Follow @PBRVirginiaDC 
Facebook + Instagram

 

Cave Spring

Classification: VHSL 3A / Region 3D  2022 Record: 15-8

Key Loss: Bryce Cooper (VMI)

The Cave Spring Knights are coming off of a 15-8 season that saw them pick up some quality wins over the likes of William Byrd and Franklin County. Their season ended in a one run loss to the state runners up, the Abingdon Falcons. The one major loss for the Knights is Bryce Cooper, who continued his playing days at VMI. Other than Cooper, Cave Spring returns the bulk of their 2022 roster. Trey Ludy could be the "Knight in Shining Armor" for Cave Spring. The Radford commit had an outstanding summer, that ultimately led to his commitment to the Highlanders. To go along with Ludy, Kyle Cook and Sam Skaff are two names to watch for the Knights. It is a very tough region, but watch out for the Roanoke area power when it comes playoff time.

Key Returners:

 

 

Abingdon

Classification: VHSL 3A / Region 3D  2022 Record: 25-3 *Lost in state championship*

Key Losses: Cole Lambert, Braiden Mock
Potential Names to Watch: Braylen Debusk & Daniel Fellhauer 

The Falcons are poised for another deep run in 3A. The state runner-up brings back the 3A State Player of the Year with Ethan Gibson (Virginia Tech). Gibson is a shutout waiting to happen every time he steps on the mound, premium defender at shortstop, and an experienced bat in the front of the lineup. Jett Humphreys should once again be the other half of the two headed monster on the mound and can provide some power in the order. Seniors Jack Ferguson, Landon Greer, and Luke Bedwell will bring key experience. Along with Humphreys, there are a few sophomores that should play sizeable roles in the Falcons success, Elijah Parks on the offensive side and Beckett Dotso

n on the mound. Abingdon is a dominant program that is used to winning. When you combine a team that knows the expectation, has talent, experience, and a frontline arm, all of those things have the makings of another potential state championship heading back to Southwest Virginia.

Key Returners:

 

 

Christiansburg

Classification: VHSL 3A / Region 3D  2022 Record: 21-4 *Lost in state quarters*

Potential New Names to Know: Cam Dunn, Rocco Fizzano, Gavin Dow, Levi Davis, Connor Adams, Logan Roberts, Sam Dudash

My sleeper and darkhorse in 3A. The Blue Demons have serious offensive firepower to go along with grit and experience. Mason Self (Radford) and Tanner Evans are the bash brothers of the Roanoke region. They produce power at a consistent clip and are tough outs versus any arms they are facing. The two right-handed power hitters amassed seventeen homeruns between the two of them. Marshall Basham (Concord) brings talent and experience behind the plate and to the lineup. The Blue Demons will need to develop some depth on the mound, but they have the offense to keep up with anyone. 

Key Returners:

 

 

Tunstall

Classification: VHSL 3A / Region 3D  2022 Record: 16-7

Radford commit Raymond Ladd was banged up for the final stretch in 2022, but a healthy Ladd means a dangerous Tunstall team. The Trojans lost to Christiansburg in the playoffs, but with a healthy pitching staff, Tunstall has a chance to do some damage in 3A. Fellow Radford commit, Carter Richardson, brings the ability to change the game in the outfield, at the plate, and could be the anchor for this Tunstall team. 

Key Returners:

 

 

William Byrd

Classification: VHSL 3A / Region 3D 2022 Record: 16-6

The Terriers of William Byrd lost two key pieces on the mound from the 2022 team, Hunter Sipe (VMI) and Trenton Sayers. Those two arms combined to go 11-4 on the mound and the Terriers will have to turn to arms like Blake Glover and Brogan Dent to be key fixtures in the rotation this year. One of the key pieces in 2023 will be Concord commit, James Purcell. Purcell hit over .400 last year and was a 1st Team All-State player. There are going to be lots of new faces for William Byrd in 2023, but make no mistake about it, their history of winning makes them a team to remember every single year. 

Key Returners: