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Granby

 Classification: VHSL 5A / Region B    2022 Record: 18-5 *Lost in state semifinals*

Maybe the underdog story of 2022, the Granby Comets took the beach by storm last spring, out-scoring opponents 197-66 over the course of a twenty-three game season. '24 Daniel Smith was an anchor on the mound for Granby and they were very athletic up the middle of the field. They return Smith, as well as some of those athletic defenders. Keep an eye on Granby this spring. Like others, their schedule sets them up for a higher seed and allows them the potential to have their best arms in their second game and with their returning pieces, it could be a recipe for another successful season.

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Nansemond River
Classification: VHSL 5A / Region B     2022 Record: 18-7 *Lost in state semifinals*

The Warriors are under new leadership, with coach Ty Rivers coming in and taking the reins from long time coach Mark Stuffel. While Nansemond River lost a good bit of the talent from the '22 roster, expect the Warriors to compete for the 5A region title once again. They return one of their main arms in Thomas Wolfe (Hampden-Sydney), as well as Buddy Baker, a young arm who had some success on the varsity level as a freshman. The offense returns Aden Judge, who is a spark plug at the front end of the lineup. They will need to fill in the production of Ayden Stuffel (CNU) and Clay Grady (Virginia Tech), who both departed for their college destinations, but a recent addition of Darnell Parker (Washington State) could be huge. Parker has been at IMG the past couple of seasons and with his tools and experience facing quality arms, he could be a big boost in the front of that order. Although they had some losses, don't be surprised when the Warriors are once again in contention for a region title in late May.

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Maury
Classification: VHSL 5A / Region B     2022 Record: 15-4

Key Losses: Cullen McKay (UVA), Max McCrary, Ashton McGarity, Matthew Phillips (USC-Upstate), Nicholas Valentin

The Maury Commodores have had a wealth of talent the past few years, but in addition to the talent they have had a lot of attrition. Maury has managed to produce some of the best talent in the 757 in the past few years, thus they have some rebuilding ahead. Seniors Brian Jones and Carson Goad are two middle of the order bats that will be a big help with run production, but they will need help from their arms. Derek Baker looks to be next in line in terms of talented arms that have come through the Norfolk area school. Another big name of note for Maury is junior Brycen Hamilton. Hamilton has the chance to contribute at the plate, on the mound, and in the field and should be a pivotal piece for the Commodores in 2023. The big question that will have to be answered is, will they have enough firepower on the mound to match up with the other powers in Region 5B? 

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