2022 VHSL Preview: Class 1

As the season approaches, we will go around the Commonwealth and DC and preview the action to come this spring, our first full season since 2019. In each preview, we will breakdown how teams qualify for the Region Tournaments, the Top Prospects in each Region, and Teams to Watch.

2021 saw Auburn defeat Essex to capture the Class 1 State Championship. Essex was the Region 1A Champion, Riverheads won Region 1B, Auburn 1C, and Chilhowie was the 1D Champ. Hat tips go out to Rappahannock, Central (Lunenberg), Grayson County, and Eastside, who were Region Runners-up and in a normal year would have earned a State Tournament berth. 

Each Region sets their tournaments up slightly differently. 1A uses power points to seed an eight-team tournament. 1B also uses power points but has a six-team Regional. 1C is an eight-team tournament that is made up of the top four finishers from the Pioneer District and Mountain Empire District. 1D also uses District finish to fill out a pre-seeded nine-team tournament, with the Hogheegee District, Black Diamond District, and Cumberland District each getting three berths in the tournament. 

TOP PROSPECTS

TEAMS TO WATCH

1A

Essex
The defending Region Champs and State Runners-up lose Holden Ambrose (Bridgewater) and Tahraun Hammond to graduation but bring back Gavin Stone (Ferrum) and Tyler Clark from the top portion of their lineup. Stone should top the rotation with Ambrose's departure as the Trojans look to again ride strong pitching and defense back to the State Tournament. 2023 Kamren Robinson was also a factor in the middle of the lineup and could have a breakout season this spring.

Mathews
The Blue Devils ran into Essex in the 2021 Region semifinals, coming up short against the Trojans after a strong season until that point. Top arm Daniel Moughon and middle of the lineup presence Dawson Adams should be back for their senior seasons this spring as Mathews looks to return to the State Tournament.

Rappahannock
The Raiders were a dominant 11-1 in 2021 heading into the Region Championship game before falling to Essex, a team that had beaten twice earlier in the season. The Raiders are poised to make a run again in 2022 and make a State Tournament trip this year. Senior Wyatt Bunch (Longwood) is back to top the rotation and anchor a lineup that returns fellow seniors Caleb Turner and Ethan Beck as well as junior Slade Keyser. Look for Turner and Keyser to also round out the rotation behind Bunch.

1B

Central (Lunenberg)
The Chargers were an offensive machine in 2021 and while they lose All-Region Seth Hall to graduation, the Chargers bring the bulk of that lineup back. Sophomore Ryan Allard should top the rotation and be the centerpiece of the lineup that will again be flanked by Ben Currin, Ethan Currin, Hunter Word, and Odarius Green as well as others. Look for the Chargers to again be in the mix deep in the season.

Riverheads
The Gladiators had their typical regular season in 2021, not posting the best overall record as the small school in a District made up of Class 2 and Class 3 schools, and then rolling to the Region Championship in the playoffs before falling to Essex in the State Semifinals. Back this spring for Riverheads are their top arm in senior Colton Kniewcinski as well as key senior bats Landon Lightner and Aidan Miller (Eastern Mennonite). 

William Campbell
The Generals also play in a District made up of larger schools but had a solid 2021 season. Gone to graduation are Randy Crabtree (Bridgewater) and Sloan Seals, who formed the middle of the Generals lineup last year. They do get some other key pieces back in 2022 Colton Allen (Ferrum) and 2023 Tyler Mason, both of whom contribute in the lineup and on the mound.