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DEEP RUN

 

Classification: VHSL 5A / Region C    2022 Record: 7-13

For a program that is rich in history and talent, the Deep Run Wildcats have seen a few down years recently. What does 2023 bring? The Wildcats have a handful of talented upperclassmen that will definitely give them a chance to compete for a regional title this year. Seniors Josiah Seguin (William & Mary) and Cameron Rizzo (St. Bonaventure) bring some offensive firepower and a steady presence up the middle of the field. Seguin is one of the best long term prospects in the area and should be the key for this Wildcat offense. Combine that with uncommitted junior, Trey Gauch, and you have a recipe for success. Gauch appears to have made a small velo jump on the mound since we last saw him and has the stuff to shutdown any opponent. Gauch should get some help from fellow junior, Sam Bennett. They will need to find some extra help on the mound and at the plate, but if they can fill some of those voids, the Wildcats have some strong centerpieces to make a run.

Key Returners:

DOUGLAS FREEMAN

Classification: VHSL 5A / Region C     2022 Record: 22-4 *VHSL 5A State Champions*

Key Losses: Macho Santiago (VCU), Jackson Beale (Mary Washington), Carson Herod (Richard Bland), Trey Shelton (Patrick Henry CC), Eddie Allen, Colin Estrada, Andrew Bottari

2022 saw the Douglas Freeman Mavericks bring home the first title since the doors opened at Freeman in 1954. From that team, many of the contributing pieces have moved on, but as usual, they have talent underneath. A combination of upperclassmen in key roles, a new face on the mound, and some talented underclassmen should allow the Mavericks to once again challenge in 5A. Lee Sowers (Virginia Tech), Ryan Bland, Miguel Martin, and Ryder Warren will once again be key pieces in the lineup. Add in potential contributors like the new faces of Finn Whipple (UVA) at the plate and Cayman Goode on the mound, they should be primed for another solid year.

Key Returners:

 

GLEN ALLEN

Classification: VHSL 5A / Region C     2022 Record: 20-4 *Lost State Championship*

Key Losses: Jaden Kinsler (JMU), Ethan Brooks (VCU), Eli Brooks (Randolph-Macon), Seth Brooks (Brunswick CC), Anthony Connor, Ethan Hudson (Randolph-Macon), Alex Heid

Glen Allen is coming off of a pretty impressive 2022 season, but they will need to replace a lot of talent at the plate and a lot of innings on the mound to get back to where they were. Fortunately for the Jaguars, they return what could be the breakout player of the year in '23, Christopher Johnson (Longwood). Johnson has seen some crazy jumps on the mound and at the plate in the past six to eight months and should fill the starring role that was Jaden Kinsler's pitching dominance in '22. Johnson will also be the big bat in the lineup, but don't forget about the underclass bat of Jackson Toole. Chad Martin (Coastal Carolina) has the stuff to be a big time arm for the Jaguars, with the main question being will he be able to get deep enough into games to have two frontline starters, with him and Johnson. Cameron Slough (Christopher Newport) should be a steadying force behind the plate and will provide some punch to the middle of the order. There are a few underclassmen that may contribute and some unanswered questions with a few upperclassmen, if they can figure those things out they will be just fine in 2023. 

Key Returners: 

LC BIRD
Classification: VHSL 5A / Region C     2022 Record: 4-17

The Skyhawks are under new leadership with Head Coach Izzy Castorena. They will return a few starters from the 2022 squad with Logan Benton, Ryan Marshall, Ryan Kennedy, and Tony Jones. A new name to note for the Skyhawks in 2023 is Nate Reed, who could make some two-way contributions for LC Bird. 5C is a tough region and they will have a tough road ahead with playing in the Dominion Distrcit, but that should prepare them for tournament time. 

Key Returners:

MIDLOTHIAN
Classification: VHSL 5A / Region C    2022 Record: 12-10-1

Key Losses: Andrew Jones (VMI), Joe Gordon (Lynchburg)

The Trojans did not lose many pieces off of last year's team, but the ones they lost were pretty big. Andrew Jones (VMI) had a big time outing in their first round versus Mills Godwin last year, but he has moved on to the next level. Joe Gordon (Lynchburg) was, at times, a do-it-all bat in the lineup and seemed to be a big vocal leader on that team. However, Midlo should return a fair share of their starters with Chase Chambers and Evan Miller anchoring the middle of the infield, the big bat and senior leadership of Cole Feldman (George Mason), the clutch at bats of 2025 Brady Paul, and Hank Blanton (Hampden-Sydney) who could be their staff ace. The offense is capable, they are scrappy and will compete, but do they have enough depth on the mound to make a run?

Key Returners:

 

MILLS GODWIN

Classification: VHSL 5A / Region C     2022 Record: 13-8 

Arguably the best and deepest pitching staff in the state belongs to the Mills Godwin Eagles. The 2023 Eagles return a fair share of their big innings from last year's team. Garrett Mason (Virginia Tech), Luke Smyers (Alabama), Hank Piersol, and Zach Boyd (William & Mary) are arms that contributed last year on the varsity level. They will potentially be joined by another Tribe commit in Hunter Ross (William & Mary) who made some big strides in 2022. In addition to Ross, Berkley Smallwood may have a chance to log some innings on the mound and offers a different look from the left side. Justin "Juice" Tobin (Longwood) is the heart of this team, as well as the most consistent offensive producer that they have. Can the bats of Tobin, Cole Powers (Mary Washington), Jake Harris (Bridgewater), and company score the three or four runs a game that will allow their staff and team to win a lot of baseball games? If they can, don't be surprised to see the Eagles hoist a trophy in June.

Key Returners: