Prep Baseball Report

Too Early Spring Previews: RVA Teams 6-10


Jason Burton
PBR Virginia/DC Scouting Coordinator

 

As we slowly creep towards the end of 2021, the anticipation and excitement for another high school baseball season rises. 
Today we begin our Too Early Spring Preview, as we look at some of the top teams in the Richmond area. 

 

6. Benedictine Cadets 

The Cadets will have to replace the arms of Jay Woolfolk (UVA and Connor Handy (Univ. of New Orleans), but they usually roll out a few new arms in the spring that have made significant jumps. Some of those arms that are in that conversation are '23 Daniel Lingle, who provided some big innings for the Cadets last spring, and Derrell Fletcher (VMI) who had some nice outings in front of our staff this summer. Benedictine brings back key offensive pieces in Corey Adams, Terrence Rhodes, and a healthy Will Moore (VMI). I am sure there will be some new faces that jump out in the spring as Coach Ryan always has a few sleepers.

 

7. Trinity Episcopal Titans 

Coach Merry has some big names returning, especially senior outfielder and pitcher Josiah Harrison (Longwood). Harrison had a huge year last year at the plate and looks to pick up where he left off. With pieces like Logan Janney (Longwood) surrounding Harrison, the Titans have a chance to turn some heads this spring. Their ace arm will more than likely be Brian Curley (VCU), who was up to 93 mph late summer and shows no sign of slowing down. Curley can be a shutdown arm any time he takes the mound.

 

8. Mechanicsville Mustangs 

With their workhorse Brett Allen gone who will fill his production from a year ago. Look for Dallas Hairfield (Longwood) and CJ DiNapoli (William & Mary) to do some of the heavy lifting. The offense is a year older and has a chance for some solid production with bats like DiNapoli, Ethan Serrano (VCU), and Cameron Lamb (Longwood). If the Mustangs can provide some solid outings from their arms they have a chance to make a run in 4B.

 

9. Collegiate Cougars 

Collegiate has athleticism and youth throughout their offensive lineup with names like Silas Gwathmey, Hayden Rollison, Hartley Rahman, and Will Slater. The arms of Pearse Riendeau and Eric McDaniel (Mary Washington) will more than likely do the heavy lifting for the pitching staff. One of the biggest keys for Collegiate's offense will be lightning fast lead-off man Donovan Williams. Williams is the spark plug for that offense and can ignite a big inning whenever he gets on.

 

10. Atlee Raiders 

Any time the Raiders roll Michael Joyce (Florence-Darlington Tech) out to the mound they will have a chance to beat anybody. Who can Atlee count on in those other games? Can the bats of Turner Fitzpatrick (Hampden-Sydney) , Landon Scott , Chase Sanford , and company produce enough in the big games that Joyce throws, as well as other nights? If they can answer those questions the Raiders could make some noise in RVA.