Follow @PrepBaseballVA
Facebook + Instagram

VHSL Class 5 Previews: Region B

Granby

2024 Record: 15-7

Granby was pretty senior heavy in 2024, but of those seniors, Daniel Smith (Davidson) and Hector Rivera (Virginia State) were the biggest losses. The Comets return most of the middle of the order with Will Findlay, Connor Kendrick, and Brady Van Hoose coming back. More important than the losses on the offensive side is the loss of Daniel Smith on the mound. Smith has been a consistent and dominant presence on the mound for Granby and his void will be tough to fill.

---

Maury Commodores

2024 Record: 19-5

Brycen Hamilton (VMI) earned All-State honors on the mound last season and was also a long time integral part of this Maury program. Also lost to graduation was outfielder John Stilwell. Returning are a few key pieces like Derek Baker (William & Mary), Hunter Gillespie (Norfolk State), Lee Garris, Landon Carraway, and Landen Hall. All of those players factored into the lineup last season and could once again be a part of the Commodore’s pursuit to a state title. Baker has the stuff to be a frontline arm, but will need to be efficient in the zone to get deeper into games and hold up throughout the season. Fellow senior Hunter Gillespie threw some big innings for Maury last season and should once again be a factor. Another name to know is sophomore Henry Mulvey. Mulvey was mostly used in short relief appearances last season and could see that role expand this year. Region B appears to be up for the taking and Maury has difference makers like Baker that could make back to back state tournament trips a reality.

---

Menchville Monarchs

2024 Record: 20-4

James Blotter and Landon Turner were both All-State selections in 2024. Blotter returns for his senior season, but Turner has since graduated. In addition to losing Turner, they lost four year starter Zach Davis (Goldey-Beacom). The Monarchs graduated a few more contributors, but also have some returners that will join Blotter. Luke Woodard, Easton Young, Blake O’Berry, and Parker Jones are just a few of the potential contributors this season. While they are returning some offensive production, on the mound is probably where they take the biggest hit. Davis threw really big innings for Menchville and was the straw that stirred the drink for the pitching staff. The rotation is something that they will need to figure out if they want to get back to the Class 5 State Tournament.

---

Nansemond River Warriors

2024 Record: 5-15

It was a tough year for the storied Nansemond River Warriors program, finishing 5-15 on the year. The Warriors return three starters and a handful of arms this season. As tough of a year as it was in 2024, they lost some big pieces off of that team. This Warriors team should be led by the likes of Buddy Baker (VMI) and Konner Johnson (Lynchburg). Baker may be designated to more hitting duties this season and Johnson should be their best defender and potentially best offensive returner. Those two seniors should be joined by fellow senior Avery Fields, who could contribute on the mound and at the plate. Juniors Jackson Defreitas and Jackson Martin should also be names to watch for the Warriors this spring. Two underclassmen to keep eyes on are Michael Guerra and Tre Van Clief. It will be an uphill battle this year for the Warriors, especially with one of their frontline arms probably being down for the year, but there is certainly a path in 5B.

---

Norview Pilots  

2024 Record: 7-14

Norview returns six positional starters and four arms for the 2025 campaign. Included in that are seniors Andrew Ludwig (Bluefield), Jamil Moreta, and Carter Lawrence. Juniors Aaron Leigh and Philip Mason are two hitters that should play big roles on this Pilots' team. In addition to the upperclassmen, the Pilots have a handful or sophomores and a freshman that could be big contributors now and in the future. After some other rosters in the region graduated some talent and a wealth of experience, this could be the year for Norview to climb into the conversation for a regional run.