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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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#4: First Colonial Patriots

     

There may not be another team, especially in the beach, that is returning as much as the defending Class 5 State Champions. The Patriots have multiple important arms returning in 2025, including Nic Morlang (Maryland) and Aiden Parker (George Mason). Cade Howlett (Bridgewater) should also provide some valuable innings for FC this spring. The vast majority of the offense is back. State Player of the Year Keegan Haesler (JMU) returns, as well as 1st Team All-State performer Wes Stubbe (Lynchburg). The fantastic freshman season that Graydon Ambrose had is only the beginning for the FC catcher. Ryan Dugan (Hampden-Sydney), Grant Burns, and Jaethan Inman are a few other names to know that could play big roles this season if they are to get back to the state title game. There are not many holes in this roster, but Brady Wilson (Hampden-Sydney) did have a 2nd Team All-State season last year and his loss will definitely take at least a small toll on the pitching staff and its depth.

‘25 Keegan Haesler (First Colonial)

Haesler leads off the bottom of the 6th with an absolute 💣 over the rf fence. Smooth swing with hard solid contact. #BeSeen @PrepBaseballVA pic.twitter.com/mpkGXShHEz

— Prep Baseball VA/DC Scouting (@PrepBaseVAS) March 21, 2024

Final Thoughts:

"This team brings back a lot from their state title run and it gives them a chance to do it again in 2025. Their two headed monster in Morlang and Parker gives them two arms they can rely on late in the spring. They have versatile bats in Graydon Ambrose, Keegan Haesler, and Wes Stubbe that can give solid offensive production. If they can get quality starts on the mound throughout the spring, they should have a good chance to do it all over again."

-Jordan Jones (VA/DC Assistant Scouting Director)