VHSL 2019 Class 4 Regions A and B Preview

Grafton
Grafton lost to Jamestown in the state semi’s in 2018 and look to build on a strong season and strong underclass group for 2019. With the only key losses of 2018 being  Adam Sanders and Justin Bowers (NCCU) the Clippers return a strong group for the 2019 season. Pitching depth will be a huge asset for Grafton this spring as they have depth with the big arms of 2020 Trey Gibson (Liberty), 2020 Mark Petko (Radford), 2019 Andrew Shartzer (Paul D. Camp CC), and 2019 two way standout Zack Wojnarowski (VMI). The Clippers will lean on the bats of guys like Wojnarowski, one of the states' top uncommitted prospects in 2020 C Tyler Cotten, and 2019 Brayden Hodges (CNU). If they can fill the void of the big offensive loss that was Justin Bowers look for Grafton to do big things this year in class 4.

Great Bridge
The Wildcats 2018 season ended in a loss to Lafayette in regional play. With only one major loss in SS Bre Harden the Wildcats look to build on last year, returning 6 starters. With ace 2020 Landon Higgerson (Radford) anchoring the staff the Wildcats should have some depth on the mound. Experience in the infield will prove as a key for Great Bridge this season, but will need to get some offensive production from the lineup in order to make a deep run. Playing a difficult schedule in the Southeastern District should prepare the Wildcats for the 4A regional playoffs.  

Jamestown
Jamestown finished as the Region A runners-up but then upset Region champ Grafton a week later in the State semifinals. The Eagles finished the season as the State runners-up, losing the championship game to Salem (Roanoke). Gone will be top arm and All-State pitcher EA Woolwine, which will be a blow to the Eagles this spring. Also gone is All-Region shortstop Matt Lansford, but the Eagles do return infielder Ethan Weaver (CNU).

Hanover
After losing in a wild finish to Powhatan last year in the region semi’s, missing the State Tournament for the first time since 2012, the Hawks are looking to rebuild from a big turnover of seniors that graduated last year. The losses of Jack Dragum (UVA), Nick Zona (JMU), Camden Grimes (Virginia Tech), Michael Warley (Maryland-Eastern Shore), and Will Lopez (VMI) will test the 2019 Hawks, especially at the plate. Not much of a shocker that Hanover returns some quality depth on the mound with seniors Eric Anderson, Will Bowles (High Point), Jack Goleski, and Cole Wallace (Randolph Macon) that will allow them to compete in Region 4B once again in 2019. The big question is can the powerful bat of 2019 Blake Doggett (Randolph Macon) and 2019 Colby Hutnan (Lynchburg) get some help in taking pressure off of the pitching staff.

Midlothian
The Trojans lost a tight one to Louisa by a score of 2-0 to end their season in 2018. The Trojans graduated 2B Baylor Cumbea (Lynchburg) who was a key offensive piece for them and pitchers Bryce Blackburn and Reed Boettner. Midlothian returns a strong nucleus of arms led by 2019 Camdton Furman (Randolph Macon) and 2021 Carter Lovasz. The lineup will be anchored by seniors Logan Smith (Randolph Macon) and Tyler Moore and 2020 JMU commit Christian Chambers. How the Trojans offense can answer the bell this year will determine their success in late May-early June.

Powhatan
Lost to Grafton in a pitchers duel last year in the state quarters. Will be a rebuilding year with the losses of 1B Cody Willis (Louisburg CC), C Logan Amiss (VCU), Nick Rini (Lackawanna JC), Trenton Tiller (Hampden-Sydney), and Brad Painter (Hampden Sydney). Will feature key returners 2020 P/SS Brandon Eike (Virginia Tech) and 2019 P/OF Tymothy Hart. How quickly the 2019 Indians can mature and how efficient on the mound Eike and Hart can be will be a big determining factor as to how deep Powhatan can go this year.