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VA/DC Class of 2028 Rankings: Top 30

December 18, 2024
Staff
Prep Baseball Virginia/DC

 

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Today we release our first edition of the VA/DC Class of 2028. There is so much excitement that comes with a new class. New faces and all of the intrigue that comes along with watching young players develop and grow is what really lights the fire with younger classes. Today, in addition to showcasing the Top 10 and the rest of the new rankings, we are going to talk about a few highlighted players from inside the rankings.



+ Josh Gunning - Battlefield HS - 3B/RHP

Another class and another batch of talent headed to Battlefield HS. Gunning joins the slew of underclass talent in the Bobcats program. The infielder and right handed arm has shown upside and ability on both sides of the ball. On the mound, Gunning usually sits in the 83-85 range and will run it to an occasional 86-87 with the fastball. It is a very short arm action and he has shown some solid control of the fastball, as well as a having feel for a low 70's breaking ball. While he has flashed some talent on the mound, the swing stands out maybe even more so. Short and compact stroke with some whip through the zone. More contact and hit tool type of bat with solid feel for the barrel.

+ Harley Matela - Cape Henry Collegiate - OF/RHP

Listed at 6-foot-1, 172-pounds, it is an extremely long and lean frame with plenty of room to fill. Long levers and seems to have solid body control for his size and age. Right now, would say bat over arm, but obviously with the size and athleticism there is some upside on the mound as well. At the plate, there is some power potential as the frame continues to add strength, but he has also shown feel for the barrel working gap to gap. Solid athlete for his size and is getting back healthy. Matela has a chance to be the next big impact player to come out of the 757. 

+ Antonio Burke - Highland School - OF/IF

This is another physical athlete from NOVA that has made a big impression in the few looks that we had in the past year. Listed at 6-foot-2, 181-pounds, Burke is high waisted athlete with proportional strength and should only continue to get stronger. Capable of playing infield and outfield at this present time, the Highland School product may find himself in the outfield down the road. The offensive setup and operation is extremely simple and repeatable for a freshman. Balanced, minimal moving pieces, and short to contact. While it is a short path to the zone, Burke is able to generate above average bat speed through the zone and can impact the baseball to pull. Burke is an above average runner at this time and should only get better as he continues to mature. Excited to lock in on the development of this NOVA area athlete over the next few years.

VIRGINIA/DC Class of 2028 Top 10

*Positions listed are primary positions listed on their profile.*

1 Liam Skeen Union RHP
2 Josh Gunning Battlefield 3B
3 Harley Matela Cape Henry OF
4 Tyler Caperton Eastern View SS
5 Tyler Jackson Liberty Christian SS
6 Gibson Beck St. Christopher's SS
7 Drew Wade Miller School RHP
8 Elijah Archer Highland Springs 1B
9 Antonio Burke Highland School OF
10 Trent O'Malley Langley RHP



Click Here For The Full Release --> VA/DC 2028 Rankings: Top 30