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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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#19: Hanover Hawks

        

Season Preview: 

It is safe to say that there are some question marks as we head into the spring season. The Hawks lose the best infielder in the state in TJ Woodson (Baylor), who transferred to Midway HS in Texas. In addition to the loss that is Woodson’s defensive ability, his offensive production may prove to be bigger. A senior leader and lockdown defender that has been a part of two state titles and what would have been a four year starter, are not easy to replace. Very frankly, there is no way what he brought will be replaced. While they have some things they need to figure out positionally, they do have arm depth. Evan Nix (VMI), Danny Kilgore (CNU), Bryce Krines (Jacksonville State), Will Hodges (Liberty), and potentially Brayden Jacoby are just a few of the names that should factor into some big innings on the mound. While they have arm depth, positionally they are very thin. Headlining the positional group is Brady Elrod (Virginia Tech). Elrod could be joined in the outfield by a mixture of players, including the likes of Jackson Millan, AJ Kinard, Gabriel Corey, and Nathan Vaughan. There’s a good chance that void at shortstop could be filled by the uber athletic VMI commit, Gabe Jenkins. Grayson Reece should once again anchor things at second base and help with the offensive production in the lineup. Mark Holt will be a name to follow as it pertains to potential run production for this lineup. While there are some other names that could pop up as potential contributors, we will watch the season to play out and allow those players to find their way.

‘26 Brady Elrod (@HanoverBaseball)

Elrod puts a good swing this pitch for a towering two run homerun into deep LCF. Plenty of strength in athletic frame. A name to follow.@PrepBaseballVA @ksallday19 #BeSeen https://t.co/fV2Kq1QJrV pic.twitter.com/7gv1r1mv6p

— Jordan Jones (@JJonesPBVADC) March 14, 2024

Final Thoughts: 

"Overcoming the loss of the best pure infielder in the state will be very tough, but this is one of the best coaching staffs in the state. Year after year they develop players from top to bottom and get team buy in. They have some question marks at shortstop and catcher, but their pitching staff is very deep and has the experience to potentially hide some of the catching situation. They are athletic and have maybe the best team speed in Class 4 with guys like Elrod, Jenkins, and Kinard. They put pressure on teams and make them play their game. That will not change. Offense and the aforementioned positions are the two biggest areas of concern that will need to be figured out."

- Jason Burton (VA/DC Scouting Director)