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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.

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#18: Liberty Christian Academy

     

Coming in at the 18th spot in the Preseason Power 25 rankings is Liberty Christian Academy. The Bulldogs of Liberty Christian Academy have been absolutely dominant virtually all season long for the past few years, but have fallen short of a state title the past two seasons. In both 2023 and 2024, LCA has fallen at the hands of the eventual state champions, once in the semis and this past season in the championship game. In both of those games, most would say that the Bulldogs went in favored, and rightfully so. They have had an ample amount of talent and they continue to reload year after year. However, there are some big losses from that 2024 team that will be tough to replace. Multi year starters Danny DeMoss, Tyler Murray, Landon Owen, and Braden Weaver leave big holes in various spots, but the innings that Owen and Weaver threw on the mound may be the biggest loss. They return 2nd Team All-State Pitcher, Ayden Walker (Lynchburg). As significant as Walker’s contributions were on the mound, they may have been and certainly will be as significant at the plate. Joining Walker in the lineup is Joshua Hall Jr. (Patrick Henry CC). Along with Walker, Hall should also be a two way contributor for this LCA team. Another familiar face is Bryce Torres. We consider Torres one of the top uncommitted infielders in the state. Last year he was held to playing defense only due to a lingering injury, but should be a major factor in the lineup this season. After those three there are some question marks. Reid Fanney returns and should be a contributor. Michael Clark Breedlove is a name that was on roster last year and they may potentially need him to be a bigger contributor this season. Expect Gray Craddock to be a potential mainstay behind the plate. The sophomore may be joined by fab freshman and QB1, Tyler Jackson. There are some other underclass names that will be interesting to follow, but without knowing how they fit in, we will let the season take shape and give them the chance to find their fit within the program. There are some question marks in just where the production, especially offensive production, will come from, but Coach Tomlin and staff always have their team in the hunt for a title and we do not see any reason why 2025 will be any different.

‘25 Ayden Walker (LCA)

Walker sees this pitch on the outer half and sends it to deep left for a standup double. Has had competitive at bats all game.

Would later score on throwing error to walk it off. Liberty Christian defeats Amherst County 2-1.@PrepBaseballVA #BeSeen pic.twitter.com/VPVyv1K6vg

— Jordan Jones (@JJonesPBVADC) March 30, 2024

Final Thoughts:

"There is a lot of production that the Bulldogs will have to replace on both sides and this is very critical for their success in 2025. They have senior leaders in Ayden Walker and Joshua Hall Jr. that can help lead the charge and bring along the talented youth under them. If Walker can once again fill that frontline arm role and they can figure out a consistent run producer they will be a team to keep an eye on as the spring goes on." 

-Jordan Jones ( VA/DC Assistant Scouting Director)