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VHSL Class 6 Previews: Region B

Battlefield Bobcats  

2024 Record: 17-8

Arguably the youngest team in 2024, the Battlefield Bobcats had a tremendous season before ultimately losing in the state quarterfinals. While they do return essentially every player from last season, they will more than likely be down a few, at least to start the season. Offensive returners include Nico Moritz-Toledo (Virginia Tech) who sets the tone at the top. We would anticipate a mixture of Yogi Colangelo (Virginia Tech), Christian Gomez, Garrett Camp, Luke Raflo, Grayson Abell, Luis Sanchez (Grove City), and Josh Weppner to play roles in the offense once again. Yet again, Battlefield has a few freshmen that, at some point in the future, could contribute in some capacity to this program, most notably Josh Gunning. The pitching staff will be a big sticking point with this group. If Sam Michel (Northwestern) can stay healthy, and Weppner, Camp, and Jack Glennon add solid depth behind the frontline potential of Michel. A couple of other names to watch for are Liam Bunner, Max Lusk, and Joe Lund. There are some questions in the infield and some run production to replace, but if the arms can stay healthy they have the pieces to make a run at the Class 6 title.

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Colgan Sharks  

2024 Record: 16-7

While the Sharks lost some talent from the 2024 team, most notably Tyler Bassett (Longwood), they have some new faces that could impact this team in a positive way. Returning in 2025 is the dynamic senior infielder, Julius Bagnerise (George Mason). Bagnerise should be joined by fellow seniors Jesse Owen and Michael Brown (USMMA). A pair of new faces that have been added to the senior class are Marco and Miguel Smith. Both committed to Harford CC and both could bring a big offensive boost to this club. Adding to the offense will be junior Chris Delamater. Sophomore Gavin Knox (Virginia Tech) was a workhorse in 2024 and will probably carry even more weight this year after the departure of Bassett and Braeden Cooch. Outside of Knox, the Sharks will need to find some help on the mound if they want to make a run at a region/state title.

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Colonial Forge Eagles  

2024 Record: 17-6

The Eagles had themselves a strong regular season, but found themselves taking an early exit in the region quarterfinals. They lose a couple of starters, but do bring some important pieces for 2025. Anthony DiClemente, Michael Guckian, Dylan McCarthy (William & Mary), and Ayden Mitchell (Marymount) all return as key contributors to the offense. McCarthy threw some big innings last spring and joining him is Brock Stempin (Concord). They have the offense, and a versatile and athletic defense, but will need to find some depth on the mound if they want to make a run in a talented Region B.

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Freedom (South Riding) Eagles  

2024 Record: 18-8

In 2024, the Eagles took the hit from arms that graduated the previous year. In 2025, they will need to find a way to replace the wealth of offense that was lost from last season. Kyle Lanouette, Brodie Carver, and Chase Triplett (Roanoke) are three of the very few returners that contributed significantly in 2024. The steadying presence of Carver at shortstop should go a long way, but there are plenty of other voids to be filled, including on the mound. Siddharth Veeramneni, Tyler Holt, and Kyle Lanouette are three right handers that threw some big innings down the stretch last season and they are all back this season. Joining them is the talented senior left hander, Liam Thyen (George Washington). While they have a ton to replace and some big question marks, one this is for sure, it should be no shock in late May when Freedom is in the hunt for yet another state tournament berth.

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Gainesville Cardinals  

2024 Record: 18-6

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?

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Mountain View Wildcats  

2024 Record: 15-7

The Wildcats put together some quality wins in 2024 but found themselves with an early exit in the region quarterfinals to Gainesville. They graduate some contributors from 2024 but bring back some players with experience for 2025. Ayden Albright (VMI), Timothy Hootselle, Isaac Munoz (Charleston-WV), Caleb Ramsey (George Mason), Spencer Way (Randolph-Macon), and Weston Yount are some familiar faces that return to the lineup. They lack a frontline arm but Munoz and Tyler Van Dyke (VMI) are contenders that could step into that role. There are some offensive pieces that can produce runs, but arm depth will be the question down the road.

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Patriot Pioneers  

2024 Record: 11-10

Experience and leadership on the roster could be a strong suit for the Pioneers this spring. Jackson Clements (Paul D. Camp CC), Evan Foster (Marymount), Abhi Raghunathan (Paul D. Camp), Luke Sullivan (Radford), and Dominic Tilden are all seniors with plenty of experience to lead the way for Patriot. While they do not have a frontline arm, they have some depth and pieces that can fill some different roles. Juniors Ben Bosse, Ryan Lafin, and Jacob Peacher should once again help out on the offensive side. The dynamic offense of Grady Lenahan will be missed, but more importantly the lack of a true shutdown arm could prove pivotal down the stretch.

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Woodbridge Vikings  

2024 Record: 16-5

Woodbridge loses their multi-year staff ace in Aiden Ellerts and middle of the order bat Aiden Ward. While both are big losses, they have more than enough returning production to replace them. Caelan Goodwin-Slater (Longwood) has the stuff to step and take over the role as their frontline arm. The Viking also bring back their middle infield headlined by senior Ethan Jackson and their starting catcher Kory Barbier. In addition to Goodwin-Slater, Aiden Simoneau (Marymount) can also provide some two-way production. Staff depth and run production versus quality arms are two areas that could hinder in a region that does have some solid arms. However, like the Vikings, others may have some quality arm depth as well.