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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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#9: Independence Tigers

 

2025 Record: 21-3

Key Returning Players: Michael Bowden (CNU), Colton Hicks (Gardner-Webb), Joe Joe McDonald, Quinn Pak (Eastern Connecticut State), Edward Ridolfi (Shenandoah), Aidan Spagna (Boston College)

Key Losses: Shane Howie, Chase Obstgarten, Brady Yates

Season Outlook: This is a veteran group that looks to make a deep playoff run in 2026. Obstgarten was a huge producer on both sides last spring, but the Tigers have some depth pieces that can step into bigger roles. They have a chance to put up runs, but having someone step into the frontline arm role will be key in those big games. If they cannot figure out the pitching staff and depth of it, it could be a tough first year transition into Class 6.