Follow @PrepBaseballVA
Facebook + Instagram

VHSL Class 5 Previews: Region A

Cox Falcons

2024 Record: 17-5

There are some massive shoes to fill in 2024, especially on the offensive side. Losses like Ausin Irby (East Carolina) and Parker Wight (UNC-G) are hard to quantify for this Falcons’ lineup. In addition to those two graduating seniors, Ryan DeLashmutt and Michael Barreiro (Randolph-Macon) will also be missed from the lineup. Staff ace Jake Colucci (UNC-G) has also moved on to the collegiate level. While they lost a lot from last season, Coach Ittner’s club returns plenty of talent this season. Conner Worth (JMU), Brendan White (Eastern Mennonite), Ben Kablach (Barton), Cooper Berrios, James Godfrey (Norfolk State), and Christian Dewey (George Washington) are a few of the senior returners for this season. Worth and Dewey will more than likely lead the offensive charge on offense and should be joined by juniors Tripp Faison and Alex John. Both Faison and John share the catching duties and Faison plays outfield as well for the Falcons. While Irby and Wight were huge losses on offense, it may be the loss of Colucci on the mound that proves to be the hardest to replace. In an attempt to fill his innings, the likes of Kablach, Godfrey, and MJ Lemke could be some of the names to know on the mound. There is talent throughout this program, but most of it is upperclass. However, there is one underclass name to know and that is sophomore infielder Colt Bradshaw. He is an electric, sure handed defender that can provide some sneaky juice at the plate, but a potential first year, full time starter in the Beach District is a big step. Almost year in and year out, this is a very tough district and 2025 is no different. If Cox wants to take a trip back to the state tournament, the answer to that may lie in their ability to throw quality innings in big games.

---

First Colonial Patriots

2024 Record: 21-6 *VHSL Class 5 State Champions*

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.

---

Great Bridge Wildcats

2024 Record: 19-3

Great Bridge had an outstanding spring in 2024, one of the best in recent memory. The Wildcats took the one seed in Region 5A, but lost the semifinal game versus a hot Ocean Lakes team. Dawson Newman (Coastal Carolina) had an amazing season for Great Bridge and his contributions on both sides will be missed, but certainly more so on the mound. Picking up his pieces will more than likely be Brody Comparto and Cole Cinnamond, both of whom piggy backed games with Newman and company last season. When it comes to the lineup, the Wildcats will need to replace leadoff speedster Calvin Mabry and Newman. Outside of those two they bring back a fair portion of their lineup, most notably, 1st Team All-State infielder Casey Cuddyer (UNC). Joining Cuddyer should be Andrew Griffin, Adam Bartley, Comparto, and Trey Burton. They have some other names to note like Jayden Bocachica, Caden Cinnamond, and Tristan Cheek (Bryant & Stratton), but we will have to see if and how they fit into this lineup/roster. They are fairly athletic and versatile, but mound depth will probably once again be one of the main question marks for this Wildcats team.

---

Hickory Hawks

2024 Record: 12-8-1

The Hickory Hawks return some quality arms and big innings from 2024 with names like Tommy Blackburn (CNU) and Jake Cozart (Virginia Tech) coming back. In addition to those two, the Hawks’ staff could potentially get another boost with the long awaited return of Ryan Barks (George Washington). Positionally they will need to figure out the catching position after the graduation of Mateusz Puszczalo (Paul D Camp CC). The Hawks only return roughly half of their lineup, but bring back big pieces like Eli Kraft, All-State outfielder Brayden Bachman (East Carolina), and Ryan Kennedy (Barton). There are some big holes to fill and they will need to find some protection around the bat of Bachman, but they have the arms to compete and keep their offense in games.

---

Indian River Braves 

2024 Record: 9-12

The Braves are coming off of a sub .500 season where they had a really good win versus Great Bridge, but otherwise struggled to hold down offenses versus good competition. They return five positional starters and two arms this season. Leading the charge of returners is one of the best uncommitted catchers in the 757, Kalvin Murphy. Murphy hit over .300 as a freshman and was a mainstay behind the plate. Joining him are seniors Jaydon Crawford, Logan Riley, and Griffin Hendricks. Juniors Trent Burglund and Dakota Stodolak contributed in spurts last season, but should have a larger impact on the 2025 Indian River squad. The 2027 class has some depth and key pieces for the future, but it is still TBD as to where they will fit in this spring.

---

Ocean Lakes Dolphins

2024 Record: 17-7

The Dolphins return just over half of their offensive lineup, including the first four in the order. The lineup could be anchored again by the likes of Connor Mais, Turner Kuhle, Ryan Gocio (JMU), Austin Crew (Bridgewater), and Tre Hamilton. While they will have to replace some big innings on the mound from graduating senior Sean Burke, OL brings back arms like Luke Ellison, Daniel Hamilton, and Rowan Powers (West Chester). They do not have a frontline, shutdown arm, and that could prove tough to overcome in an offense heavy district and region. On the contrary, this is a well coached group that has one of the better and more athletic offensive lineups that will make it tough on opposing staffs. Time will tell if the offense is enough to overcome any potential depth issues on the pitching staff.

---

Princess Anne Cavaliers

2024 Record: 16-6

The Princess Anne Cavaliers had some quality wins in 2024, including wins over Landstown and Ocean Lakes. The Cavs lost two close games to end their season, but return a plethora of offensive talent this year. Leading the charge are seniors Reid Vandergrift (Lynchburg), Xavier Doon (Mary Washington), Matthew Metheny (Virginia Wesleyan), and Brae Williams (Louisburg JC). Not to be outdone is junior Aidan McKeating (George Washington). McKeating had a monster fall and sets up as one of the most consistent offensive pieces on this team. The Cavs have a chance to be pretty solid positionally, especially in the dirt, but it is on the mound where the questions start and end. If they want to have a chance come late May, they will need to get some big innings and quality starts out of Walter Clevenger (Lynchburg) and Brody Bean. After those two, they will need some help, but that will probably be a Johnny Wholestaff approach and they may need contributions from top to bottom.