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For the next two weeks we will roll out our Preseason Power 25. We will release three teams per day for the first week and then move to two teams per day once we reach the Top 10 next week. Voting for preseason teams centers more around the depth of talent on that team, the roster outlook, previous success with players on the roster, as well as where it stacks up within their region/area, as opposed to strictly predicting schedule outcomes. Our staff weighs ten different categories (i.e. offensive depth, impact players, frontline arm, pitching staff depth, sustained program success, etc). 

Generally, larger schools and classifications have a greater depth of player talent on roster. However, once the season begins and records begin to take shape, the Power 25 will be adjusted as needed. In addition to that, we will debut our Private School Top 10 around late-March/early-April and the Small School Top 10 around mid-April. This will allow teams to settle in and their schedule to begin to shake out. Our first overall Power 25 update, due to the VHSL season being pushed back a week, will come Monday, March 30th.

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#3: Atlee Raiders

 

2025 Record: 19-3

Key Returning Players: Max Baedke, Chase Blumberg (VMI), Barrett Bucholz (UVA), Will Haynie, Zorro Hott (Richard Bland), Cooper Molloy (George Mason), Chase Mottley (Hampden-Sydney), Tyler Rutman (Hampden-Sydney), Evan Salapka (Richmond)

Key Losses: Chase Chamberlain, Noah Yoder

Season Outlook: The Raiders were state champions in 2024, made the state tournament in 2025, and look for another title run in 2026. While the combination of Chamberlain and Yoder is a major loss, they have plenty of talent returning. The pitching staff should be just as solid as it was last year and the offense is a year older and primed for another big season. They are athletic, have guys that can handle the bat, and have arms that are used to pitching in tight games, but what will they do behind the plate? Catching may be the biggest question mark, assuming that Bucholz stays in the outfield. If they can get that position figured out, they may be looking at another state championship in Class 4.