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By John Nolan
Assistant Director of Scouting/Content Management 

As we enter March, the high school season is quickly approaching. As we approach opening day, we will continue our look at high school programs throughout our coverage area as they prepare for the 2016 season.
 

Team: Briar Woods
Nickname: Falcons
Class: 5A North
Conference: 14
Coach: Jason Miller
Twitter: @BWBaseball1
2015 Record: 9-15
2015 Post Season: Regional Tournament
Returning Starters/Position: 7
Returning Pitchers: 5

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Caleb Barnes (LHP/OF, 2016) Barnes is a talented two way player who led the Falcons in wins in 2015. At the plate he has a line drive stroke with gap power and anchors the middle of Briar Woods’ lineup.
Nathan Davis (3B, 2016) Davis has a good glove and a strong arm at third. He has a short swing and is poised for a breakout season at the plate.
Jacob Hand (OF, 2016, Randolph Macon) Hand has good speed and runs a sub-7 second 60. He is fundamentally sound in the outfield and has a decent arm. At the plate, Hand has gap power with the potential to develop more. He is currently ranked 121^st in the Class of 2016 Rankings.
Jack Jaekle (RHP/OF, 2017) Jaekle is a big righty with a good frame who is a solid arm that works in the 80s with the potential for more.
Jake Kleifges (SS, 2017) Kleifges is an athletic middle infielder with decent speed and fast hands at the plate. He has gap power and the potential for a lot more as he develops.
Michael Ludowig (LHP/OF, 2017, Wake Forest) Ludowig has a ton of potential on the mound and the ability to dominate at times. He also adds some pop to the lineup. Ludowig is currently ranked 12^th in the VA/DC Class of 2017 Rankings.

 

SEASON OUTLOOK
Briar Woods is coming off of rebuilding season in 2015 that saw the Falcons improve throughout the season and advance to the 5A North Regional tournament. The 2016 Falcons return seven starters and should be very strong offensively with a deep, balanced lineup built around Barnes. The Falcon pitching staff brings back all of its arms after another offseason of development. The staff has tremendous potential with talented arms Ludowig and Jaekle to supplement veteran Barnes. Briar Woods is off to a 2-0 start so far, winning a tight game against a talented North Stafford team and having a good all-around day against Heritage. The Falcons should be greatly improved this spring and look for Briar Woods to very dangerous in the 5A North regional tournament with its depth of arms and balanced offense.