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By John Nolan
Assistant Director of Scouting/Content Management 

As we enter March, the high school season is quickly approaching. As we approach opening day, we will continue our look at high school programs throughout our coverage area as they prepare for the 2016 season.
 

Team: Freedom (South Riding)
Nickname: Eagles
Class: 4A West
Conference: 22 and the Dulles District
Coach: Mark Wrighte
Twitter: @FHSEAGLES1
2015 Record: 9-15
2015 Post Season: Conference Tournament
Returning Starters/Position: 4
Returning Pitchers: 2

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Zach Hall (OF, 2017) Hall has upside at the plate and should be one of the Eagles’ more dangerous bats this spring.
Brad Lau (LHP, 2016) Lau will be among Freedom’s top arms on the mound and was also able to contribute to the lineup in 2015.
Mitch Pfaff (1B/UTL, 2017) Pfaff has a good bat and is a versatile defender who will compete for playing time at multiple positions.
Kyle Schofield (OF, 2018) Schofield takes great routes to balls in the outfield and can handle the bat well at the plate.
Robert Van Pelt (MIF, 2016) Van Pet has good lateral range in the infield and a strong arm. He is also quick on the bases.
Michael Zubovich (RHP/IF, 2016) Zubovich has good command of three pitches, including a low 80s fastball and a good fading change-up.

 

SEASON OUTLOOK
Freedom got off to a hot start in 2015 but had a rough stretch run as the Eagles lost a bunch of tight, well-pitched games to good competition. The 2016 Eagles will be a different team after the graduation of a handful of starters, including its defensive leader in catcher Garrett St. Laurent (VMI). Freedom also have been affected by reclassification as they move down from 5A to 4A, although that move did put them into the meat grinder that is the 4A West. The Eagles will be deep on the mound with more than enough options for them to be in every game this spring with a chance to win. Freedom, as always, will also be fundamentally sound and will be a good defensive team that makes the plays they have to in order to support their pitchers. If the Eagles can get some more consistent offense this spring against some of the elite pitching that they will face in Dulles District and 4A West play, then Freedom should quickly improve on their 2015 season and could be a dangerous team in the 4A West Regional.