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2025 VA/DC Preseason Power 25: No. 7

March 4, 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. 

#7: Gainesville Cardinals

        

Season Preview: 

The Cardinals made their way into the region semifinals setting up another battle with a familiar face the Battlefield Bobcats where they lost in a close 8-7 game. They return in 2025 looking to get some revenge and punch a ticket to the state tournament. Having seniors Ben Ackerman, JW Kohlmeyer (VMI), and Caden Merritt (Coastal Carolina) return up the middle is important to their success. Matthew Eidemiller, Ian Fournier, and Aaron Ritenour are some juniors that return to the lineup. Losing Lucas Marrero to graduation is an unfortunate loss but they do bring some talent back on the mound. While Merritt will have duties in the outfield he will also be a key contributor on the mound. Joining him is Ryan Petro (Lynchburg), John Felton, and Nathan Loy (Bridgewater). Junior Connor Armstrong got some time in the lineup last spring but has the chance to possibly be a contributor on the mound in 2025. Gavin Genovese is an intriguing player that may carve out a role for the Cardinals this spring. While Merritt can be a frontline arm, can Petro and the other arms on the staff get deep into outings to give them a chance to to make a run in the region?










Final Thoughts: 

"This team has the upside to make a real run in the playoffs with JW Kohlmeyer, Caden Merritt, Ben Ackerman, Aaron Ritenour, and Ryan Petro leading the charge. They also have a good supporting cast behind them. The frontline arms will be pivotal to their success in big games. The offense has talent, but the depth and quality of starts from their arms wil be a thing to watch during the season."

- Jordan Jones (VA/DC Assistant Scouting Director)