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This spring we take a different approach to the unveiling of our Preseason Power25 teams across the commonwealth/DC. Instead of one full release, we will be doing a countdown starting today and running all the way to the beginning of the high school season. Over the course of the next 2.5 weeks, we will be counting down our preseason top 25.

VA/DC Preseason Power25: No. 13 - James Madison Warhawks

Preseason Rank: 13
Level: VHSL Class 6 Region D
Head Coach: Mark Gjormand
2018: 15-7 Lost in Region D Quarterfinals

Top Players 

Ethan Lipp OF 2019
Matt Howat LHP 2019 (William & Mary, pictured)
Josh Gjormand LHP/UT 2019 (Lynchburg)
Luke Erdmann 3B 2019 (Washington & Lee)

X-Factor

The No. 2 Pitcher - After Matt Howat, the Warhawks have plenty of depth on the mound, but it is uncertain as to who will step in and take the No. 2 role and supplement Howat. Josh Gjormand and Henry Freck could fall into that category as both saw time last year for James Madison. It will be important to get quality innings to keep Howat fresh through the year.
 

Key Players Lost

Kyle Novak
Jake Neilsen

Outlook

One of the most consistent programs in Northern Virginia, the Warhawks have been a standard of consistency and continual contender year in, year out. That doesn't look to be much different in 2019 as the Warhawks have a nice group of experience back for the spring.

The Warhawks will be led on the mound by returning ace 2019 LHP Matt Howat. Howat was a workhorse for the Warhawks last season, leading the team in innings last season. That shouldn't change in 2019 as Howat will once again be called upon to lead a staff that will feature some new faces. The Warhawks will have depth and some options to add time on the mound with the likes of Henry Freck, Josh Gjormand, Mason Satterfield, Ryan Murphy, Michael Schultz, Davis Snyder, Zach Perkins, Fitz Halloran, and Ry Yates, but who will take control as another starter is a bit of a question. Gjormand or Freck look like the candidates to take that No. 2 spot, but time will tell.

Offensively, James Madison have a nice group returning the lead the offense. That offensive attack will be led by 2019 OF Ethan Lipp who will be a staple in the middle of the order. Gjormand will also be a key piece of the offense as well as Zach Perkins who are two of the other top returners on offense as well. Look for 2020 C Chris Polymeropoulos to get more at Bats as the 2020 finished the season strong in his sophomore year and should build off that success in 2019. Luke Erdmann is also another key returner on the offensive end from 2018 who possesses strength at the plate and will add a power presence as a key returner in 2019.

As stated before, the Warhawks show nice depth around the diamond as usual and that should be the main reason they once again have a successful season. If they can get one or two players to emerge as big game performers, they could end up even higher than where we have them as our Preseason Power25 No. 13.

MORE PRESEASON POWER25