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For the next two weeks we will roll out our Preseason Power 25. 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. Our staff weighs ten different categories (i.e. offensive depth, impact players, frontline arm, pitching staff depth, sustained program success, etc). 

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 the beginning of April and the Small School Top 10 around mid-April. This will allow teams to settle in and schedule to begin to shake out. Our first overall Power 25 update, due to the VHSL season being pushed back a week, will come Monday, March 31st. 

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#11: Cox Falcons

          

Season Preview: 

There are some massive shoes to fill in 2024, especially on the offensive side. Losses like Ausin Irby (East Carolina) and Parker Wight (UNC-G) are hard to quantify for this Falcons’ lineup. In addition to those two graduating seniors, Ryan DeLashmutt and Michael Barreiro (Randolph-Macon) will also be missed from the lineup. Staff ace Jake Colucci (UNC-G) has also moved on to the collegiate level. While they lost a lot from last season, Coach Ittner’s club returns plenty of talent this season. Conner Worth (JMU), Brendan White (Eastern Mennonite), Ben Kablach (Barton), Cooper Berrios, James Godfrey (Norfolk State), and Christian Dewey (George Washington) are a few of the senior returners for this season. Worth and Dewey will more than likely lead the offensive charge on offense and should be joined by juniors Tripp Faison and Alex John. Both Faison and John share the catching duties and Faison plays outfield as well for the Falcons. While Irby and Wight were huge losses on offense, it may be the loss of Colucci on the mound that proves to be the hardest to replace. In an attempt to fill his innings, the likes of Kablach, Godfrey, and MJ Lemke could be some of the names to know on the mound. There is talent throughout this program, but most of it is upperclass. However, there is one underclass name to know and that is sophomore infielder Colt Bradshaw. He is an electric, sure handed defender that can provide some sneaky juice at the plate, but a potential first year, full time starter in the Beach District is a big step. Almost year in and year out, this is a very tough district and 2025 is no different. If Cox wants to take a trip back to the state tournament, the answer to that may lie in their ability to throw quality innings in big games.

'25 Conner Worth (Cox|| JMU Commit)

Lets this ball get deep. Drives this pitch to RCF for a double. @PrepBaseballVA #Region5A pic.twitter.com/Oc30GHZeYm

— Prep Baseball VA/DC Scouting (@PrepBaseVAS) May 25, 2024

Final Thoughts: 

"There is a lot of run production to replace from last season. They return some athleticism, positional versatility, and upperclass leadership. They are really solid up the middle, but there are probably some questions to be answered with complimentary players and positions. In addition to the depth pieces in the lineup, I think there is some room for wondering who will fill Colucci's innings. They have a trio of upperclass right handers, but none of which have beared a heavy burden on the mound. Will anyone be able to step into that ace role, or will it be Johnny Wholestaff?"

- Jason Burton (VA/DC Scouting Director)