Follow @PBRVirginiaDC
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: Varina
Nickname: Blue Devils
Class: 5A South
Conference: 12
Coach: Mike Crostic
Twitter: @row6ram
2015 Record: 8-11
2015 Post Season: Conference Tournament
Returning Starters/Position: 4
Returning Pitchers: 3

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Noah Bowery (OF, 2016) Bowery hit .267 in 2015 for Varina.
Brydon Carroll (OF/LHP, 2016)
Chase McKinney (C, 2016, Averett) McKinney is coming off of a 2016 season that saw him hit .483 with two home runs and earn All-Conference honors. He has gap power with the potential for more and a quick release behind home plate.
Anthony Simmons (OF/3B, 2017) Simmons hit .441 in 2015 with two home runs and was named to the All-Conference team as an outfielder.
Hunter Tate (SS/RHP, 2017) Tate is coming off of a sophomore season that saw him hit .296 with two home runs for the Blue Devils.

 

SEASON OUTLOOK
Varina had an up and down 2015 season. The Blue Devils were affected by realignment this spring as they have been moved down from 6A to 5A South. The Blue Devils will have some defensive stability in 2016 as they bring back All-Conference catcher McKinney and their entire outfield in Bowery, Carrol, and Simmons. The Blue Devils will have only three seniors on roster this spring and younger talent will get a chance to develop during games this spring. Varina will improve as the season progresses and look for them to be a dangerous team in May when the Conference 12 tournament begins.