2026 VA/DC Diamond Notes: Week 1
March 27, 2026
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In 2026, one of our goals during the high school season is to highlight more players from around the state. While our staff is out on the road at more than fifteen games every week, we cannot be everywhere. This year we are leaning on high school coaches and asking for their submissions highlighting players in their program that had a big week. Every Thursday we will run the Diamond Notes series in order to highlight exactly what those players did for their high school team.
A couple of notes before we dig in to what type of week some of those standouts had, we will only be linking players that currently have an active profile with Prep Baseball. How does this help? Coaches can access video and data within your profile. Don't have one? You can create one for FREE right here.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the players that were submitted for week one.
Virginia/DC High School Coverage:
Diamond Notes: Week 1
Abingdon High School
Hudson Large | 2028 | SS/P | Abingdon
Large enjoyed a massive week at the plate, finishing 6-for-9 over two contests with three doubles and 10 RBI. His offensive production was matched by his performance on the mound in game two against Virginia High, where he tossed three scoreless innings and struck out six to earn the victory.
Auburn High School
Matthew Altizer | 2026 | P | Auburn
Altizer was dominant in a district victory over Grayson County, throwing five innings of two-hit ball while racking up eight strikeouts. He was equally effective at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and a stolen base.
Brody Hensel | 2026 | 1B | Auburn
Hensel fueled the offense in game one of the season, finishing 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI. His timely hitting included RBI doubles in both the second and fourth innings, helping secure a decisive 12-1 margin.
Blacksburg High School
Jack Mann | 2027 | P/INF | Blacksburg
Mann set a strong tone for the season, recording a 1-0 record over three innings of work. He surrendered only one hit while striking out six and walking none. Offensively, he contributed a 3-for-5 week with three RBI and two runs scored.
Sam Szefc | 2027 | INF/P | Blacksburg
A high-impact two-way player, Szefc put up elite numbers this week. Across two games, he hit .875 with three doubles, a grand slam, and 10 RBI. On the mound, he added two innings of relief, striking out five batters.
Broadway High School
Mason Caplinger | 2028 | 3B/RHP | Broadway
Caplinger was a vital contributor during Broadway's 2-1 opening week. He posted a .444 average with a double, a triple, and four RBI. He also appeared on the mound, striking out three in a perfect inning of work.
Colby Fesler | 2027 | P | Broadway
Fesler earned a victory in the PBR Commonwealth Classic, striking out nine batters over six innings while allowing just two earned runs. His increased velocity has made him a notable arm for collegiate programs to monitor.
Zechariah Stuhlmiller | 2026 | OF | Broadway
The multi-sport athlete continued his consistent production from last spring, recording five hits in 10 at-bats. Stuhlmiller finished the week with a .583 OBP, two doubles, three stolen bases, and flawless defensive play.
Jayce Suters | 2028 | 2B/RHP | Broadway
Suters provided the offensive spark in a key victory over Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy with a three-run home run. He finished the week with a .456 OBP and contributed two scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts.
Cave Spring High School
Landon Mathews | 2026 | LHP | Cave Spring
Mathews showed grit in a complete-game effort that was shortened by darkness. He navigated through several jams over six innings, commanding three pitches and allowing four hits to keep his team in a competitive position.
Charlottesville High School
Lucas Arbelaez | 2026 | 3B/P | Charlottesville
Arbelaez showcased his versatility by going 4-for-7 at the plate with five stolen bases and two RBI. He also excelled on the mound, striking out seven over 4.2 innings to earn a save.
Abe Jaspen | 2027 | C | Charlottesville
Jaspen put together a solid week, going 3-for-6 with a double and two runs scored. Defensively, he was a deterrent on the basepaths, throwing out two runners attempting to steal second base.
Christiansburg High School
Carter Hughes | 2029 | IF | Christiansburg
The freshman infielder has shown remarkable poise, serving as a spark at the bottom of the lineup. Hughes hit 4-for-6 with a double and three runs scored, posting a 1.548 OPS while providing defensive versatility.
Walker Overbay | 2028 | P | Christiansburg
Overbay excelled in two relief appearances, holding opponents to just one run over 5.1 innings. His ability to inherit runners and induce key outs allowed Christiansburg to stay competitive and secure late-game leads.
Collegiate School
Jake Slater | 2026 | CF | Collegiate
Slater served as the high-energy tone-setter for the Cougars, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and a stolen base in a performance against North Cross.
Emery Williamson | 2027 | RHP | Collegiate
Williamson set a dominant pace in the season opener, striking out eight of the first nine batters he faced. He finished his four-inning outing with eight strikeouts and zero earned runs allowed.
Douglas Freeman High School
Matthew Berrey | 2027 | UTL | Douglas Freeman
Berrey made significant contributions on both sides of the ball, going 3-for-5 with two walks and two RBI at the plate while providing two scoreless innings on the mound.
Gabe Winterhoff | 2028 | INF | Douglas Freeman
Winterhoff emerged as an impact player this week, finishing 3-for-5 with two runs scored, a double, two RBI, and a stolen base.
Edison High School
John Dobson | 2026 | P/OF | Edison
Dobson turned in a masterpiece against Falls Church, throwing a seven-inning complete-game shutout. He allowed only two hits while striking out 11 batters.
Derek Potts | 2026 | OF | Edison
Potts was a constant threat on the bases, swiping four bags over two games. He finished the week 5-for-9, including a clutch RBI double in the 7th inning against Langley to temporarily tie the game.
Great Bridge High School
Cole Cinnamond | 2027 | LHP | Great Bridge
In his first outing of the year, the Clemson commit was dominant. Cinnamond struck out 11 batters over six innings, surrendering only one run while throwing 67% strikes.
Andrew Griffin | 2026 | OF | Great Bridge
Griffin displayed a balance of power and speed, going 2-for-4 with two walks, two stolen bases, and a two-run home run in the 5th inning to extend the Wildcats' lead.
Hampton High School
Jaycob Flores | 2026 | 3B | Hampton
Flores led the team in hitting this week with a .500 average and a .929 OPS. His highlight was a game-tying two-RBI single in the 6th inning against high-level competition.
Jayden Valentin | 2027 | P | Hampton
Valentin delivered a brilliant complete-game performance in a district rivalry win over Menchville. He allowed just two hits and one earned run while striking out 10 batters.
Herndon High School
Chase Brown | 2026 | INF/P | Herndon
Brown opened the season with a strong two-way performance, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and contributing a scoreless inning on the mound with two strikeouts.
James River High School (Midlothian)
Nate Reed | 2026 | P | James River
The William and Mary commit was highly efficient on the mound, striking out nine batters over four innings of work while allowing only one earned run.
Owen Wears | 2028 | OF | James River
Wears had a perfect day at the plate against Midlothian, going 3-for-3 with a walk and driving in five RBI to lead the offense.
King William High School
Joseph Pasowicz | 2028 | P | King William
In his first career varsity start, Pasowicz threw five no-hit innings against Colonial Heights. He finished the shutout with six strikeouts and only one walk.
Xavier Shelton | 2028 | SS/P | King William
Shelton has been exceptional in the leadoff spot, hitting 1.000 (3-for-3) through two games with five stolen bases and a 2.000 OBP. He also contributed two scoreless innings on the mound.
LC Bird High School
Jodany Almonte | 2026 | 2B | LC Bird
Almonte served as the anchor of the lineup, posting a .429 average and a 1.286 OPS. He recorded three doubles and five RBI, proving to be a consistent and clutch run producer.
Maggie Walker Governor's School
Cash Garrett | 2026 | CF | Maggie Walker
Garrett started the season strong, going 3-for-5 at the plate. His week was highlighted by a solo home run in the second inning of the season opener.
Lewis Dunn | 2027 | C | Maggie Walker
Dunn provided both production and leadership in the opener, going 2-for-2 with a three-run home run and four RBI. His presence behind the plate was vital for a lineup missing several starters.
Manchester High School
Judah Parks | 2026 | P | Manchester
Parks delivered a masterful complete-game shutout against Monacan. He went the full five innings, striking out 11 batters and allowing zero runs to secure the win.
Mills Godwin High School
Will Canfield | 2026 | OF | Mills Godwin
Canfield was perfect at the plate in the season opener, finishing 3-for-3 with two doubles and four RBI, providing a complete offensive performance.
Norfolk Christian Schools
Jackson Parker | 2028 | P/OF | Norfolk Christian
Parker was electric on the mound against Nandua, striking out 12 batters over five innings (2.4 K/IP). He also helped his own cause at the plate with a home run and two RBI.
Northside High School
Evan Bruce | 2026 | CF | Northside
Bruce was a catalyst for an offense that scored 24 runs over two games. He went 6-for-8 with two doubles and a home run, driving in four runs and scoring five times.
Brett Taylor | 2027 | 3B | Northside
Taylor complemented the Northside attack with a patient and productive week. He went 4-for-5 with three walks, five RBI, and three stolen bases.
Randolph-Henry High School
Parker Allen | 2027 | RHP | Randolph-Henry
Allen earned a signature win on the road against a top-20 ranked Halifax team. He pitched five innings, striking out eight batters—including six in a row—while allowing zero earned runs.
Spencer Gibbs | 2028 | OF/3B | Randolph-Henry
Gibbs was perfect at the plate against Halifax, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and five RBI. He reached base in every plate appearance to help secure a major victory.
Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School
Alejandro Sanchez | 2027 | C | Saint John Paul the Great
Sanchez was a workhorse behind the plate, catching 17 innings over two games. He hit .467 for the week and delivered the game-winning RBI against Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy.
Elijah Thompson | 2028 | P | Saint John Paul the Great
Thompson turned in a marathon performance at the PBR Commonwealth Classic, throwing 105 pitches over eight complete innings. He struck out 10 and walked none in a game that eventually went 10 innings.
Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy
Peyton Conley | 2029 | P | Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy
The freshman pitcher showed great promise, keeping his team in the game over 5.1 innings of work. He struck out 10 batters while allowing only four hits.
Brody Edwards | 2027 | SS | Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy
The heart of the lineup, Edwards led the team with five RBI over the weekend. He recorded a double and maintained high-quality at-bats throughout the event.
St. Anne's-Belfield School
Jack Fisher | 2027 | 3B/RHP | St. Anne's-Belfield
Fisher enjoyed a standout week against elite competition, recording three extra-base hits in three games. He finished the period with a 1.231 OPS and earned a win on the mound with four scoreless innings and five strikeouts.
St. Christopher's School
Christian Gray | 2026 | RHP/OF | St. Christopher's
Gray delivered a high-stakes performance against North Cross, striking out 13 batters over six innings while allowing just one run. On the season, he holds a 0.70 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 10 innings.
St. Paul VI Catholic High School
Ryan Bahr | 2028 | 3B/P | St. Paul VI
Bahr excelled as a two-way threat, hitting .438 with a home run and six RBI. On the mound, he pitched four scoreless innings, striking out eight to earn a victory.
Aidan Gallagher | 2026 | C/P | St. Paul VI
Gallagher hit .417 on the week, headlined by a walk-off hit against Gonzaga. Defensively, he was perfect behind the plate, throwing out three runners, and also contributed a win and a save on the mound.
Virginia Episcopal School
Campbell Howard | 2026 | P | Virginia Episcopal
Howard turned in an incredibly efficient season debut against Greensboro Day School. He tossed a seven-inning complete game on just 89 pitches, allowing only two hits and striking out seven.
Wilson Memorial High School
Christian Brewer | 2026 | P | Wilson Memorial
Brewer earned a significant non-district win over Broadway, pitching six innings of three-hit ball. He struck out eight batters and allowed zero runs in the 2-1 victory.
Wise Central High School
Ethan Foster | 2028 | 2B/3B | Wise Central
Foster led his team to a historic first-ever win at Virginia High, going 3-for-5 with the win on the mound (5 IP, 0 ER). He finished the week with a .625 average and a 1.500 OPS.
Grant Pilkenton | 2029 | P/3B | Wise Central
Pilkenton made an immediate impact in his first varsity appearances. He recorded a save in his debut and followed it up with a win in his first start, striking out eight over 5.2 scoreless innings.
York High School
Kaleb Nixon | 2026 | RHP | York
Nixon was lights-out in relief this week. He earned a save against Poquoson by striking out three of the final four batters with the tying runners on base. He followed that with 2.1 innings of hitless relief against Grafton, striking out four.