Commonwealth Classic Team Previews: Highland Hawks
March 28, 2023
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As we prepare for the inaugural Commonwealth Classic tournament, our staff would like to highlight what to expect from top ranked #3 Highland Hawks in this tournament, as well as some of their potential top performers.
Tournament Schedule: April 1st at 10:00 am vs Hanover (Site: Hanover HS)
April 1st at 4:00 pm vs TBD (Site: TBD), April 3rd (Opponent, Site, & Time TBD)
The Highland Hawks have dropped a pair early, but both were to very strong programs, including a loss to Gonzaga, who is a top five team in the VA/DC Power 25. Since that loss to the Eagles, the Hawks have secured a high quality win with a 5-2 victory versus one of the best teams in the Atlantic Coast region, Oceanside Collegiate. The Hawks are one of the deepest teams around, with quality talent on the mound and at the plate. Seniors Ryan Gimbel (EMU), Blagen Pado (Longwood), and John Noah Lukonis (Randolph-Macon) bring leadership and experience to the Hawks. In addition to some senior leaders, they have youth and energy. Luke Craddock (ECU), Kehler Hamilton (Elon), Joey Rogers, Brooks Graham are some names to know in the lineup, as they have a nice combination of power, speed, and versatility up and down the order. Brennen Card (William & Mary), Stephen Christopher (Virginia Tech), and Dagan Kitner should be arms to watch for, along with new addition closer, Kehler Hamilton.
Top Performers To Watch:
Blagen Pado
Class of 2023 / CF
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2023
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Primary Position: CFSecondary Position: SS
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High School: HighlandState: VA
- Summer Team: Snyder Bucks
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Height: 5-10Weight: 175lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Luke Craddock
Class of 2025 / 1B
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2025
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Primary Position: 1BSecondary Position: 3B
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High School: Pro 5 AcademyState: VA
- Summer Team: Dirtbags 16U National
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Height: 6-2Weight: 225lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Stephen Christopher
Class of 2025 / RHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2025
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Primary Position: RHP
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High School: Highland SchoolState: VA
- Summer Team: Dirtbags National 16u
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Height: 6-2Weight: 170lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Brennen Card
Class of 2024 / LHP
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2024
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Primary Position: LHPSecondary Position: OF
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High School: HighlandState: VA
- Summer Team: Snyder Bucks-McCauley
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Height: 6-3Weight: 200lbs
- Bat/Throw: L/L
Kehler Hamilton
Class of 2024 / OF
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2024
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Primary Position: OFSecondary Position: RHP
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High School: Highland SchoolState: VA
- Summer Team: Dirtbags 17U National
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Height: 6-2Weight: 210lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Top Uncommitted Players To Watch:
Joey Rogers
Class of 2025 /
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2025
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Primary Position:Secondary Position: RHP
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High School: HighlandState: VA
- Summer Team: Dirtbags 16u National
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Height: 6-1Weight: 185lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Brooks Graham
Class of 2025 / OF
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2025
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Primary Position: OFSecondary Position: 2B
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High School: HIGHLAND SCHOOLState: VA
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves Platinum
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Height: 6-1Weight: 190lbs
- Bat/Throw: L/R
Benjamin Cardone
Class of 2025 / C
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2025
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Primary Position: CSecondary Position: SS
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High School: Highland SchoolState: VA
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves
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Height: 5-9Weight: 180lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R