Preseason Thoughts and Predictions

[Stelley]

A little late to the party, but better late than never. This year SWVA is well represented in Richmond for basketball, but year in and year out, there are teams from region D that make the trip to Salem in the Spring. Majority of my knowledge is on the baseball side of things so feel free to add any softball related stuff as well. 

Mountain 7 Predictions

1. Abingdon- They lost the best player in SWVA in Humphries (William & Mary) along with several other guys that are playing in college, DeBusk (King) Fellhauer (UVA-Wise) and many others that could have played collegiately if they wanted to. Turman (ECU) and Reed (Recently decomitted from Tech) are legit and probably the best two players in our area currently and Judge is probably the best catcher in SWVA. The Falcons will need to find one more arm and they have a sophomore that could fill that void. Another piece they will have to replace is the raw power that Woods contributed (Early Enrolled to WVU for football). Abingdon has not met their expectations the past couple of years of winning a title, but a nice piece to follow is that if the Falcons were to make the state title game again this year, they will be playing it on their home field.

2. Battle- They lost two-time Region D POTY in Po. Gobble (Walters State) along with Hill (Milligan) and all-state selection Childress to graduation. Rector (Rutgers) is the smoothest SS around and possibly one of the best in state regardless of division, along with the elite fielding he also has power well beyond his size. Pa. Gobble will probably be their ace. They have another arm in the upper 80s in Persiani. Sturgill is another guy to watch with power and a cannon of an arm from the outfield.

3. Union- The Bears lost one maybe two seniors off of last year's team in Whitman (Milligan). They of course return their three horsemen in Skeens, Neff, and Chandler. Skeen and Neff are enough to win you a title at the 2a level on the mound, the only problem is that those two along with Chandler are you're only real threats at the plate. I still expect a good season from them and possibly finally punch their ticket up the road.

4. Central- The only contributors I can recall that the Warriors lost is Phillips on the mound and at the plate and Kennedy at the plate and behind the dish. They do return the dynamic duo of Wyatt and Foster who were both all-state selections as underclassmen despite not making it out of the first round of regions and both of them are enough to take the top seed for the region tourney. Going off of basketball, Foster still doesn't look to be 100% because of an ACL surgery but should be fine by mid-season. Elkins is a good ball player for them as well and I could also see Central getting a berth to state.

5. Gate City- Don't remember for 100% certainty but they either lost their ss from last year's team or he is a senior this year and he has committed to Milligan. Outside of him the only key piece that I know they have back is Lane who is good enough to win them some games on the mound, but I don't know if he is enough to steal a higher seed away from Battle/Union/Central.

6. Ridgeview- Not too familiar with them or Lee but I know Hill is solid on the mound and at the plate for the Wolfpack

7. Lee

Player of the Year Prediction for M7 1. Turman 2. Reed 3. Rector

 

Southwest Predictions

1. Lebanon- They lost the most dominant and decorated pitcher in the area since Buchanan in Phillips (Mount St. Mary's) and another all-around weapon in Breeding (Alice Lloyd) those two basically carried the Pioneers to the state tournament last year in earning all-state selections. Lebanon usually returns 1-2 maybe 3 guys that were all state members the prior year, but this year will not follow the same trend, they don't return a single first team all-district selection. This year isn't totally bleak for the pioneers as they do have 3 seniors that are going to pitch collegiately. Hilton (Carson Newman) Godsey (Bluefield) and Baldwin (Roanoke) will have the tall task of trying to replace the dominance Lebanon has had on the rubber the past 5 years. With Baker being sidelined with an ACL tear in football Lebanon will have to find production at the plate as well, because he, along with Phillips and Breeding, carried them at the plate last year. The freshmen on the basketball team will also look to contribute to the baseball diamond as well.

2. Richlands- They basically return the bulk of their lineup from last year's team that threatened Lebanon in the SWD Tournament Championship last year. Hylton is the best overall player in the district and is just in his junior season. Ryder and Herndon are both going to be key contributors this year, but will they be able to dethrone Lebanon from the top of the SWD this year?

3. Virginia High- They did lose Whitt to graduation but do return a key contributor in Foy (Ferrum). Outside of Foy it is basically slim pickings for the Bearcats. Foy is 100% capable of beating Lebanon or Richlands, the only problem is that the next game they play will be a dog fight no matter who it is.

4. Tazewell- They lost their ace in Compton who also contributed at the plate, but the Bulldogs will look to find some help for Patterson.

5. Marion- Pugh was basically the only threat the Hurricanes had last year but he graduated.

6. Graham- The G-Men always seem to have high scoring affairs with every team in the SWD but don't seem to ever come out on top. They did have a first team district selection, but I have heard that he has transferred to a school in WV.

Player of the Year Prediction for SWD 1. Hylton 2. Foy 3. Hilton

 

Region 2D Rankings

1. Battle

2. Union 

3. Lebanon/Central

5. Richlands

6. Gate City

7. Virginia High

8. Tazewell

Player of the Year Predictions for Region 2D 1. Rector 2. Foster 3. Pa. Gobble

 

Hogoheegee Predictions

1. Chilhowie- They lost the 2024 1A Player of the Year in Tuell (PDG Academy) and Hill both to graduation who were the bulk of their production on the mound and at the plate. Schwartz will still have plenty of help this year as there are some freshmen that will contribute greatly to the Warriors success this year.

2. Honaker- They will have to find someone to replace the offense that Nunley (New River CC) produced but they should get that as they have a freshman coming up that will probably end up playing D1 one day. Musick (Tusculum) and Altizer are both first team region player level and they are enough to lead the tigers to the state tournament.

3. Patrick Henry-Not very familiar with the rest of the Hogo teams or what they lost I'm just going off how they usually fair year in and year out. PH does return Cannon and Monahan and they will probably be enough to secure the last seed for the region tournament. Which this is thankfully the last year there will only be 3 seeds for each district in 1D.

4. Rural Retreat- They return Childers (Surry County CC) who is solid but not sure what else they return.

5. Holston

6. Northwood

Hogo Player of the Year Predictions 1. Schwartz/Musick 3. Altizer

Cumberland Predictions- Very little knowledge on the Cumberland.( @1inStripescould use your input)

1. Eastside- They return both Hamilton and Clay that led the Spartans to the 1D crown last year and I expect them to do the same again.

2. Castlewood- I might be going out on a limb here, but the Blue Devils have some solid returners main name I can remember is Clark, and I don't think it would be a surprise at all for them to get the 2 seed.

3. Twin Springs- IIRC Ross is supposed to a solid baseball player as well as he did miss last year with an ACL injury

4. Rye Cove

5. JI Burton

6. Thomas Walker

Cumberland Player of the Year Predictions 1. Clay 2. Hamilton 3. Ross

 

Region 1D Predictions

1. Eastside

2. Chilhowie

3. Honaker

4. Patrick Henry 

5. Castlewood

6. Rural Retreat

7. Twin Springs

Player of the Year Predictions for Region 1D 1. Schwartz/Musick 3. Clay

 

As for the softball side of things the little information that I know is that Lebanon returns all but one senior and are poised at making a run for the regional crown. Richlands returns their ace in Fuller who can win them any game if she's on the mound. According to MaxPreps Eastside is the #1 softball team in the state, definitely not true especially with the talent they lost last year but they should still be solid

 

[1inStripes]

Ross did play last year for TS.  He had broken his collarbone in week 2 of football not an ACL injury thankfully for him.  Cwood will be tough with Glover, Clark and others, but I agree Eastside should be the favorite.  TS has a freshman who I heard looked very good on the mound Friday vs Lee in Isaiah Kiser also.  RC lost some talent to graduation but has some decent pieces to push for a seat at regional table again also.

Eastside softball does return the best player in the region in Emma Sartin (UNC-Greensboro signee).  Should be a really competitive season for Region D and maybe a shot at making it 3 state titles in a row for Region D.

[swvavol]

20 hours ago, Stelley said:

As for the softball side of things the little information that I know is that Lebanon returns all but one senior and are poised at making a run for the regional crown. Richlands returns their ace in Fuller who can win them any game if she's on the mound. According to MaxPreps Eastside is the #1 softball team in the state, definitely not true especially with the talent they lost last year but they should still be solid

 

Lebanon and Richlands should be the top two in the SWD, but will that translate to success in the region tournament?  Lee didn't lose anyone from last year and Central only lost one.  Those should be the last four standing in the region.  But I heard over the weekend that the starting catcher for Richlands tore her ACL.  If true, that's a big blow to them.  They lack offense, and she was probably their best hitter last season.

[Stelley]

33 minutes ago, swvavol said:

Lebanon and Richlands should be the top two in the SWD, but will that translate to success in the region tournament?  Lee didn't lose anyone from last year and Central only lost one.  Those should be the last four standing in the region.  But I heard over the weekend that the starting catcher for Richlands tore her ACL.  If true, that's a big blow to them.  They lack offense, and she was probably their best hitter last season.

I know she injured something in her knee but no clue the injury or the severity. As for Lebanon I’d say yes. The senior they did lose was one of if not their weakest link.

[BigWinners]

If Union can score 4-5 runs per game they can beat anyone, that pitching staff is filthy. 

[Stelley]

1 hour ago, BigWinners said:

If Union can score 4-5 runs per game they can beat anyone, that pitching staff is filthy. 

That is quite the big if though. Lebanons in the same boat. The pitching is enough to win them any game.

[bleedblue89]

Player of the Year Prediction for SWD 1. Hylton 2. Foy 3.Hilton
 

Player of the Year Prediction for SWD 1. Ryder  2. Foy 3.Hilton/Hylton 

Fixed that for you. Parker Ryder is an all around athlete. Also only a junior. 

[Stelley]

55 minutes ago, bleedblue89 said:

Player of the Year Prediction for SWD 1. Hylton 2. Foy 3.Hilton
 

Player of the Year Prediction for SWD 1. Ryder  2. Foy 3.Hilton/Hylton 

Fixed that for you. Parker Ryder is an all around athlete. Also only a junior. 

Highly unlikely. Is he a solid ball player yes but maybe at best the 3rd best player on his team. Definitely nowhere close to being better than Hylton or Herndon at the plate. From what I could scrounge up from the BHC he had no higher than the 4th best average on the team. Hylton, Herndon, and Fuller all had higher and were the only ones mentioned in their regional capsules for last years tournament. 

[bleedblue89]

8 hours ago, Stelley said:

Highly unlikely. Is he a solid ball player yes but maybe at best the 3rd best player on his team. Definitely nowhere close to being better than Hylton or Herndon at the plate. From what I could scrounge up from the BHC he had no higher than the 4th best average on the team. Hylton, Herndon, and Fuller all had higher and were the only ones mentioned in their regional capsules for last years tournament. 

Nah, if you’re comparing the two Ryder is the best all around player. Stats don’t lie and you’re just looking at batting averages in the Bristol paper. Parker is strong both offensively and defensively. At the end of the day they are kids and I hope they both excel. The good news is Richlands has a lot of strong players this season. They should do really well. Go blues! 

[Stelley]

36 minutes ago, bleedblue89 said:

Nah, if you’re comparing the two Ryder is the best all around player. Stats don’t lie and you’re just looking at batting averages in the Bristol paper. Parker is strong both offensively and defensively. At the end of the day they are kids and I hope they both excel. The good news is Richlands has a lot of strong players this season. They should do really well. Go blues! 

I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one man

[Observer]

Central beat Richlands 8-5 in a scrimmage last night.  The Warriors have a lot of young talent that will be asked to contribute this year.  Jaron Wyatt is currently sidelined with an injury and not sure when he will be returning.

[Stelley]

22 minutes ago, Observer said:

Central beat Richlands 8-5 in a scrimmage last night.  The Warriors have a lot of young talent that will be asked to contribute this year.  Jaron Wyatt is currently sidelined with an injury and not sure when he will be returning.

I wouldn’t put a whole lot of weight into any baseball scrimmage. Did Wyatt just not pitch or was he even dressed out?

[Observer]

Wyatt didn't play at all

[Stelley]

4 hours ago, Observer said:

Wyatt didn't play at all

Dang that’s a huge blow to them if he’s out for majority of the season

[Observer]

20 hours ago, Stelley said:

Dang that’s a huge blow to them if he’s out for majority of the season

Heard this morning that it is an ACL injury.

[Stelley]

35 minutes ago, Observer said:

Heard this morning that it is an ACL injury.

And I also don’t think Foster pitches. The warriors will need to find someone to carry the mound duties

[Observer]

12 minutes ago, Stelley said:

And I also don’t think Foster pitches. The warriors will need to find someone to carry the mound duties

They have also lost Kennedy (catcher) because of a spat with Foster after last season.

[Stelley]

16 minutes ago, Observer said:

They have also lost Kennedy (catcher) because of a spat with Foster after last season.

Where’d he transfer to? I’ve heard that Foster was wanting to move him from behind the plate for the Elkins kid

[Observer]

2 minutes ago, Stelley said:

Where’d he transfer to? I’ve heard that Foster was wanting to move him from behind the plate for the Elkins kid

Don't think he went anywhere.  I think it all started because Foster's kid and Wyatt got all of the postseason accolades and Kennedy didn't get anything outside of the district.

[Elder statesman]

On 3/8/2026 at 5:29 PM, Stelley said:

A little late to the party, but better late than never. This year SWVA is well represented in Richmond for basketball, but year in and year out, there are teams from region D that make the trip to Salem in the Spring. Majority of my knowledge is on the baseball side of things so feel free to add any softball related stuff as well. 

Mountain 7 Predictions

1. Abingdon- They lost the best player in SWVA in Humphries (William & Mary) along with several other guys that are playing in college, DeBusk (King) Fellhauer (UVA-Wise) and many others that could have played collegiately if they wanted to. Turman (ECU) and Reed (Recently decomitted from Tech) are legit and probably the best two players in our area currently and Judge is probably the best catcher in SWVA. The Falcons will need to find one more arm and they have a sophomore that could fill that void. Another piece they will have to replace is the raw power that Woods contributed (Early Enrolled to WVU for football). Abingdon has not met their expectations the past couple of years of winning a title, but a nice piece to follow is that if the Falcons were to make the state title game again this year, they will be playing it on their home field.

2. Battle- They lost two-time Region D POTY in Po. Gobble (Walters State) along with Hill (Milligan) and all-state selection Childress to graduation. Rector (Rutgers) is the smoothest SS around and possibly one of the best in state regardless of division, along with the elite fielding he also has power well beyond his size. Pa. Gobble will probably be their ace. They have another arm in the upper 80s in Persiani. Sturgill is another guy to watch with power and a cannon of an arm from the outfield.

3. Union- The Bears lost one maybe two seniors off of last year's team in Whitman (Milligan). They of course return their three horsemen in Skeens, Neff, and Chandler. Skeen and Neff are enough to win you a title at the 2a level on the mound, the only problem is that those two along with Chandler are you're only real threats at the plate. I still expect a good season from them and possibly finally punch their ticket up the road.

4. Central- The only contributors I can recall that the Warriors lost is Phillips on the mound and at the plate and Kennedy at the plate and behind the dish. They do return the dynamic duo of Wyatt and Foster who were both all-state selections as underclassmen despite not making it out of the first round of regions and both of them are enough to take the top seed for the region tourney. Going off of basketball, Foster still doesn't look to be 100% because of an ACL surgery but should be fine by mid-season. Elkins is a good ball player for them as well and I could also see Central getting a berth to state.

5. Gate City- Don't remember for 100% certainty but they either lost their ss from last year's team or he is a senior this year and he has committed to Milligan. Outside of him the only key piece that I know they have back is Lane who is good enough to win them some games on the mound, but I don't know if he is enough to steal a higher seed away from Battle/Union/Central.

6. Ridgeview- Not too familiar with them or Lee but I know Hill is solid on the mound and at the plate for the Wolfpack

7. Lee

Player of the Year Prediction for M7 1. Turman 2. Reed 3. Rector

 

Southwest Predictions

1. Lebanon- They lost the most dominant and decorated pitcher in the area since Buchanan in Phillips (Mount St. Mary's) and another all-around weapon in Breeding (Alice Lloyd) those two basically carried the Pioneers to the state tournament last year in earning all-state selections. Lebanon usually returns 1-2 maybe 3 guys that were all state members the prior year, but this year will not follow the same trend, they don't return a single first team all-district selection. This year isn't totally bleak for the pioneers as they do have 3 seniors that are going to pitch collegiately. Hilton (Carson Newman) Godsey (Bluefield) and Baldwin (Roanoke) will have the tall task of trying to replace the dominance Lebanon has had on the rubber the past 5 years. With Baker being sidelined with an ACL tear in football Lebanon will have to find production at the plate as well, because he, along with Phillips and Breeding, carried them at the plate last year. The freshmen on the basketball team will also look to contribute to the baseball diamond as well.

2. Richlands- They basically return the bulk of their lineup from last year's team that threatened Lebanon in the SWD Tournament Championship last year. Hylton is the best overall player in the district and is just in his junior season. Ryder and Herndon are both going to be key contributors this year, but will they be able to dethrone Lebanon from the top of the SWD this year?

3. Virginia High- They did lose Whitt to graduation but do return a key contributor in Foy (Ferrum). Outside of Foy it is basically slim pickings for the Bearcats. Foy is 100% capable of beating Lebanon or Richlands, the only problem is that the next game they play will be a dog fight no matter who it is.

4. Tazewell- They lost their ace in Compton who also contributed at the plate, but the Bulldogs will look to find some help for Patterson.

5. Marion- Pugh was basically the only threat the Hurricanes had last year but he graduated.

6. Graham- The G-Men always seem to have high scoring affairs with every team in the SWD but don't seem to ever come out on top. They did have a first team district selection, but I have heard that he has transferred to a school in WV.

Player of the Year Prediction for SWD 1. Hylton 2. Foy 3. Hilton

 

Region 2D Rankings

1. Battle

2. Union 

3. Lebanon/Central

5. Richlands

6. Gate City

7. Virginia High

8. Tazewell

Player of the Year Predictions for Region 2D 1. Rector 2. Foster 3. Pa. Gobble

 

Hogoheegee Predictions

1. Chilhowie- They lost the 2024 1A Player of the Year in Tuell (PDG Academy) and Hill both to graduation who were the bulk of their production on the mound and at the plate. Schwartz will still have plenty of help this year as there are some freshmen that will contribute greatly to the Warriors success this year.

2. Honaker- They will have to find someone to replace the offense that Nunley (New River CC) produced but they should get that as they have a freshman coming up that will probably end up playing D1 one day. Musick (Tusculum) and Altizer are both first team region player level and they are enough to lead the tigers to the state tournament.

3. Patrick Henry-Not very familiar with the rest of the Hogo teams or what they lost I'm just going off how they usually fair year in and year out. PH does return Cannon and Monahan and they will probably be enough to secure the last seed for the region tournament. Which this is thankfully the last year there will only be 3 seeds for each district in 1D.

4. Rural Retreat- They return Childers (Surry County CC) who is solid but not sure what else they return.

5. Holston

6. Northwood

Hogo Player of the Year Predictions 1. Schwartz/Musick 3. Altizer

Cumberland Predictions- Very little knowledge on the Cumberland.( @1inStripescould use your input)

1. Eastside- They return both Hamilton and Clay that led the Spartans to the 1D crown last year and I expect them to do the same again.

2. Castlewood- I might be going out on a limb here, but the Blue Devils have some solid returners main name I can remember is Clark, and I don't think it would be a surprise at all for them to get the 2 seed.

3. Twin Springs- IIRC Ross is supposed to a solid baseball player as well as he did miss last year with an ACL injury

4. Rye Cove

5. JI Burton

6. Thomas Walker

Cumberland Player of the Year Predictions 1. Clay 2. Hamilton 3. Ross

 

Region 1D Predictions

1. Eastside

2. Chilhowie

3. Honaker

4. Patrick Henry 

5. Castlewood

6. Rural Retreat

7. Twin Springs

Player of the Year Predictions for Region 1D 1. Schwartz/Musick 3. Clay

 

As for the softball side of things the little information that I know is that Lebanon returns all but one senior and are poised at making a run for the regional crown. Richlands returns their ace in Fuller who can win them any game if she's on the mound. According to MaxPreps Eastside is the #1 softball team in the state, definitely not true especially with the talent they lost last year but they should still be solid

 

I have heard rumor that Dillow is not playing this season.  Haven't followed up on that to verify yet though.

[Stelley]

Just now, Elder statesman said:

I have heard rumor that Dillow is not playing this season.  Haven't followed up on that to verify yet though.

I’ve heard he’s focusing on football for some reason. Nothing against the kid but he’s 10x more likely to play high level baseball than football

[Elder statesman]

Just now, Stelley said:

I’ve heard he’s focusing on football for some reason. Nothing against the kid but he’s 10x more likely to play high level baseball than football

Probably true.  He is a heck of an athlete and had a great football season.  Would be a very good receiver with his speed, ability and hands.  Baseball is just easier to get recognized for specialization.  

That being said, Abingdon is a hard place to play.  It takes a strong will and mind to handle Francisco.  Many find that it's not worth it.

[Observer]

On 3/13/2026 at 5:16 PM, Elder statesman said:

I have heard rumor that Dillow is not playing this season.  Haven't followed up on that to verify yet though.

He is not on the team roster.  And from what I heard it was a surprise to Francisco.  I'm sure he has another catcher that can more than handle the position.

[1inStripes]

My prediction:  The first two days of the season are not happening.

[Stelley]

19 minutes ago, 1inStripes said:

My prediction:  The first two days of the season are not happening.

Baseball weather has got to be the worst thing. Pitchers can’t feel their fingers. Hit a ball too close to the handle? Good luck trying to feel your entire hand the rest of the night. It’s not like football, you’re not moving max effort every minute or so. Sometimes fielders will only get to move in between innings as there’s no task for them to do if the pitcher K’s the side.