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2025 VA/DC Preseason Power 25: No. 5

March 5, 2025
Staff
Prep Baseball Virginia/DC

 

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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. 

#5: Highland School Hawks

        

Season Preview: 

Highland had a successful 2024, but ultimately lost in the VISAA II semifinals to Atlantic Shores. As recent history suggests, Highland heads into 2025 with one of the most talented rosters in the state and they are looking to hoist another state championship trophy. Stephen Christopher (William & mary) and Weston Lillard (Virginia Tech) are seniors that look to throw some big innings for the Hawks this spring. The offense returns some firepower with Benjy Cardone (VMI), Christian Dart (Roanoke), Brooks Graham (William & Mary), Joey Rogers (Wingate), and Justin Summers (William & Mary). The Hawks have a trio of talented newcomers in Ethan Hudson, Jake Gunning, and Matthew McCauley (Richmond) that gives them some depth and can provide immense value throughout the season. There is easy to spot talent throughout this roster that again, puts them as early favorites to hoist the trophy in May.




Final Thoughts: 

"Pitching depth, offensive depth, versatility, and experience. Those are just a few things teams need to win championships, and those are things this team possesses. They are filled with juniors and seniors, that aren't just "older", but they are talented and not just roster fillers. There are no real weaknesses on this team, but if I had one knock it would be that some of their graduating arms have thrown the biggest innings and games the past few years. Will Christopher, or someone else, be able to step into that role and take over like Card did a few years back, or like Winebarger did last season? Outside of Miller School, they have the most roster talent in all of VISAA and I know Coach Higgins is hungry for a second DII championship."

- Jason Burton (VA/DC Scouting Director)