Prep Baseball Report

VA/DC Scout Blog: NOVA Nine


Jason Burton
Scouting Director PBR Virginia/DC

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We take a look at video and notes on nine players from four NOVA/DC teams.

 

St. John's

Nate Hawton-Henley OF / SS / St. John's College, VA / 2025

I have seen the St. John's outfielder on multiple occasions this spring. Athletic, twitchy, lean strength, and always seems to produce. It is not some super clean, fluid swing, but it is aggressive, advanced hand and bat speed, and has a knack for finding the barrel. In my eight-plus at bats this spring he has sprayed it around with some line drive tendencies. Has handled velo well and seems to be comfortable in the box. Advanced run tool with well above average arm strength in the outfield. 

 

 

Marcus Martin SS / RHP / St. John's College, VA / 2024

This was our first time seeing the High Point commit this spring. From the windup, Martin stayed in the 87-89 range for the first few innings and touched 90 once. When moving to the stretch the velo dipped just a touch to the 84-86 range, mostly when there was a runner on first and he was trying to be quicker to the plate. The slider was 74-76 mph and varied shapes at times. Martin showed a solid feel for the zone, especially early in the game. Did not show a true finisher, but the slider flashed some depth a couple of times and got some swings and misses. Worked the fastball to both sides and showed the ability to pitch in to right-handers. 

 

 

 

 

Paul VI

Carter Perdue RHP / 3B / Paul VI, VA / 2026

Some serious poise from the 6-foot-3 freshman. While he does not show overpowering velo right now, Perdue showed some pitchability. Mostly fastball/slider in his extended relief outing and made some big pitches in some big situations. A fair amount of high stress pitches with multiple runners on and he never backed down. It is a quick, shorter arm action from a low three-quarter arm slot and there is some effort to the delivery. Plenty of ceiling left for this freshman right hander. 

 

 

Jackson Sirois SS / RHP / Paul VI, VA / 2024

At the plate the UVA commit is pretty quiet pre-pitch. Hands are set high, direct load, and stays on line. Level path and quick hands through the zone. Has the ability to produce loud contact and impact an offense. Some carry in the gaps and more power to come as he continues to mature. On the defensive side he is active on approach, sets angles, and gets good direction on throws. Above average arm strength with accuracy across. 

 

 

 

 

Freedom-South Riding

Justin Lee RHP / 1B / Freedom, VA / 2025

Lee is a riser in our recent 2025 rankings and for good reason. The offense has really shown well as of late. Aggressive, attacks out front, and has some carry to both gaps. Quick enough to turn on it, but shows the discipline to stay inside and use the middle of the field as well. Defensive profile and where he fits in will be a question long term, but the bat plays. 

 

 

Ryan Marohn LHP / Freedom (South Riding), VA / 2023

I have had a chance to see Marohn three times this spring. If there is anything more to say about him, it is you know what you are getting every day when you show up. Strikes, 89-92, slider is the finisher, and he competes. The NC State commit is a sneaky good athlete and gets off the mound really well. As I have said before, when a good play is made behind him, he is the first person to celebrate. He seems genuinely excited for his teammates' success. Starter profile with a slider that flashes some above average qualities and a serviceable low 80's changeup. One of the best, most consistent arms in the state in 2023. 

 

 

 

Edwin Sanchez OF / 2B / Freedom (South Riding), VA / 2024

Sanchez got the start in center on the day and got to show off some of his ability at the plate. Physical athlete, above average runner, and loud tools that translate into the game. Had a chance to see him last summer at state games and you could tell there was something there, it was just a matter of seeing him in game and seeing how the tools translated. Hands set back, level path, and shows the ability to use the middle and backside of the field. The ball jumps off and he has the strength to impact the baseball. Will be one to get eyes on this summer. 

 

 

 

 

Gainesville

Ben Ackerman C / OF / Gainesville, VA / 2025

Ackerman was one of the lone bright spots on the day for Gainesville. Had two of the only hits on the day, with a double to deep center in his first at bat and then a line drive single on a slider in his final at bat. Accurate around the bag, hovering in the 2.20-2.26 range in game pops, and the arm will need to continue to add strength as he matures. 

 

 

 

Caden Merritt OF / RHP / Gainesville, VA / 2025

This is one of the more well put together players I have seen this spring. Visible lean strength, long, athletic, runs, and looks comfortable in the box. Although he did not have any results to show at the plate, he was on multiple pitches. Moves well out of the box and has range to stay in center. Will be a hot commodity this summer.