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cosby

 

Classification: VHSL 6A / Region A     2022 Record: 17-6-1 *Lost in state quarters*

Key Losses: Caleb Grizzard (Roanoke), Brayden Simpson (High Point), Collin Hughes (Longwood)

Over the past two seasons Cosby has made a deep run into the 6A playoffs, but each year they lost they would end up losing their top upperclass arm to graduation. The Titans will have to have big contributions from arms like '24's Jack Weight and Giovanni Briggs. They have some positional depth and athleticism that will help give the arms some run support, but who will get the ball and step up in the big game? If they can answer the arms question, then watch out for Cosby once again.

Key Returners:

Franklin County

 

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

Franklin County, after having a 16-6 season, missed out on the Region A playoffs in 2022. Another head scratching situation with the vastly different playoff format variations that we see from region to region (story for another day). While Franklin County does not have a ton of depth behind their leader and work horse, Preston Crowl, the Virginia Tech commit has the ability to single handedly keep the Eagles in games. With the stuff to shut you down on the mound and the power to have serious run production at the plate, watch for Crowl to have an All-State type of season. Another name to note for Franklin County is junior Ashton Hylton. 

Key Returners:

 

grassfield

Classification: VHSL 6A / Region A     2022 Record: 16-4 

The Grizzlies of Grassfield continue to put together strong regular seasons, but haven't been able to get over that hump in the playoffs. The Chesapeake power returns some strong pieces with ECU commit Bradley Zayac, who is potentially the staff ace, as well as other upperclassmen like Jacob Henry (Lynchburg), Dylan McClellan (Eastern Mennonite), Maddox Tsutsui, Ryan Hoeft, and Jacob Bunch (Coastal Carolina). If they can find some help on the mound behind Zayac, the Grizzlies may very well make that run to a regional title and state tournament berth.

Key Returners: 

 

James River (Midlo)

 

Classification: VHSL 6A / Region A      2022 Record: 13-6-1

The Rapids have plenty of depth at the plate and are a strong group positionally, but can they get enough help on the mound to navigate their way through a tough Dominion District schedule. Owen Riley (VMI) should be one of the top arms for James River (Midlothian) and will potentially get help from big left-hander, Sean McCann. Callum Early is arguably the best uncommitted player in the region and one of the best in the state. Early will be joined by Eli Reid (Randolph-Macon), Judd Zegarra, Sean Smith, Wells Butler, and others to make them a very strong, upperclass heavy group. 

Key Returners:

 

Landstown

 

Classification: VHSL 6A / Region A     2022 Record: 13-9 *Lost in Region semis*

Landstown pulled off a major upset in Region A last year, upsetting the Grassfield Grizzlies in the first round. The Eagles will have to fill the void the Alex Kowalski (Lincoln Memorial) left, but they have a few young players with bright futures. A few potential names to know are sophomores Trey Campos, Kyle Flora, and Jackson Okonkwo. Another sophomore that could be a potential contributor is Cam Tellefsen. 

Key Returners:

 

 

 

Manchester

 

Classification: VHSL 6A / Region A     2022 Record: 15-8-1 *Lost in state quarters*

A storybook run for the Lancers of Manchester in 2022. They knocked off a one seed and two two-seeds on the way to a 6A Region Title. The Lancers ultimately fell to Freedom-South Riding, the 6A State Champions, but not before giving them the fight of their life in a 7-5 thriller. Aiden Harris (Virginia) was their workhorse on the mound and returns for another All-State type of season. On the mound the Lancers will have to replace Austin Riney, who graduated and headed to Lynchburg to continue his baseball career. Donavan Jeffrey (Miami) is a year older, more experienced, and his at bats in those situations as a freshman will certainly come in handy this season. Another player to watch for the Lancers is uncommitted infielder, Jackson Wise.

Key Returners:

 

Ocean Lakes

 

Classification: VHSL 6A / Region A     2022 Record: 17-5 *Lost in region semis*

Ocean Lakes has taken some big roster losses these past two seasons with the departures of Carson Demartini (Virginia Tech), Max Kuhle (JMU), and Trevor Selph (Eastern Mennonite), just to name a few. However, as usual, the Dolphins return one of the best pitching staffs in the state. The staff will be anchored by draft prospect and Virginia Tech commit, Blake Dickerson. The left-hander will be joined by Peter Philips (VMI) on the mound. Also, I would watch for Tavon Williams to be a potential contributor, as he has the stuff to be a solid third arm in this rotation. They will need to produce some offense, as that was their downfall in 2022. A few names to know in the lineup are Ryan Gocio (JMU), Colin Benson, Jack Marchesi, and Austin Crew.

Key Returners:

Thomas Dale

 

Classification: VHSL 6A / Region A     2022 Record: 16-4 *Lost in region quarters*

The Knights of Thomas Dale were knocked off in the first round last year by Manchester and will be looking for some revenge in 2023. They return their staff ace, Chase Swift (Virginia Tech). Swift will potentially be joined by VMI commit Preston Branzelle and Conner Spears (Roanoke). Spears, to go along with the long ball threat he brings to the plate. has been a nice development on the mound and will add to his value for the Knights. Dale returns super-speedster Matthew McGovern to the lineup. The Radford commit had a breakout performance at the Commonwealth Games and committed to the Highlanders not long after. A few other names of note are Landon Griffin and Justin Spiegel (VMI), who should also both be big pieces for the Knights.

Key Returners:

Western Branch

 

Classification: VHSL 6A / Region A     2022 Record: 15-7 *Lost in region quarters*

The Bruins were one big hit away from the upset over Ocean Lakes this past year and they return the vast majority of their lineup from the 2022 team. Nic Poole (JMU) should lead the way offensively for the Bruins, while Logan Adams, Payton Tone, Joshua Wright, and Jacob Wright all return as key pieces in the lineup. Gavin Biernot (VMI) should once again be staff ace and he will need some help filling the backend of the big games he throws.

Key Returners: