Too Early Spring Previews: West 6-10
December 6, 2021
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As we slowly creep towards the end of 2021, the anticipation and excitement for another high school baseball season rises.
Today we roll out our third installment of the Too Early Spring Preview, as we dive into some of the top teams from the western portion of the state.
6. Abingdon Falcons
The Falcons will have to overcome a few big losses with the departure of seniors Chase Hungate (VCU), Jake O’Quinn, Caleb Collins (SWCC), Luke Francisco (Carson-Newman), Brody Dotson, James Hayton, and Jake Thacker. Ethan Gibson, the Virginia Tech commit, is a big time two-way star and we expect him to be the backbone of the 2021 State Runners Up. Gibson should be accompanied by 2022’s Ethan Ketron and Cole Lambert.
2023 Ethan Gibson (@HokiesBaseball commit)
— Jason Burton (@ksallday19) June 22, 2021
Has been scattered a bit early but has battled his way through the first 2 IP. 3 pitch mix and intense competitor on the mound.
FB 84-87 T88-89x1 a piece
CB 69-72 gradual 12/6
CH 75-78@PBRVirginiaDC #VHSL3AStates #PBRIsThere pic.twitter.com/lIXE5YMLXq
7. Franklin County Eagles
The Eagles will have to replace the likes of Michael Williams (Radford) and John Michael Holley from their 2021 squad. However, they will return two key pieces in Riley Hill and Future Games alum Preston Crowl (Virginia Tech). 2024 Ashton Hylton is another young name for the Eagles that could have an impact this spring. There may be some growing pains, but with Crowl and Hill on the mound the Eagles will have a chance to be in a lot of games.
2022 Riley Hill slams the door shut for @FCEagleBaseball
— Jason Burton (@ksallday19) May 26, 2021
Compact athletic frame. Manipulates spin, tempo’s, and speeds. Has been outstanding the past two weeks when I have seen him. Is an absolute bulldog on both sides.
FB 75-77
CB 61-65
CH 59-61@PBRVirginiaDC #PBRIsThere pic.twitter.com/bQLkrKBTUm
2023 Preston Crowl (@FCEagleBaseball)
— Jason Burton (@ksallday19) May 18, 2021
Easy low effort delivery. Repeats it well. Higher slot with feel for two secondary pitches.
FB 86-89 (full)
83-86 (stretch)
CB 71-74 gradual 12/6
CH 74-76 w/ feel@PBRVirginiaDC @ShooterHunt #PBRIsThere pic.twitter.com/vNR0lueXEb
Impressive stroke here from 2023 3B Preston Crowl @pcrowl4 (@FCEagleBaseball)
— PBR Virginia/DC (@PBRVirginiaDC) July 31, 2021
Creates nice natural lift through contact here w/ this ? RBI double that short hops the wall in LF. Present strength to pull side#TeamMidAtlantic #PBRFutureGames #PBRFG21 @PBRMaryland pic.twitter.com/pDNKKhNpLP
8. Amherst County Lancers
See Dalton Wentz. The South Carolina commit and 2021 Future Games alum is one of the best two-way players in the state. Alone, Wentz is a huge reason why the Lancers have a chance to be an impact team in 2022. He has the ability to shut down opposing offenses, as well as an instant impact offensive piece in the lineup. They will have to be without their leader Christian Martin, as Martin departed for Virginia Tech after last spring. If they can fill some pieces around Wentz then look for Amherst Co. to once again make a run in late May-June.
2024 Dalton Wentz (Amherst)#TeamMidAtlantic finished out with a bang from the young RHP/SS. Filled it up w/ 3 pitches. Showed feel for spin and worked in and out with the FB. Big 2-way name to remember.
— PBR Virginia/DC (@PBRVirginiaDC) July 31, 2021
FB 86-88
CB 71-73
CH 74-76@ShooterHunt @prepbaseball #PBRFG21 pic.twitter.com/rmohizx77K
2024 IF Dalton Wentz @dalton_wentz (@ACHSLancers) hitting at the #PBRFG21 #TeamMidAtlantic #PBRFutureGames @PBRMaryland pic.twitter.com/HmKd3FNxLQ
— PBR Virginia/DC (@PBRVirginiaDC) July 28, 2021
9. Broadway Fighting Gobblers
Broadway, even after losing talented senior Bryce Suters (JMU), returns talented senior Noah Hertzler. Hertzler is a recent William & Mary commit and was a standout at the Northeast Senior Games. Hertzler has the stuff to be an elite high school arm. Broadway also has WVU commit Bransen Hensley who should be a pivotal piece in the lineup.
‘22 Noah Hertzler (@BwayBaseball)
— Jason Burton (@ksallday19) August 11, 2021
Has flashed some impressive stuff thus far. FB is electric. Shown advanced feel for CH to both sides and broke off a few filthy CB’s w/ true S&M tendency.
FB 87-91
CB 76-78
CH 78-81@PBRVirginiaDC @ShooterHunt #NEseniorgames pic.twitter.com/FhB3thvYmB
2024 Branson Hensley (@BwayBaseball)
— PBR Mid-Atlantic Ground Forces (@PBRMAGF) July 17, 2021
The @WVUBaseball commit lifts this one into right for a single and would later come around to score on a wild pitch to give @RichmondBraves Platinum 15U a 3-2 lead heading into the 5th.@PBRVirginiaDC#PBRMA15U pic.twitter.com/sLdP5ruihD
10. Fluvanna Flucos
Fluvanna has a few very talented arms that have gained a lot of experience over the last 12 months. After a very senior heavy team in 2020, Covid year, the Flucos lacked experience on the varsity level. John Glasscock (WVU) and Joe Gomez (VCU) are two electric 2023’s, but they will need some help on the offensive side in order to get back to their 2019 State Title ways.
2023 John Glasscock @GlasscockJj (@FluvannaB)
— PBR Virginia/DC (@PBRVirginiaDC) March 22, 2021
The @prepbaseball #FutureGames alum & @WVUBaseball commit is an athletic mover on the mound. Big arm speed through release and a FB that has life through the zone.
FB 87-89
CB 73-74
SL 76-78
CH 80-85#MidAtlanticProcase pic.twitter.com/7W3L1kCbe8
2023 Joe Gomez (@FluvannaB)
— PBR Mid-Atlantic Ground Forces (@PBRMAGF) October 20, 2021
5-10 frame. Long arm swing from 3/4 slot. Big spin on FB & CB. CB has power breaker tendencies and up to 3080 RPM. FB spin up to 2573 RPM.
FB 84-87
CB 75-77@PBRVirginiaDC @PBR_Uncommitted @DirtbagsVa #PBRScoutDay pic.twitter.com/rknWHbdbaT