By JAMI FRANKENBERRY | The Virginian-Pilot
1. Kellam Knights are overwhelming Beach District favorites after winning Eastern Region title and making first Group AAA championship game.
2. Great Bridge Ace Connor Jones and slugger Charlie Cody – both headed to Virginia – return.
3. Cox The Falcons have 10 seniors, led by P/OF Larry McCabe, and expect to challenge Kellam for the Beach District title.
4. Nansemond River Four seniors are headed to college programs, led by ace Zach Rice (North Carolina).
5. Western Branch Pitching staff is young, but juniors Zach Rutherford (ODU) and Kyle McPherson (Georgia Tech) return.
6. First Colonial Young team that won 16 games last season has grown up.
7. Greenbrier Christian Gators look ready to reclaim Tidewater Conference supremacy.
8. Atlantic Shores Seahawks won 21 games and reached state semifinals last season with only two senior starters.
9. Maury Commodores have motivation after a last-day loss cost them the outright Eastern District title last year.
10. Cape Henry Dolphins have big shoes to fill to get back to state championship form.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS SEASON
Knights should shine Kellam lost 4-0 vs. Lake Braddock in last season’s Group AAA championship game, but the Knights look ready to make another run. The veteran roster includes C/1B Kurt Sinnen (.375 BA, 24 RBIs), IF Kyle Morrison (.415 BA), IF Nick Walker (.380, 5 HRs), P Ryan Galvin (6-0, 1.90 ERA) and OF/P Josh Worthley (.311 BA). P Turner Bishop, who returns after a missing most of the past two seasons with a knee injury, should help fill the shoes of graduated ace Mitch Moynihan…Read More