Follow @PBRVirginiaDC 
Facebook + Instagram

Region 5A bolsters plenty of talent in 2024, including some serious offensive firepower from Cox, the reigning VHSL 5A State Champions. Who is the darkhorse that has a chance to upset the Cox Falcons growing dynasty? See previews on seven teams from Region 5A.

VHSL 5A Region A Previews:

Cox

2023 Record 23-3 *5A State Champions*

The 5A powerhouse Cox Falcons are back from a state championship in 2023 and will look to make it three state titles in the last four years. The Falcons will return six offensive starters, but it will be the battery that they have the most figuring out to do. Cox lost catcher Macaddin Dye (Liberty) to early graduation, as well as a couple of big arms from the state title team. As much as they lost from last year’s team, they may have gained that back and some with a pair of new faces in Parker Wight (UNC-G) and Garrison Wight (Louisburg). Parker will be able to provide some middle of the order power that will help fellow run producer Austin Irby (ECU). Along with P. Wight and Irby, the lineup should see contributions from upperclassmen Conner Worth (JMU) and Michael Barreiro (Randolph-Macon). After that there are some unknowns with the offensive lineup. Some young positional names to know are Tripp Faison, Alex John, and Colt Bradshaw. Faison and John could both see some time behind the plate and Bradshaw is a pretty advanced defender in the infield, especially for a freshman. G. Wight, Jake Colucci (UNC-G), and MJ Lemke are three arms that could see significant roles on the mound, as well as senior uncommitted arm Ryan DeLashmutt.

---

Princess Anne

2023 Record 10-11

Princess Anne had a young team that worked their way to a 10-11 record in 2023. In 2024 they return a lot of their roster with seven returning starters and five returning pitchers. With a lot of these players gaining experience in 2023 they look to improve heading into the spring. The Cavaliers have athleticism in the infield with Xavier Doon, Aidan McKeating, and Matthew Metheny that could play huge roles in their success in 2024. Senior Christian Francis could play a leadership role in the outfield for the Cavaliers. Walter Clevenger, Luke Sweeney (Richard Bland), and Reid Vandergrift could be a rotation that could play vital roles on the mound.

---

Green Run

2023 Record 2-18

The Green Run Stallions had some growing pains in 2023 going 2-18. The Stallions return in 2024 trying to turn things around. They will be returning eight of their starters and three pitchers for 2024. Senior Tyler Campbell will be returning for the Stallions that should play a big role on the mound as well in the field. Ayden Kent could see some big innings on the mound for the Stallions in the spring. Sophomore Tameron Campbell is a power bat that could play a significant role in the lineup as well as getting some key innings on the mound. Andrew Ludwig and Dylan Bowden are guys that could be an impact on the Stallions success. Sophomore Ja’myr Jones could contribute to the Stallions offense with his athleticism. With these pieces Green Run will look to improve in 2024.

---

First Colonial

2023 Record 17-6-1 *Lost in 5A State Quarterfinals*

The Patriots of First Colonial lost to Cox in the regional championship game, but made their appearance in the VHSL 5A State Tournament a few days later. However, Nansemond River would come out on top in that matchup, ending FC’s season. The Patriots lost a number of players to graduation, including Casey Proctor, David Fall, Luke Bosher, and Quinton Adams. FC returns their first two bats in last year’s lineup. Wes Stubbe and Brady Gavin are two juniors that should pace the offense, along with fellow juniors Keegan Haesler and Ryan Dugan. There are multiple arms that they will have to replace, but with Nic Morlang (Maryland), the Patriots have a frontline arm to take some weight off of the offense in big games.

---

Great Bridge

2023 Record 16-7

The Wildcats continue to make a push to get back on top, but the road may be a bit tougher now after moving up to 5A this year. Great Bridge graduated three key pieces with Caden Ward (Moravian), Mike Keough (Wilson College), and Adam Emhoff (Hampden-Sydney) all moving on to play at the next level. Not only will Ward leave a void in the infield, but he and the other two graduates will leave a big opening on the mound. Dawson Newman (Longwood) should see added time on the mound and will continue to contribute at the plate, but they will have to find other arms to back up the senior left hander. Calvin Mabry, Casey Cuddyer, and Andrew Griffin should return to the lineup and bring some needed depth and athleticism, but the mound could be the question mark for this squad. They have some young arm talent in the sophomore and freshman class, but how much they will contribute is TBD.

---

Hickory

2023 Record 14-8

Looking for a new face to upset the VHSL 5A, Region A hierarchy? Look no further than the Hickory Hawks. The history rich Hawks bring experience, mound depth, and some offensive versatility. Brayden Bachman (ECU) is one of the best hitters in the 757 and while he gets worked around at times, he should be surrounded by experienced players that give the offense a chance to produce runs. Jake Chadwell (Longwood) and Andrew Vinarov (Virginia Wesleyan) should help Bachman with run production, while Eli Kraft should be the table setter and spark plug at the top. If they are missing anything, it may be depth behind the top half of the order. On the mound, Ryan Barks (George Washington),  Tommy Blackburn, and Ryan Kennedy give a trio of experienced arms with the stuff to limit opposing offenses, especially when it comes to big innings. An underclassman to know is Jake Cozart. We are unclear as to how much the 6-3 left hander will contribute, if any at all, but the talent is easy to see and he is a name to know for the long term.

---

Ocean Lakes

2023 Record 12-10

The Dolphins went 12-10 and fell in the regional quarterfinals to Grassfield in 2023. They will have to find a front line arm in 2024 to replace innings from Blake Dickerson and Peter Philips (VMI). Dickerson was drafted in the 12th round by the San Diego Padres in the 2023 MLB Draft. Junior Rowan Powers could be an arm that could step into a bigger role for the Dolphins on the mound. The Dolphins could be more of an offensive team in 2024 with Austin Crew (VMI) and Ryan Gocio (JMU) being key pieces in 2024. Senior Colin Benson (Roanoke) is another piece that could provide offensive production alongside Crew and Gocio. Ocean Lakes can be a solid offensive team, the question is will they have the mound depth to balance out the offense?