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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. 

Checking in at #21 of the Preseason Power 25 is an old program with a newer name. The Mustangs are bringing back some roots of their Lee-Davis talent and winning ways into the 2024 season.

#21 Mechanicsville

2023 Record 19-5 *Lost in 4A State Quarterfinals*

2023 came to a tough close. The Mustangs had a 19-5 season and reeled off fifteen wins in a row before losing in back to back games in the regional championship and state quarters. However, Mechanicsville is back and ready to finish the job in 2024. Biggest takeaway from this year’s team, they have some of the best arm talent on their roster of any team in the state. Returners Hayden Ways (Randolph-Macon), Braxton Pope, and Kaleb Smith (Liberty) should be anchors to this rotation, but the addition of UVA commit, Jackson Garland, brings a dynamic presence to this staff’s pure stuff. Adding Garland, having those returning pieces, and having some contributions from junior Nick Jones will make this staff hard to deal with. The Mustangs will have to overcome two big offensive losses in Aaron Maxie and Jacob Koenig, both of whom moved on to play at CNU. Cam Lamb (Longwood) brings senior leadership, offense, and can go get it in center. After that there are some unknowns at the plate. Andrew Farrar could be an impact bat, as well as new face Braeden Loving. Gavin Smith (Hampden-Sydney), Cooper Blanchard, Bryson Blake, Diego Aguilera, and Jones could all contribute on the offensive side, but this is what we see as the potential weak spot of this team. Best thing about having some question marks with the offensive side, is when you have the arm talent that they do. The Mustangs are one of the favorites in Region B, and in 4A as a whole.