VA/DC Preseason Power 25: 21-25
March 8, 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 21-25
25. West potomac
Back in the Patriot District this year with the dissolution of the Gunston District, the Wolverines are, as always, stacked on the mound. Top 2023 arm Brody Shawn (Wake Forest) has shut-down-any-offense stuff and the Wolverines also have a stable of arms behind him that will make them a tough team to score on any day of the week.
24. bishop o'connell
The Knights are coming off of a mixed 2021 season that was extremely short due to the WCAC’s COVID restrictions. They did narrowly lose to eventual State Champion Benedictine in the VISAA State Quarterfinals and O’Connell is poised to have a strong team this spring that will challenge in the WCAC and be a tough out in the VISAA Tournament. The headliner this spring for O’Connell will be 2022 RHP/1B Jack O’Connor (Virginia). O’Connor is one of the top prospects in the entire state and is on draft boards. Also filling out the rotation are seniors Carson Mayfield (Cornell) and Bobby McDonough (William & Mary). Mayfield and McDonough have both also been successful in WCAC play, giving O'Connell a true trio of quality arms. O’Connor is the centerpiece of the lineup, but watch for junior Michael Lavanga to be a factor there as well.
23. trinity episcopal
The Titans are as deep and talented as they have been in years. That talented group is led by Josiah Harrison (Longwood), Logan Janney (Longwood), Carter Schuma, and JD Stemhagen. Harrison should be the workhorse on the mound and drive in the runs at the plate. On the mound Trinity has some arms, that while they may not front-line shutdown stuff, they have the ability to throw strikes and get outs keeping them in games and letting a strong, versatile offense carry the weight. A dangerous team in VISAA Division I, especially come tournament time in May.
22. patriot
The Pioneers bring a lot back from a team that narrowly lost the District in 2021 and was eliminated in the Region tournament by Colgan in the semifinals. The Pioneers’ calling card in 2021 was offense and it should be again this spring with seniors Max Ehrhardt (Salisbury), Kyle Vandenburg, Mason Balsis (Longwood), and AJ Shepard (Indiana) forming a powerful middle of the lineup. Senior Ryan Fyvie (Patrick Henry CC) adds depth to the lineup and are also coming off of strong seasons. On the mound, Patriot has a stable of quality arms to choose from, including seniors Parker Hogge (Slippery Rock), Nathan Bishop (Roanoke), Matthew Boyd (Lock Haven), and juniors Jakob Foster (Mount St. Mary's) and Jordan Capuano among others. Assuming the Pioneers can get a strong season from that talented group, they will be a force to be reckoned with this spring.
21. first colonial
The Patriots had a strong 2021 and they appear to not only have talent on the roster, but are a well coached group and are poised to be the top team in the Beach District this spring. Jerry Barnes III (William & Mary) is the catalyst in the Patriot offense, as well as the defensive leader behind the plate. William Wian (Randolph-Macon) should once again anchor the First Colonial staff and will be accompanied on the mound by Ryan Northup (Mary Washington) and company. The Patriot offense lost left handed power bat Ryan Peterson (VMI), but have talent and ability to once again make a run.