757Teamz Baseball Preview: Maury is loaded with college prospects, looks primed for postseason run
Hampton Roads Top 15
1. Maury
The Commodores have college prospects all over the field, led by senior first baseman Kennedy Jones, a UNC Greensboro commit, and junior SS Tre Keels (Miami). But they also added brothers Antwan “AJ” Walton (Old Dominion) and Tayshaun “TJ” Walton (Miami), who transferred in from Emporia. Antwan is a 6-foot-6 senior pitcher, while Tayshaun is a sophomore outfielder rated among the nation’s best in the Class of 2023. They also have junior Matthew Phillips, who pitches and plays first, along with five other Division I prospects. As talented as the Commodores look on paper, coach Larry Gordon II said it comes down to pitching and defense “to be successful this season.”
2. Hickory
The Hawks were the preseason No. 1 team last season, but never got a chance to prove it because the season was canceled because of the pandemic. Hickory graduated several key players, but coach Hank Kraft is excited about the veterans, including seniors Dalton Brinn (OF/P), Zach Chadwell (P/1B), Johnny Pascale (INF), Colby Smith (INF) and Thomas Watermolen (C/OF). Kraft expects juniors Spenser Sigmon, Bobby Loper and Cooper Newell to play key roles, too. “It’s a very talented group, but unproven at the high school level,” Kraft said.
3. Cox
The Falcons made three consecutive region tournament appearances before last season was canceled, and the roster boasts the makings of a team that can return. Catcher Ethan Anderson (Virginia), infielder Fenwick Trimble (James Madison), pitcher Nate Hawley (VMI), outfielder Sam Slevin (Randolph-Macon) and infielder Kyle Edwards (ODU) all are back. “An experienced and veteran group of players that are excited about the opportunity to compete this spring season,” coach Matt Ittner said.
4. Greenbrier Christian
The Gators have plenty of talent that should put them in contention for another Virginia Independent Schools state title. They are led by senior 3B Ethan Ott (UNC Pembroke), senior SS James McGrady (Western Carolina), junior C Austin Younce (VCU commit), junior OF Gavin Whitehurst, senior 1B Joey Allen (Averett commit) and senior Bailey Matela. “We are extremely talented offensively from top to bottom,” said Gators coach Patrick Nichols. “We can swing the bats as well as anyone in the state, public or private.” They also have the pitching with Matela, a 6-5 lefty, and McGrady, who throws in the mid-80s.
5. Western Branch
Bruins coach Roland Wright feels good about this team. He has a young pitching staff but has two seniors in Roberto Velasquez (Bryant & Stratton) and Kyle Hardy (Western Carolina). Velasquez’s older brother, Antonio, was part of state championship runs for the Bruins. Now he wants to continue the legacy. The Bruins also have SS Justin Liakos (Christopher Newport), 2B Jacob Christenbury (Mary Washington), OF Harrison Didawick (Virginia), 1B Hunter Johnson and C Jackson Tone.
6. Ocean Lakes
The Dolphins are led by senior SS Carson DeMartini, senior CF Aidan Pinto (Randolph-Macon), junior LHP/OF Max Kuhle, junior OF Marcel Whitfield, junior C Trevor Selph, junior P/1B Nate Chown, junior P Nick Beatty and sophomore P Peter Phillips.
7. Nansemond River
The Warriors will have a solid pitching staff led by junior Ayden Stuffel and seniors Gavin Gregory, Sam Wolfe and Cam Pittman. They also have senior OF Malcolm Perry, junior SS Clay Grady and junior 1B Grayson Fitzwater back.
8. First Colonial
Pitchers William Wian, David Fall and Ethan Hutton return to the staff, and seniors Ryan Peterson and Dominic Graziano, along with junior C Jerry Barnes, should help the Patriots challenge in the Beach District.
9. Menchville
The Monarchs will be one of the top teams in the Peninsula District, thanks to a strong group of seniors led by C Kade Abrisz (Louisburg College), CF/SS Moses Brown (UNC Pembroke) and 3B Justin Ferguson (Patrick Henry Community College). They also have LHP/1B David Ruiz and C Tyler Gorbett, two juniors who are joined by a strong group of sophomores and freshmen.
10. Lafayette
The Rams are the defending Class 4 state champions, and coach Matthew Mills returns a core group from that team, including senior C/OF South McDowell and senior 1B Bradley White. They also will be strong up the middle with SS Kevin Cole and 2B Luke Hanson — both also are solid pitchers.
11. Grassfield
Grizzlies coach Gary Spedden returns a strong group of seniors, including P/OF Caleb Brock, 3B Bryce Lane, OF/P Adam Nobrega and OF Logan Webster. Junior pitcher Steven Ritchie also is in the rotation.
12. Gloucester
Dukes coach Gus Morande returns a young team, but he has enough experienced players to make Gloucester contenders in the Peninsula District. Leading the way are junior C Calton Smith, senior utility players Jordan Mumford and Hunter Sturgeon, senior 1B/P Bailey Hudgins, junior OF Daniel Giles and junior 3B Tripp Roady. “If the pitching staff is consistent and our defense plays well, we will be competitive,” Morande said.
13. Princess Anne
Cavaliers first-year coach Marc Joe expects this team to be competitive because of seniors Jordan Irizarry (Campbell University), Garrett Rhoades and Clayton Robbins. The Cavaliers also have three freshmen expected to make an impact: Jake Armstrong, Trevor Margetak and Sam Purcell. “We have a great mix of upperclassmen and freshmen that should make for an exciting season,” Joe said. “With our pitching rotation and lineup led by Jordan Irizarry, Clayton Robbins and Garrett Rhoades, we should be able to play with anybody in the region.”
14. Walsingham
Trojans coach Ian Heisel says this team boasts “the best depth” he’s ever had. The roster includes 11 players from the 2019 VISAA Division III state championship team. With their pitching depth, Heisel thinks the Trojans have a good chance to contend for a title again. They are led by C/RHP Lincoln Lubsen, 3B Cody Christman, 2B/RHP Jacob Miller-Bopp, OF/RHP Donnie Evans, SS Trey Christman, OF Justin Smith, RHP Paul Williams and versatile Sam Villeda.
15. Tabb
Pitching will be a key for the Tigers, who expect to rely on juniors Kayden Hilburger and Tucker Love. They also have junior C Xavier Martin, senior SS Blake Boudreaux and senior 1B Josh Prinzell.
The next 10: Nansemond-Suffolk, Great Bridge, Bethel, Cape Henry, Kellam, Woodside, Salem, Grafton, Atlantic Shores, New Kent.
High Five
Ethan Anderson, Cox
Anderson, a catcher, reclassified to graduate a year early and will enroll at Virginia in the fall. As a sophomore, he was first-team All-Tidewater and second-team all-state after batting .442 with 28 RBIs, 24 runs and three homers to lead the Falcons to the Class 6 state tournament.
Carson DeMartini, Ocean Lakes
DeMartini, a shortstop, was ready to have a breakout season last year before the pandemic struck and spring sports were canceled. As a sophomore, DeMartini was an all-region pick, and the Virginia Tech signee is looking forward to finishing with a strong senior season.
Kennedy Jones, Maury
Jones comes from good genes. His oldest brother, Darrius, was a standout football player, and his older brother, Sheridan, is a starting cornerback for the Clemson football team. Kennedy is making a name for himself on the baseball diamond. The UNC Greensboro commit batted .438 with 20 RBIs as a sophomore, and the Commodores are expecting big things from him this season.
Tre Keels, Maury
The junior, committed to Miami, is one of the nation’s top shortstops. As a freshman, he batted .385 with 34 runs, 24 RBIs and 21 walks and had an on-base percentage near .500. Now he returns for what should be a breakout junior season.
Ethan Ott, Greenbrier Christian
As a sophomore, Ott earned first-team All-Tidewater and all-state honors when he batted .467 with 29 runs, 26 RBIs, nine doubles and seven homers. The UNC Pembroke commit was intentionally walked 10 times.
Storylines
New coaches
Some new coaches were hired last season but will coach their first games this season. New to dugouts this season include Gary Denette (Churchland), Pat Stafford (Bayside), Justin Baird (Tallwood), Marc Joe (Princess Anne), Jamison Griffin (Denbigh), Vince Trypuc III (Salem) and Justin Vias (Hampton). Vias, who played for the Crabbers, was named coach in 2020 after Danny Mitchell died five days before the start of practice. Joe, who played at Princess Anne, replaces longtime coach Jimmy Hunt. “It’s definitely been a tough start to my coaching career, but I am excited to be at PA leading this team,” he said.
Stubbe closing in on milestone
First Colonial coach Scott Stubbe had hoped to get his 300th victory last season, but COVID denied him that opportunity. He needs six more wins to reach that milestone. At Kellam, St. Clair Jones has 308 victories in 20 years and has a mostly young roster and one player (P/3B Tyler Butler) with varsity experience.
More milestones for Indian River’s Steve West, Menchville’s Phil Forbes
Indian River coach Steve West and Menchville’s Phil Forbes have combined to coach for more than 70 years. West, who has coached 37 seasons, has 454 wins. Forbes, who has coached 35 years, could get his 500th victory this season.
Tidewater Conference loaded with talent
Greenbrier Christian is the Tidewater Conference favorite again, but there are some talented players elsewhere, including at Nansemond-Suffolk and Cape Henry. The Saints have P/INF Christian James (Virginia) and SS Jordan Crosland and utility player Riley Decandido, who both committed to Maryland. The Dolphins have senior outfielder Bryce Jones (Old Dominion), sophomore outfielder Harper Cox (Virginia) and junior utility player Kenny Schaedel.
Atlantic Shores hopes to build on 2019 success
Atlantic Shores had one of its best seasons ever when the Seahawks won 18 games in 2019. But because of COVID, they didn’t get a chance to build on that success last season. Seahawks coach Phillip Kojack hopes it can happen this season. So far it’s been a good start. OF Diego Doran (Shepherd University) is batting .447 with 16 RBIs in the early going, and Salem transfer Justin Reynolds (Hampden-Sydney) is 4-1 with 21 strikeouts. Greenbrier Christian transfers Joseph Fredericks (.304, 16 RBIs) and Tyler Wilson (.375) are contributing to the offense.
Larry Rubama, 757-575-6449, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com
