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2025 NC High School Previews: Volume IV

February 21, 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: Carmel Christian Cougars


Head Coach: Heath McKay
State Classification: NCISAA 4A
Conference: Independent
2024 Record (Finish): 11-13 (1st Round Playoffs)

Key Players Lost:

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/matthews/carmel-christian-cougars/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: 90% of 2024 innings return on the mound. Lineup should have depth
No. of Returning Starters: 13
No. of Returning Pitchers: 8

X-FACTOR

+ Player development. A solid group in 2024 returns almost completely intact for 2025. That is a good feeling if the players have made the expected jumps with their skill set and production.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Leyton Guhl, OF/C, 2027

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Landon Boyd- RHP/1B - Florida International commit
+ David Rodriguez- C - Bluefield St commit
+ Anderson Rider- RHP

Impact Juniors:
+ Caden Tarr- SS
+ Ryan Field- 1B/RHP

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Nate Trunck (2027) MIF, RHP, C.
+ Leyton Guhl (2027) CF, MIF, C.
+ Colson Krause (2027) RHP

BOTTOM LINE

+ The Cougars are returning experience from a playoff appearance, but the roster will remain young. As the younger players adapt and understand expectations, this group should be poised to compete for another post-season appearance. Sr. Landon Boyd is an arm that could present issues for any team that draws Carmel Christian in a loser goes home scenario

Find more information on the 2025 Carmel Christian program below:

High School: Corvian Community Cardinals

Head Coach: Ryan McElhinny
State Classification: NCHSAA 1A
Conference: Catawba Shores 1A/2A
2024 Record (Finish): 11-10 (Lost to Eastern Randolph in first round)

Key Players Lost: Cole Fiorillo, Luke Fortner

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/charlotte/corvian-community-cardinals/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Experience: 6 Seniors and 2 Juniors in the starting lineup
No. of Returning Starters: 8
No. of Returning Pitchers: 3

X-FACTOR

+ Experience can be a key factor to quick starts. Talent and performance are keys to sustained success. Look for the Cardinals to get out of the gate fast.

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Senior- Connor Frey SS (Rockingham CC commit)
+ Senior- Jackson Gilmore 1B
+ Senior- Keldyn Vincent OF

Impact Juniors:
+ Junior- Gavin McElhinny CF/SP (2x All Conference)
+ Junior- Holden Parks 3B/RHP

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Sophomore- Brennan Frey

BOTTOM LINE

+ Pitching is the key to any good season. While the Cardinals are in position to threaten their opponents pitching depth, their ability to create depth will enable them to position themselves for wins throughout the ‘25 season.

Find more information on the 2025 Corvian Community program below:

High School: Cox Mill Chargers

Head Coach: Grayson Butler
State Classification: NCHSAA 4A
Conference: Greater Metro 4A
2024 Record (Finish): 20-5 (3rd Round)

Key Players Lost: Braylon Whitaker, Colin Pritt, Aiden Anderson, Brett Cassell

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/concord/cox-mill-chargers/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Pitching
No. of Returning Starters: 4
No. of Returning Pitchers: 8

X-FACTOR

+ A little bit of a surprise team in 2024, they played above expectations throughout the year. This group of seniors has played for 3 different head coaches. Can they bond together again to defy outside expectations

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Ellis White, OF/RHP, 2028 - 2024 Prep Baseball Jr. Future Games

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Drew Bonhag (William Peace)
+ Jackson Caldwell (UNCW)
+ Chris Correll (Southeastern CC)
+ Tyler Hicks (Methodist)

Impact Juniors:
+ John Ingle (Yale)
+ Braden Greene
+ Tyler McBee

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Trendyn Motley (2028)
+ Jacob McCarter (2028)
+ Ellis White (2028)

BOTTOM LINE

+ Caldwell and Ingle give the Chargers a potent 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation. Playing in a tough league with a good out-of-conference schedule, how quickly can the offense put together ways to win in the box.

Find more information on the 2025 Cox Mill program below:

  • Follow the Chargers on X @CoxMillBSB
  • Find the program’s https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/concord/cox-mill-chargers/baseball/schedule/

High School: East Lincoln Mustangs


Head Coach: Chris Matile
State Classification: NCHSAA 3A
Conference: Western Foothills Athletic Conference 3A
2024 Record (Finish): 17-8 (lost in the first round to Oak Grove)

Key Players Lost: Trey Spees and Carson Dahle

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/denver/east-lincoln-mustangs/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Large contingent of players with playoff experience from 2024. 8 seniors could see a large portion of the action.
No. of Returning Starters: 7
No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

X-FACTOR

+ How do Seniors handle their final days… Experience can be great and we have seen teams with age take advantage. We have also seen good teams, with good players, that are Senior heavy, struggle with their focus toward the end of the year, with a ton going on as school comes to a close.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Ryker Wensil, INF/OF, 2027 - Limited role on Varsity in 2024

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Evan Matile, OF/LHP, All Conference All State, Francis Marion University signee.
+ Barrett Erwin, LHP heading to UNC Pembroke.
+ Ty Davis, RHP, heading to High Point University to pitch.
+ Matthew Phuntek, 3B, Wake Tech CC signee.
+ Dylan Scott, C
Impact Juniors:
+ Brandon Washington, 1B/RHP
+ Braden Brotherton, OF/MIF
+ Reed Duckworth, RHP
Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Ryker Wensil Sophomore

BOTTOM LINE

+ Loaded conference, the Mustangs will be challenged and that should be a good thing with the talent present. One to two “big” years could propel this club into a deep run in May

Find more information on the 2025 East Lincoln program below:

High School: Hickory Ridge Ragin' Bulls

Head Coach: Jordan Sells
State Classification: NCHSAA 4A
Conference: Greater Metro 4
2024 Record (Finish): 13-12 (Lost in 1st round to South Meck)

Key Players Lost: Caden Haywood, Sam Alessi

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/harrisburg/hickory-ridge-ragin-bulls/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Pitching - Depth on the bump
No. of Returning Starters: 9
No. of Returning Pitchers: 6

X-FACTOR

+ The Bulls expect to be in the post-season mix year in and year out. The pitching depth should allow the coaching staff to mix and match as needed, giving the offense time to put runs on the board.

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Bowen Powell - Wingate commit
+ Parker Lakey - Catawba commit

Impact Juniors:
+ Carter Boydston

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Lucas Whalen, 2027
+ Grant Helms, 2027
+ Elijah Sykes, 2027

BOTTOM LINE

+ The offense may need to create runs as a group. Offensive execution and key extra base hits will unburden the pitching staff, but the staff is deep enough to handle close games night in and night out. The development of the offensive plan will be a key should the Bulls find themselves in the playoffs again in 2025.

Find more information on the 2025 Hickory Ridge program below:

High School: Highland School of Technology Rams


Head Coach: Kenneth Pasour
State Classification: NCHSAA 1A
Conference: Southern Piedmont 1A/2A
2024 Record (Finish): 12-13 (2nd Round)

Key Players Lost: Liam Fulbright & Wyatt Hardin

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/gastonia/highland-tech-rams/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Pitching
No. of Returning Starters: 7
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5

X-FACTOR

+ Gradual improvement over the past several years saw a 2nd round appearance in the playoffs in 2024. Expectations continue to rise as the upperclass group enters with a lot of game experience.

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Trey Costner (Committed to Erskine) Util/P -- 2024 All Conference
+ Erwing Soza (Emory & Henry commit) P/INF

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Grayson Lunsford, 2027
+ Coleman Schafer

BOTTOM LINE

+ The Rams will be young. How quickly can the underclass players begin to produce at the Varsity level? If the upperclass players with experience can produce at a high level, allowing the younger players to settle in, we could see the Rams in playoff contention again.

Find more information on the 2025 Highland School of Technology program below:

High School: Hough Huskies


Head Coach: Pete Jenkins
State Classification: NCHSAA 4A
Conference: Queen City
2024 Record (Finish): 18-9 (Lost 1st Round to West Forsyth)

Key Players Lost: Jake Minarik OF

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/cornelius/hough-huskies/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Talent with experience
No. of Returning Starters: 7
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5

X-FACTOR

+ A program with high expectations fell short of their own goals in 2024. A talented group with experience is returning. Do the individual goals match the team goals in 2025.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Derek Guzman, INF, 2027

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Tyler Baird RHP (Vanderbilt)
+ Thomas Bass UTL (Concord University)
+ Jaxon Keeling UTL (Queens University)
+ Jamison Funderburk OF
+ Lochlan Robins LHP

Impact Juniors:
+ Jaxon Matthews OF Clemson Commit
+ Derek Guzman INF
+ Daniel Eber OF
+ Harrison Sheets INF
+ Matthew Nesta INF/RHP

BOTTOM LINE

+ At times talented teams still need the talent to take charge and dictate the team goals. Can this group of talented players sacrifice for one another to make a deep run in May? They will be tested with a solid conference schedule. A tough Husky team in late May will be a scary Husky team.

Find more information on the 2025 Hough program below:

High School: Northwest Cabarrus Trojans


Head Coach: Joe Hubbard
State Classification: NCHSAA 3A
Conference: SPC
2024 Record (Finish): 12-15 (1st Round)

Key Players Lost: Dalton Hazlett, Blake Gaffney, Alex Walker, Tyler Smith

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/concord/northwest-cabarrus-trojans/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Returning leadership
No. of Returning Starters: 4
No. of Returning Pitchers: 1

X-FACTOR

+ Measure the Trojans in intervals throughout the year. Look for this club to make substantial progress as the spring moves through each phase of the season.

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Jackson Lancaster

Impact Juniors:
+ Ben Able - Wingate commit
+ Cooper Greene
+ Cameron Johnson

BOTTOM LINE

+ The Trojans will look to capitalize off their youth this year, implementing their player development system and culture. Both have produced big dividends in years past.

Find more information on the 2025 Northwest Cabarrus program below:

High School: Parkwood Wolf Pack


Head Coach: Chad Nichols
State Classification: NCHSAA 3A
Conference: Rocky River
2024 Record (Finish): 6-16

Key Players Lost: Carson Schott / Elijah Prosser

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/monroe/parkwood-wolf-pack/baseball/schedule/
Team Strengths: Offensive Production
No. of Returning Starters: 7
No. of Returning Pitchers: 6

X-FACTOR

+ Look for the Wolf Pack to be in position to create runs throughout a contest on most nights. Early starts offensively could allow their pitching staff to begin to define roles and develop the back end of the bullpen.

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Jack Smiley
+ Cory Aubertine
+ James Long
+ John Sand

Impact Juniors:
+ Dylan Yalich
+ Jack Nelson

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Landon Bartley, 2027
+ Stone Jones

BOTTOM LINE

+ The Wolf Pack could see their season follow the trend of their arms. As they attack the zone and force action, they should be in position to be in games to the end. If they are not able to find strike throwers, the offense may not keep up.

Find more information on the 2025 Parkwood program below:

High School: West Rowan Falcons


Head Coach: Seth Graham
State Classification: NCHSAA 3A
Conference: SPC
2024 Record (Finish): 17-9 (1st round)

Key Players Lost: Drew Burton

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

2025 Team Roster: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/mt-ulla/west-rowan-falcons/baseball/roster/
Team Strengths: Strong starting Pitching and Returning 7 starting Position Players from last season.
No. of Returning Starters: 7
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5

X-FACTOR

+ The lineup has experience and depth. There is strength in key spots which could lead to some quick score opportunities.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

+ Brody Pope, C, 2027 (13 at-bats in 2024 – bigger role coming in 2025)

PREP BASEBALL’S TEAM OUTLOOK

Impact Seniors:
+ Brice Knox - SS - Surry CC commit
+ Eli Graham- 3B/RHP - Surry CC Commit
+ Gaige Scruggs -Utility Player - Surry CC Commit
+ Chase Fisher - RHP/CINF Mid - Pfeiffer University Commit

Impact Juniors:
+ Cole Blevins - OF/RHP - All Conference as Freshman and Sophomore,
+ Maddox Moore - OF/LHP
+ Carter Durant - Inf/RHP
+ Brant Graham - Ult/RHP
+ Luke Ponczka - 1B/RHP

Underclassmen to Watch:
+ Brody Pope - Catcher -2027

BOTTOM LINE

+ The Falcons will have a deep and balanced lineup that will impose some fear in opposing pitching staffs. As this lineup goes, so go the Falcons. There is some depth on the bump, so fast starts in games could play large in the development of the bullpen.

Find more information on the 2025 West Rowan program below:

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