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2025 NC High School Previews: Volume I

February 20, 2025
Brandon Hall
NC / MId-ATL Director of Scouting

The 2025 North Carolina high school baseball season is quickly approaching and we’re taking the time to preview the spring ahead by analyzing the top players and programs from each corner of the state.

This offseason, we distributed a preseason questionnaire to North Carolina’s varsity head coaches to help give us a snapshot of the top state contenders, and we’re providing our own analysis on each of the teams’ top prospects and season outlook in these team previews. Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across North Carolina. Each week we will be releasing our Power 25, Players of the Week, Diamond Notes, the Scout Blog and much more.

Our 2025 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Charlotte Christian Knights

Head Coach: Reid Fronk
State Classification: NCISAA 4A
Conference: CISAA
2024 Record (Finish): 22-8, 9-1 in conference (CISAA Champion) (Reached state semi-final, loss to Wesleyan Christian Academy)

Key Players Lost: DJ Layton (SS, RHP) - 6th round to Orioles in MLB Draft, Drew Beard (CF) - JMU, Nic Harris (RHP) - Elon

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/charlotte/charlotte-christian-knights/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Talented group that will be able to win in a multitude of ways.
No. of Returning Starters: 6
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5

X-FACTOR

+ The Knights did not make the NCISAA 4A Championship Series, a spot that is usually reserved. With more talent on rosters of their top competitors, they will be pushed again. Can they play their best baseball of the year in May, when they will run into several teams that think they can topple the Knights.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Will Parrish, RHP, 2027

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Grant Nicholson (RHP: Wake Forest Signee)
+ Cohen Bettencourt (C: High Point Signee)
+ Owen Farrell (OF: QB Prospect)
+ Wade Thompson (RHP)

Impact Juniors:
+ Drew Darling (INF, OF)
+ Jack Beard (RHP)
+ Russ Berger (LHP)

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Will Parrish (RHP: Sophomore)
+ Derek Vazquez (SS: Freshman)
+ Hudson Simmons (OF/1B/LHP: Freshman)
+ Matty Carroll (3B, RHP: Sophomore)
+ Ivan Andino (OF, 3B, RHP: Freshman)
+ Witt McCammon (2B: Sophomore)

BOTTOM LINE

+ Charlotte Christian has enough talent to hang with anyone they run across. Execution and production against other highly talented teams will be the key. Can they push a key run across and can they get the key stop they need?

Find more information on the 2025 Charlotte Christian program below:

High School: Charlotte Latin School Hawks


Head Coach: Daniel Cooke
State Classification: NCISAA 4A
Conference: CISAA
2024 Record (Finish): 12-13 (Defeated Southlake Christian 11-2 in first round and lost to Covenant Day 0-1 in second rd)

Key Players Lost: James Peters RHP, Tommy Beason INF, Miles Miller OF

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/charlotte/charlotte-latin-hawks/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Speed
No. of Returning Starters: 6
No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

X-FACTOR

+ Latin has continued to make steps forward under Coach Cooke, adding a win in the state playoffs last year. Player development has been key and will be the continued key to 2025.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Cooper Holland, OF/LHP, 2027

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Avery Booker SS/RHP Queens Commit
+ Hudson Shoup OF
+ Brayden Hampton C Fairmont State Commit
+ Graham Blanton RHP
+ Cameron Teal 1B/3B/RHP
+ Jackson Coble RHP

Impact Juniors:
+ Luka Kadijevic LHP

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Cooper Holland OF/LHP
+ Nick Smith INF

BOTTOM LINE

+ The Hawks will look to depth in the lineup and the ability to create runs on the bases to steal some games here and there. Late season success will be predicated on the development of the pitching staff and some go to arms late in games.

Find more information on the 2025 Charlotte Latin School program below:

High School: Grace Christian Sanford Crusaders


Head Coach: Rob Wooten
State Classification: NCISAA 3A
Conference: Independent
2024 Record (Finish): 20-7 (State Campions)

Key Players Lost: Camron Seagraves and Boaz Harper

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/sanford/grace-christian-crusaders/baseball/schedule/Team Strengths: Crusaders should be able to score and limit scoring with this roster
No. of Returning Starters: 10
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5

X-FACTOR

+ State Champions in 2024. High expectations for 2025. Can they play to their potential each and every night…

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Luke Roupe, RHP, 2025 - South Carolina commit. 1st year at Grace Christian.

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Luke Roupe - South Carolina commit
+ Matt Murchison - UNC Wilmington commit
+ Ethan Bunce - Belmont Abbey commit
+ Wesley Clewis
+ Alex Pena

Impact Juniors:
+ Riley Cuddy - William & Mary commit
+ Jimmy Alfonsin
+ Cade Elmore
+ Preston Hill

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Reggie Marshall - Louisville commit
+ Jaxon Wade
+ Landon McDonald
+ Caleb Ellis
+ Connor Howard
+ Nolan Harper

BOTTOM LINE

+ One of the deepest and most talented rosters in the state, there is a unique blend of upper-level talent in the upperclass and underclass players. All eyes on a return trip to the state championship series, but as we know, the 1 and done playoff scenario can trap talented teams.

Find more information on the 2025 Grace Christian Sanford program below:

High School: Hickory Grove Christian Lions


Head Coach: Nick Daddio
State Classification: NCISAA 3A
Conference: NCISAA Metrolina Athletic Conference (MAC)
2024 Record (Finish): 18-10 (Lost in 3A State Championship)

Key Players Lost: Conner Barozzino-App. State, Colby Vanhook-Gaston College

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/charlotte/hickory-grove-christian-lions/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Pitching/Defense
No. of Returning Starters: 11
No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

X-FACTOR

+ The expectation is to play deep into May. This club returns a lot of experienced talent that was oh so close to the ultimate prize in 2024. The hunger to get back should be there…

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Jack Dwyer, INF, 2027

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Davis Cabbage-Pitcher/CF (UNCW)
+ Ben Green-SS/P (UNCA)
+ Brady Johnson - LHP (ETSU)
+ Von Pelow - C (Mars Hill)

Impact Juniors:
+ Zach White - C/INF

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Jack Dwyer
+ Gavin Pelow

BOTTOM LINE

+ Three potential power arms on the bump. A group of catchers that should handle the high octane stuff. A lineup that can create offense in a multitude of ways. The Lions will be looking for a deep run in May… again.

Find more information on the 2025 Hickory Grove Christian program below:

High School: High Point Christian Academy Cougar


Head Coach: Corey Gesell
State Classification: NCISAA 3A
Conference: PIedmont Triad Athletic Conference
2024 Record (Finish): 18-9 (Lost 2-1 in the Quarterfinals)

Key Players Lost: Jake Dunlap, Evan Goodwin

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/high-point/high-point-christian-academy-cougars/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Pitching Depth, Competition
No. of Returning Starters: 5
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5

X-FACTOR

+ The NCISAA 3A battle has gotten deeper and more talented in recent years. The Cougars have built a culture that expects to compete for titles at the end of the year. This group will rely on their pitching staff and key offensive moments to get back to a state title contender.

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Prince Odom - OF - Committed to Morehouse College,

Impact Juniors:
+ Heath Craver - P/INF - All Conference and All State in 2024,
+ Hunter Kelley - P/OF - All Conference in 202
+ Harrison Ferrell - P

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Ty Hayes - So, OF/P
+ Brenner Russell - Fr, OF
+ Whit Butler - 8th - C,

BOTTOM LINE

+ Older lineup and older pitching staff should lead to early consistency. To get to the ultimate goal the consistency will need to lead to playing well in tight games. The development of a shutdown arm on the back end could help to shorten games.

Find more information on the 2025 High Point Christian Academy program below:

High School: John Paul II Catholic Saints

Head Coach: Matt Mason
State Classification: NCISAA 3A
Conference: CPIC
2024 Record (Finish): 16-10 (Made the quarterfinals for the fourth year in a row. Lost to eventual state champion Grace Christian (Sanford).)

Key Players Lost: Ray Shaw (now playing at Chowan), Ethan Staton (now playing at Methodist), Aaron Gregory

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/greenville/john-paul-ii-catholic-saints/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Position player group. Solid defensively with depth in the lineup
No. of Returning Starters: 6
No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

X-FACTOR

+ The program has set expectations moving forward. The roster expects to be in contention at the end of the year because that is what the Saints have done for their entire HS career.

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Max Mason - 2B, SS, P; all-conference 2024;
+ James Donofrio - SS, P; all-conference 2024;
+ Joseph Caporossi - LF, CF; 2024 stats
+ Luke Perry - CF, P; 2024 stats. Barton College commit

Impact Juniors:
+ JT Williams - 1B, P; all-conference 2024; High Point University commit
+ Drew Lysaght - P, 2B;
Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Adam Donofrio (Catcher)
+ Kaden Knight (3B)

BOTTOM LINE

+ Culture and expectations can lead a team. The Saints expect to be around in May. The key to making a deep run will be some of the younger, talented players producing, taking some of the pressure off the upperclass returners.

Find more information on the 2025 John Paul II Catholic program below:

High School: SouthLake Christian Academy Eagle

Head Coach: Cheron Farley
State Classification: NCISAA 4A
Conference: MAC Conference
2024 Record (Finish): 5 - 18 (1st rd playoff Lost)

Key Players Lost: Seth Moon - Belmont Abby | Nick Coggins - UNC WIlmington

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/huntersville/southlake-christian-academy-eagles/baseball/
Team Strengths: More Experience than ‘24 with a deeper pitching staff
No. of Returning Starters: 6
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5

X-FACTOR

+ How quickly can a young team acclimate to their new level? The trick is to learn from each opportunity in 2025 and build on the good and bad experiences. The ability to continue to grow could generate another playoff experience in 2025.

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Ryan Herkey | RHP/Utility
Impact Juniors:
+ Evan Hogg | MIF
Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Sean Rodesiler (LHP) Fr.
+ John Balzerak (RHP) Fr.
+ Greyson Broadway LHP (Fr)

BOTTOM LINE

+ The Eagles will be challenged early and throughout the season with their schedule. Can this club grow throughout the regular season enough to put themselves in playoff position again in ‘25.

Find more information on the 2025 SouthLake Christian Academy program below:

High School: Wesleyan Christian Academy Trojans


Head Coach: Mo Blakeney
State Classification: NCISAA 4A
Conference: Pacis
2024 Record (Finish): 23-7 (State Runner up)

Key Players Lost: Sawyer Black, Hudson Lance, Myles Crocker, Grayson McDonald 5

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/high-point/wesleyan-christian-academy-trojans/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Desire to finish the unfinished. Front end of the rotation. Team speed
No. of Returning Starters: 5
No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

X-FACTOR

+ The 2025 club may feel like they left 2024 unfinished. Falling just short of the state championship can be a motivating factor as a team turns the page to the next year. The talent is back to make another run into May.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Cole Bowman, C/SS, 2027

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Josh Hammond, INF/RHP - Wake Forest
+ Sam Cozart, RHP - Texas
+ Domaine Vann, OF - Miami
+ Nick Papciak, INF/P - Wingate

Impact Juniors:
+ Blake Goff, 1B

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Cole Bowman
+ Elijah Martin
+ Mikey Papciak
+ Roddy Woodard
+ Walker Parsons

BOTTOM LINE

+ The regular season will be big to set a tone for what to expect as the Trojans enter the post-season. The State Championship series will be the first goal… Completing the mission in 2025 is the ultimate goal. The ability to develop just a little more depth on the mound, and explosive innings with the bat, could be a separator from 2024.

Find more information on the 2025 Wesleyan Christian Academy program below:

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