor into this Cape Henry squad is Copeland Smith. Smith got some limited time last year as an 8th grader and one would assume that his role will continue to expand as he matures. In addition to Schaedel, Hart, and Nate Jensen (Chapman), watch for potential standout seasons from sophomore middle infielder, Chris Martinez and junior, Reid Downs.

Final Thoughts: 

"Cape lost a lot from the past two years of state championship teams, but when you are looking at what can take a team over the top you look for players that can make an impact on both sides, state player of the year caliber talent, strong up the middle, and pitching depth. Tanner Schaedel, Andrew Hart, Payton Friske, Chris Martinez, Colin Lebel, and multiple others make this team as dynamic as they have ever been. Big question that needs to be answered: Who will take over the catching spot?"

- Jason Burton (Virginia/DC Scout Director)