Follow @PBRVirginiaDC
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: Hanover
Nickname: Hawks
Class: 4A East
Conference: Capitol Conference 20
Coach: Charlie Dragum
Twitter: @hanoverbaseball
2015 Record: 22-5
2015 Post Season: State Semifinals
Returning Starters/Position: 8
Returning Pitchers: 8

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jack Dragum (SS/RHP, 2018, Virginia) Dragum had a big freshman year for the Hawks, hitting leadoff and playing second base next to Richardson while also contributing on the mound. He is currently ranked 3^rd in the Class of 2018 Rankings.
John Gregory (1B/LHP, 2016, Longwood) Gregory is a projectable lefty who has shown the ability to reach the high 80s with his fastball while pairing it with a very good slider. He is currently ranked 27^th in the Class of 2016 Rankings.
Camden Grimes (3B/C, 2018) Grimes also had a big year at the plate as a freshman in 2015. He has even more upside there as he continues to grow into his power potential. Grimes is currently ranked 14^th in the Class of 2018 Rankings.
Grey Lyttle (RHP, 2016, High Point) Lyttle is a veteran of multiple State Tournament appearances and is a big-time competitor on the mound with a good fastball and slider combination. Lyttle tossed a no-hitter last year against Atlee in March. He is currently ranked 58^th in the Class of 2016 Rankings.
Hunter Marshall (C, 2016, Hampden-Sydney) Marshall has a good arm behind home plate and a solid bat for the Hawks. 
Hayden Moore (OF/RHP, 2016, Virginia Commonwealth) Moore is a four year starter for the Hawks and is currently ranked 47^th in the Class of 2016 Rankings.
Cayman Richardson (SS, 2016, Virginia) Richardson is an elite prospect who is a very athletic defender at shortstop with good range and a strong arm. He has explosive hands and bat speed at the plate, creating a ton of power potential for him. Richardson is currently ranked 9^th in the Class of 2016 Rankings. 

 

SEASON OUTLOOK
In 2015, Hanover reached the State Semifinals before falling in extra innings to Jefferson Forest. For most teams, this would be an outstanding year, but for Hanover, this meant the end of a string of State Titles, as the Hawks won the AAA Championship in 2013 and the 4A Championship in 2014. It was an outstanding year any way you cut it, the Hawks have just set the bar very high recently. The Hawks are built to get over that bar again in 2016 as they bring back a deep pitching staff and the majority of their lineup from the 2015 squad. Many of the team’s leaders were a part of the two State Championship squads and know what level of ball they have to play to win on that stage. The pitching staff is incredibly deep and experienced with Lyttle and Gregory with help from a slew of big arms. The Hawk defense will also be very good with a lineup of fast, athletic defenders are led by Richardson and Dragum up the middle. At times in 2015, the offense struggled to score against high caliber pitching, but that should be less of an issue this year as the Hawks have gained a year of development and strength. Hanover has one of the best teams top to bottom in our coverage area this spring and the Hawks are easily among the favorites to win the 4A State Championship in June.