VA/DC Preseason Power 25: 1-5

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As the season rapidly approaches, we continue our preview of the 2022 High School season by releasing our Preseason Power 25. Today, we reveal teams 1-5

 

5. liberty christian

The Bulldogs return some pivotal pieces from a very good 2021 squad. The leadership and offensive firepower from the likes of Tanner Thomas (Longwood), Logan Duff (Randolph-Macon), John Simmons (Liberty), and Andrew Burns (Liberty) should provide plenty of run support for an already solid pitching staff. LCA will have to replace Brock Duff (UVA-Wise), who had an outstanding spring in 2021. In addition to the loss of Duff the Bulldogs will have to replace Will Thomas and Nathan Tucker, but with pieces like Sullivan Holmes (Liberty), Ben Blondino (King), and Benjamin Blair (Liberty) they have more than enough depth on the mound to make another run at a state title.

4. cosby

After a 6A regional championship and a state semifinal appearance in 2021, the Titans looked poised for another run at a regional trophy and state tournament bid. Cosby loses one of their top two arms in Everett Vaughan (High Point), but returns one of the top arms in the area in ODU commit Caleb Grizzard. The Titans are a year older and bring back the vast majority of an offense that exploded in 2021. Collin Hughes (Longwood), Brayden Simpson (High Point), and Caleb Grizzard (ODU) will carry the load in the middle, but look for sophomores Ayden Schnarrs and Seth Truesdale to take big steps after starting the majority of their freshman year.

3. freedom (south riding)

The conversation of best pitching staffs in the state includes Freedom (South Riding). The Eagles’ arms offer a nice combination of experience, talent, and exciting youth. 2021 Future Games alum Mason Butash (Penn State), Peter Hoenig (CNU), Ryan Morrison (CNU), Ryan Marohn (NC State), and Luke Proehl (Virginia Tech) are some of the headline names, but that is not where their pitching staff ends. Senior Dylan Greentree thrived as the closer last year and could see his role increase this spring as well. The offense should be paced by outfielder and two sport standout Nathan Chen (Randolph-Macon), senior catcher Cal Henderson (Louisburg JC), Tyler Smith (Ferrum), Eli Edelman, and 2024 WVU commit Griffin Burkholder. Freedom is loaded with talent and is a serious contender in NOVA and in the state as they move up to Class 6 in 2022.

2. hanover

Hanover is the class of RVA. The Hanover Hawks are loaded once again. Far and away they have the best pitching staff in the area and quite possibly the state. With Levi Huesman (Coastal Carolina), Chase Hustead (JMU), Seth Keller (ODU), Marcus Van Alstine (VMI), Jackson Barnett, and a healthy and fully healed Anthony Gabello (JMU) the Hawks staff is quite possibly the deepest and most talented staff of arms in the state (Colgan is definitely in the conversation as well). The biggest question remains, will the offense produce enough when it comes playoff time. If Cannon Peebles (NC State), Brett Alvis (Mt. St. Marys), and Keller can get some help at the plate they will be a very tough out, regardless of who they are playing.

1. Colgan

The class of the state and the easy pre-season favorite to win the Class 6 State Championship in 2022. Colgan is the 6A State Runner-Up from 2021 returns with a vengeance this spring. The Sharks are in the discussion with Hanover for best pitching staff in the state (and each has a valid argument), but their offensive firepower is without a doubt the best in the state. Returning virtually every single piece of their offense, the Colgan Sharks look stronger than ever. The Sharks have since added Virginia Tech commit and elite defender Carter Newman (previously at Woodbridge) to go along with the bats of Brett Renfrow (Virginia Tech), Evan Blanchard (George Mason), Brandon Cassedy (CNU), Jae’dan Carter (Dayton), Matthew Westley (Virginia Tech), and Ryan Kennedy (Virginia Tech). Colgan’s workhorse and most dependable arm is George Mason commit Connor Knox and he is accompanied by power right-handers Ryan Kennedy and Brett Renfrow, making this one of the best staffs in the state. Kennedy will generate some draft buzz this spring and Renfrow is also on the short list for best prospects in the 2023 Class in the Mid-Atlantic Region.