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Atlee

Classification: VHSL 4A / Region B  2022 Record:

The Raiders were very young in 2022 and will be young once again, but they have the talent on the mound to compete with the best. Keep your eyes on recent Duke commit, Noah Yoder. The 6-foot-4 right hander has the stuff to beat anyone in the state, but will need some help from his Raider teammates. Along with Yoder, look for Gunnar Stromberg (Lynchburg), Jacob Hines, Parker McRay, Aven Stevens, and John Best (Hampden-Sydney) to also help on the mound. The Raiders will have depth on the mound and will more than likely go as their offense does.

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Courtland

Classification: VHSL 4A / Region B    2022 Record: 15-8

The Courtland Cougars pounded out fifteen wins in 2022, including a playoff win over Patrick Henry (Ashland). The struggled early in the season, but they really turned it on late, winning thirteen straight before losing to Mechanicsville in the regional tournament. Most importantly the Cougars return staff ace and one of the best underclass arms in the state, Jackson Garland (UVA). When Garland is on the mound, they will be able to compete with just about anyone. They have some young talent in the lineup with Lukas Miller (JMU), but Miller and company will need to find a way to give Garland and the rest of the staff some run support. 

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Hanover

Classification: VHSL 4A / Region B   2022 Record: 23-2 *State Champions*

Key Losses: Seth Keller (State POY/6th Rd Pick Atlanta Braves), Levi Huesman (Coastal Carolina), Cannon Peebles (NC State), Owen DeShazo (Boston College), Marcus Van Alstine (VMI), Chase Hustead (JMU), Brett Alvis (Mt. St. Mary's)

There is considerable turnover from the 2022 squad to 2023. The Hanover Hawks lost basically their entire team, offense and defense. They will return a few contributors in Nolan Williamson (VMI) and Cole Elrod, but will have to replace a lot of production from the state championship team. TJ Woodson was on varsity and contributed some, especially on the defensive side, and he will be a key piece for the Hawks this spring. A fresh face to look out for will be Evan Nix. The sophomore Nix should have a chance to contribute on the offensive side, as well as on the mound. Jack Bowles brings some senior leadership and experience. There is a certain standard in this program and it will be interesting to see how the young, inexperienced Hawks respond to the challenges they will face throughout the year. 

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Matoaca

Classification: VHSL 4A / Region B   2022 Record: 8-10

Matoaca has been very young the past two years and now their main pieces are juniors. Gavin Kennedy and Jacob Lee (VCU) are the de facto clubhouse leaders. They have the most experience and have been go to contributors since they were freshmen. The Warriors have a host of arms that are very similar. They have the ability to get outs and keep them in games, but they have yet to find that "go-to" shutdown arm. If they can establish a guy on the mound, their young bats will produce some offense. Joining Lee and Kennedy in the lineup should be some familiar faces with super sophomores Jordan JT Brown, Lucas Edwards, Seth Harrison, and Gray Thacker. 

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Mechanicsville

Classification: VHSL 4A / Region B   2022 Record: 16-5 *Lost in region semis*

Key Losses: CJ DiNapoli (William & Mary), Dallas Hairfield (Longwood), Ethan Serrano (VCU)

The 2022 Mechanicsville Mustangs lost in the regional semi's to Monacan. While the losses from last year's squad are significant, especially on the mound, the Mustangs have a chance to be better in 2023. Their arms are young, but they are talented and the offense is good enough to carry some of that load. Some of the offensive producers include a pair of CNU commits, Aaron Maxie and Jacob Koenig. Maxie has been a mainstay at the plate for quite some time, but Koenig had an impressive summer in front of our staff and has a chance to be a big part of the '23 Mustangs team. Some of the young arms to watch for are sophomores Kaleb Smith and Andrew Farrar. Cameron Lamb (Longwood) will provide some offensive spark, as well as a familiar face behind the plate. If they put it all together, the Mustangs could be the darkhorse (pun intended) in 4B. 

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