VA/DC Preseason Power 25: 16-20
March 9, 2022
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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 16-20
20. gonzaga
The Eagles are loaded this spring and are poised to challenge for a WCAC Championship. The offense will be centered on senior shortstop Nick Morabito (Virginia Tech), who will be flanked by juniors Bryson Moore (Virginia) and Marcus LeClair (Virginia). Moore and seniors Henry Hultquist (Davidson) and Noah Potholm (Swarthmore) anchor a talented group on the mound as well and keep an eye on junior Ethan Van Sice, who could also be a key contributor on the mound as the season progresses for Gonzaga.
19. mclean
McLean will look to continue its recent strong run this spring with a roster that features one of the top two-way players in the State, 2022 OF/RHP Griffin Stieg (Virginia Tech). Stieg will be the centerpiece in the Highlander offense that brings back 7 of its 9 starters this spring. Look for Stieg to also top the rotation which has a lot of depth this year. 2022 RHP Evan Fontaine is coming off of a big summer and should give McLean a strong contribution on the mound, 2024 Aiden Carey earned All-District honors in 2021 as a freshman, and 2024 Jack Nance comes over from Maret to add another quality arm to the mix for the Highlanders. 2023s Chris Morabito and AJ Poole should see increased roles for McLean and add more depth to what is an experienced lineup.
18. miller school
Miller School lost a big bat in the top of the order in 2022 Nathan Fink, who left for IMG Academy, but Miller School still has more than enough offense in the order. The Mavericks return seniors Landon Abrahamson (Dayton), Henry Cooke (Virginia Tech), Jacob Exum (Virginia Tech), Laken Tignor (Patrick Henry CC), and Timothy Brooks (JMU). Brooks, who has made some big jumps since the start of his junior year, will more than likely serve as staff ace and will be accompanied by fellow seniors Thomas Reilly and Jacob Exum. 2023's Noah Murray (Duke) and Patrick Rakes will bring additional offensive firepower to an already stout lineup. Look for the Mavericks to once again challenge for a VISAA State Championship.
17. abingdon
The Falcons will have to overcome a few big losses with the departure of seniors Chase Hungate (VCU), Jake O’Quinn, Caleb Collins (SWCC), Luke Francisco (Carson-Newman), Brody Dotson, James Hayton, and Jake Thacker. Ethan Gibson, the Virginia Tech commit, is a big time two-way star and we expect him to be the backbone of the 2021 State Runners Up. Gibson should be accompanied by 2022’s Ethan Ketron and Cole Lambert.
16. Benedictine
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 (William & Mary), 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.