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While there is not an immense amount of depth in this region, it is a tough fight to get out. Bethel has the premier arm in the region, Menchville should benefit from a slightly lighter disrict schedule to help with seeding, Granby has some athleticism and a true ace, but Maury and Nansemond River have the most depth and talent. Who will come out of the region in 2024?

VHSL 5A Region B Previews:

Bethel

2023 Record 15-4-1

The Bethel Bruins went 15-4-1 and fell in the Region Quarterfinals to Nansemond River. The Bruins return their big time arm Cayden Ochsenfeld. He should log a lot of innings for the Bruins on the mound in 2024. Joe Harris could be another arm to take some important innings. Seniors Liam Ochsenfeld and Ty Overstreet should be key roles in the offense for the Bruins. Austin DeBusk could provide some position versatility and offensive production. Bethel has some pieces surrounding their premier starter, but will the offense be enough?

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Granby

2023 Record 13-8

Granby had a 13-8 record and was eliminated in the region quarterfinals in 2023. The Comets bring back a lot of the roster from 2023 only graduating three seniors. With a lot of experience coming back they look to make a deep playoff run. Senior Daniel Smith (Davidson) should be the front line arm for Granby to help them make a push. Hector Rivera should be a key piece to the offense and defensively for the Comets. With potential production from the supporting cast, the Comets hope to make a deeper playoff run.

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Maury

2023 Record 18-3

Maury went 18-3 and was taken down by Nansemond River in the region semifinals in 2023. Maury loses their power bat Brian Jones to graduation but they will bring back key pieces. Brycen Hamilton (VMI) will be a very valuable piece to the Commodores success at the plate and on the mound in 2024. Derek Baker should also log a lot of innings in 2024. Hunter Gillespie could be a key piece in the offense to provide some run support for the pitching staff and John Allen Stilwell can lock it down in the outfield. They have some pitching depth to go along with enough offense to be able to compete for a deep playoff run.

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Menchville

2023 Record 20-1

The Menchville Monarchs had a dominating regular season in 2023 but fell in the region semifinals in an upset against Gloucester. With only graduating four seniors, the Monarchs have the bulk of their roster returning for the 2024 season. Chance Jones and Luke Woodard can be solid offensive pieces for Menchville and senior Zach Davis should be one of the front and center arms. Freshman Blake O’Berry is an underclassman that may or may not play a role for the Monarchs this spring, but with his pitchability, he is a name to know for the future.

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Nansemond River

2023 Record 16-10 *Lost in 5A state semifinals*

The Warriors went 16-10 making it to the state semifinals but falling to Independence in 2023. They graduate important pieces in Darnell Parker Jr. and Thomas Wolfe , but they bring back plenty of talent in 2024. Senior Aden Judge (VMI) is going to be a key piece for the Warriors in the outfield and at the plate. Senior Drew Barbosa (Randolph Macon) could be a big time run producer this spring for the Warriors. Camden Bauswell and Buddy Baker (VMI) are arms that could fill a lot of innings this spring. Konner Johnson and Caden Mintz are returners that could take on bigger roles this spring to help the Warriors state title hopes.