2026 VA/DC Diamond Notes: Week 7
May 8, 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 Friday 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 the seventh week of the Diamond Notes series.
Virginia/DC High School Coverage:
- Preseason Central
- VA/DC Power 25
- VA/DC Heat Sheet
- VA/DC Scout Blogs
- Latest News
- Diamond Notes Week 1
- Diamond Notes Week 2
- Diamond Notes Week 3
- Diamond Notes Week 4
- Diamond Notes Week 5
- Diamond Notes Week 6
Diamond Notes: Week 7 (4/27-5/2)
*Note that all submissions were made from high school coaches*
Blacksburg High School
Sam Szefc - 2027 - INF/P - Virginia Tech
Szefc served as a major catalyst for Blacksburg, leading the team to a 3-1 record over their last four contests. He displayed immense power and run-producing capabilities throughout the week.
Season Stats: .614 AVG, .694 OBP, 1.923 OPS, 1.228 SLG, 35 H, 12 2B, 4 3B, 5 HR, 41 RBI, 26 R, 9 SB; 29.2 IP, 55 K, 9 BB, 2.36 ERA.
Weekly Contributions: 11-15, 3 2B, 3B, 4 HR (1 GS), 17 RBI, 6 R; 6 IP, 12 K, 2 ER.
Zay Noble - 2028 - C/INF/P *does not have a Prep Baseball profile*
Noble provided a massive boost to the pitching staff, securing two critical wins on the mound during a pivotal stretch of the season while maintaining a productive presence at the plate.
Season Stats: .346 AVG, .477 OBP, .919 OPS, .442 SLG, 18 H, 5 2B, 11 RBI; 24.2 IP, 4-0, 6 ER, 26 K, 1.70 ERA.
Weekly Contributions: 5-13, 2B, 5 RBI; 11.2 IP, 2 W, 10 K, 3 ER.
Christiansburg High School
Mason Cullop - 2026 - P/OF - Concord
Cullop delivered a dominant two-way performance, stifling opponents over five scoreless innings on the mound and turning in a highly efficient four-hit day at the plate.
Season Stats: .367 AVG, 1.014 OPS, 18 H, 8 2B, 13 RBI; 26.0 IP, 2-1, 1 SV, 25 SO, 2.154 ERA, 1.231 WHIP.
Weekly Contributions: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 SO; 4-5, 2 2B, 1 RBI.
Ethan Wayman - 2027 - P/IF - Radford
Wayman made his lone appearance of the week count, showcasing elite power with two home runs, including a crucial late-inning blast to extend the lead.
Season Stats: .354 AVG, 1.092 OPS, 17 H, 6 2B, 2 HR, 19 RBI; 21.2 IP, 1-3, 37 SO, 3.55 ERA, 1.33 WHIP.
Weekly Contributions: 3-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI.
Douglas Freeman High School
Bleicher was effective across all facets of the game, contributing consistent contact at the plate and providing reliable relief pitching in both appearances.
Weekly Contributions: 3-6, 2 R, 2 SB, 3 RBI; 2 IP, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.
Darter enjoyed a perfect day at the plate and served as a defensive anchor behind the dish, successfully throwing out 50% of potential base stealers.
Weekly Contributions: 4-4, BB, 3 RBI; Threw out 50% of steal attempts.
Finn swung a hot bat all week, consistently reaching base and scoring four times to help drive the offense.
Weekly Contributions: 3-6, 4 R, 2 SB, 2 HBP, BB, 2 RBI.
Noland demonstrated high exit velocities throughout the week, consistently putting pressure on the defense and driving in four runs.
Weekly Contributions: 3-5, 2B, SB, 2 BB, 4 RBI.
Edison High School
Jackson Naumovich - 2026 - P - Westminster College
Naumovich delivered a commanding complete-game shutout, maintaining control throughout the night and allowing his team to play with confidence in a 6-0 victory.
Weekly Contributions: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 8 K, CG Win.
Making his first start at third base, the freshman impressed by going 2-2 with a key RBI and demonstrating defensive reliability with three assists.
Season Stats (Mound): 6 G, 11.2 IP, 1 BB, 16 K, 1.2 ERA.
Weekly Contributions: 2-2, 2 RBI, 3 Assists.
Gonzaga
Pipia put together a standout performance in the WCAC Quarterfinals, going a perfect 4-4 at the plate to propel the Eagles into the semifinals.
Season Stats: 82 AB, .463 AVG, .532 OBP, 1.215 OPS, 38 H, 11 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 25 R, 7 SB.
Weekly Contributions: .583 AVG, 1.417 OPS, 7 H, 3 2B, 1 RBI, 1 R.
Heritage-Leesburg
Aiden Delaney - 2026 - LHP/1B - Mount St. Mary’s
Delaney continued his impressive season by reaching base four times and scoring three runs in his lone appearance of the week.
Season Stats: .463 AVG, .574 OBP, .610 SLG, 19 H, 10 RBI, 11 BB; 21.0 IP, 39 K, 2.67 ERA.
Weekly Contributions: 2-3, 3 R, 2 BB.
Flores provided significant offensive production with two RBI doubles and continued his iron-man stretch behind the plate, having caught 81 of the team's 95 innings.
Season Stats: .419 AVG, .561 OBP, .674 SLG, 18 H, 9 2B, 10 RBI.
Weekly Contributions: 3-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI.
Cooper Miskelly - 2026 - 2B - Lynchburg
Miskelly etched his name into the record books, becoming the school’s all-time leader in both runs and RBIs following a massive week highlighted by a grand slam.
Season Stats: .404 AVG, .500 OBP, .745 SLG, 19 H, 3 HR, 7 2B, 15 RBI, 17 R, 11 SB. Weekly Contributions: 2-5, 2B, Grand Slam, 5 RBI.
Mark Van Tuyle - 2026 - RHP/OF - George Mason
Van Tuyle was flawless in his weekly outing, reaching base in all five plate appearances while contributing two scoreless innings on the mound to earn the save.
Season Stats: .405 AVG, .509 OBP, .643 SLG, 17 H, 4 2B, 2 HR, 15 RBI; 23.2 IP, 2-0, 2.37 ERA, 42 K, 1.27 WHIP.
Weekly Contributions: 4-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI; 2.0 IP, 0 R, 3 K, Save.
Herndon
Brown performed exceptionally against top-tier competition, recording six hits against the last two Class 6 champions and securing a save in a high-pressure situation.
Season Stats: .446 AVG, 25 H; 2-0, 2 Saves.
Weekly Contributions: 6-10, Save.
Hickory
Kemick continues to lead the 5A Region in batting average after a highly consistent week where he mirrored his multi-hit performance in both contests.
Season Stats: .578 AVG, .593 OBP, .733 SLG, 20 H, 5 2B, 19 RBI.
Weekly Contributions: 6-8, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 1 SB.
John "Nickel" Ryan - 2028 - INF
The sophomore infielder turned in a perfect day at the plate against Deep Creek, highlighted by a two-run home run and four RBIs.
Season Stats: .349 AVG, .412 OBP, .558 SLG, 8 H, 6 2B, 1 HR, 12 RBI.
Weekly Contributions: 3-3, 2-Run HR, 4 RBI, 1 SB.
Suddeth was nearly untouchable on the mound, striking out 12 batters over four hitless innings to maintain his perfect season ERA. Season Stats: 4 G, 7 IP, 0.00 ERA, 16 K, 4 BB. Weekly Contributions: 4 IP, 12 K, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB.
Highland School
Peck enjoyed an extremely productive week against quality pitching, recording four extra-base hits and driving in eight runs.
Weekly Contributions: 6-11, 2 HR, 3B, 2B, 2 BB, 8 RBI, 4 R.
James River High School
Hulette continues to be one of the most reliable bats in the lineup, highlighted by a three-hit performance against Midlothian.
Season Stats: .361 AVG, .500 OBP.
Weekly Contributions: 3-6, 3 RBI, 2 R.
Jake Schumacher - 2026 - 3B - Randolph-Macon
Schumacher displayed his versatility and power, recording both a home run and a triple during the week to bolster his high season on-base percentage.
Season Stats: .312 AVG, .522 OBP.
Weekly Contributions: 3-5, HR, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB.
Jefferson Forest High School
T.J. McLaughlin - 2026 - LHP - Walters State CC
McLaughlin earned a hard-fought victory against Liberty Christian Academy, surrendering no earned runs and striking out six in a stellar road performance.
Weekly Contributions: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, Win.
John Champe High School
Elijah Marshall - 2027 - Pitcher
Marshall turned in a dominant outing against Potomac Falls, striking out ten batters over six shutout innings to secure his fourth win of the season.
Season Stats: 4-1, 29.1 IP, 18 H, 11 ER, 45 K, 2.62 ERA.
Weekly Contributions: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K, Win.
Kellam High School
Hanly came through in high-leverage moments, providing the go-ahead RBI against Ocean Lakes and delivering a game-saving catch in left field.
Season Stats: .405 AVG, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 11 R.
Weekly Contributions: 3-6, 3 RBI, 1 R.
The catalyst of the Kellam offense, Howell recorded three hits against a high-level arm to spark the team in an extra-inning victory.
Season Stats: .385 AVG, 16 RBI, 11 SB, 18 R.
Weekly Contributions: 3-6, 3 R, 1 RBI.
McLean
Inget delivered a masterful complete-game performance to secure a 2-1 victory over Herndon, surrendering only three hits and one walk.
Season Stats: 5-1, 34 IP, 16 H, 6 ER, 41 K, 1.24 ERA.
Weekly Contributions: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 1 BB, CG Win.
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy
Goodman was a force on both sides of the ball to conclude the regular season, perfect on the base paths and making several game-changing defensive plays in center field.
Weekly Contributions: .500 (6-12), 2 2B, 3 R, 7-7 SB.
The 8th-grade southpaw showed maturity beyond his years, delivering six quality innings in a must-win conference game to keep his team’s momentum alive.
Weekly Contributions: 6 IP, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K, Win.
Norfolk Academy
Creedon sparked the offense after moving into the leadoff spot, recording five hits—including two for extra bases—and scoring six runs.
Weekly Contributions: .556, 5-9, 3B, HR, 3 RBI, 6 R.
Davis Steadman - 2026 - Catcher - Sewanee
Steadman continues to be the most consistent hitter in the Norfolk Academy lineup, reaching base at a staggering clip and providing constant offensive production.
Weekly Contributions: .571, 4-7, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 4 BB, 2 HBP, .769 OBP.
Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School
Dreany served as a catalyst in the lineup, producing at a high level while leading the team in plate appearances. His ability to get on base at an elite clip helped generate consistent offensive pressure.
Season Stats: .390 AVG, .586 OBP, .525 SLG, 1.112 OPS.
Weekly Contributions: .667 AVG, .800 OBP, .667 SLG, 1.467 OPS.
Kennedy turned in the most complete offensive performance of the week, combining high-level contact with impactful extra-base production. He consistently found ways to reach base while also driving the baseball, making him a top offensive standout.
Season Stats: .333 AVG, .560 OBP, .426 SLG, .985 OPS.
Weekly Contributions: .667 AVG, .778 OBP, 1.000 SLG, 1.778 OPS.
Sjurset delivered one of the most efficient offensive stretches of the week, barreling nearly every ball he put in play. His ability to consistently produce quality contact resulted in elite numbers across the board.
Season Stats: .409 AVG, .471 OBP, .432 SLG, .902 OPS.
Weekly Contributions: .800 AVG, .667 OBP, 1.000 SLG, 1.667 OPS.
Smith Mountain Lake Christian
Canipe enjoyed a productive week from the second spot in the order, showcasing extra-base power and adapting well to a new defensive role in center field.
Season Stats: 13-48, 4 2B.
Weekly Contributions: 5-11, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI.
Peyton Conley - 2029 - Pitcher
Conley put on a clinic on the mound, throwing seven hitless innings and recording 18 of his 21 outs via the strikeout in a truly dominant showing.
Season Stats: 26 IP, 16 H, 59 K.
Weekly Contributions: 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 18 K.
St. Paul VI Catholic High School
Ryan Bahr - 2028 - Third Base/Pitcher
Still a Sophomore Bahr continued his exceptional season as a dual-threat asset, posting a 1.414 OPS for the week while maintaining his reputation for elite defensive play.
Season Stats: .429 AVG, .516 OBP, .714 SLG, 1.230 OPS, 8 2B, 4 HR, 32 RBI; 5-0, 1.72 ERA, 34 K.
Weekly Contributions: 5-9, .556 AVG, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 2 R.
Carter Purdue - 2026 - Pitcher - East Carolina
Purdue clinched the top seed in the WCAC Tournament with a masterful win over St. John's, surrendering just one hit over six scoreless innings.
Season Stats: 4-1, 1 SV, 2.12 ERA, 33 SO, 33 IP.
Weekly Contributions: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 9 K, 1 BB, Win.
Stone Bridge High School
Hafer continued his district dominance, winning his third consecutive Thursday start. He stifled opponents over six total innings on the week, including a crucial save and a five-inning start where he surrendered only one run.
Weekly Contributions: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 7 K, 1 W, 1 SV.
Trinity Christian School of Fairfax
Aiden McRae - 2029 - 2B
The freshman provided steady defensive play and competitive at-bats during a 3-0 week, playing a key role in extending Trinity Christian's winning streak to five games.
Season Stats: .464 AVG, 1.083 OPS, 14 RS.
Weekly Contributions: .500 AVG, 1.083 OPS, 4 RS.
Yoon has caught fire late in the season, securing two wins this week. His highlight performance featured a one-hit complete game shutout where he faced just two batters over the minimum.
Season Stats: 5 W, 45 IP, 72 SO.
Weekly Contributions: 2 W, 10 IP, 22 SO, CG SHO.
Walsingham Academy
Andrew Cole - 2026 - Inf - Randolph Macon
Cole’s offensive output was instrumental in Walsingham’s perfect 4-0 week, as he collected seven hits and a home run.
Weekly Contributions: 7-11, 7 RBI, 1 HR.
Drew Weddington - 2026 - OF/LHP
Weddington provided elite power with three home runs and seven RBIs, while also contributing five strong innings on the mound against Benedictine.
Weekly Contributions: 8 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI; 5 IP, 1 ER.
York
The freshman showed poise in relief, entering a high-pressure situation to strand an inherited runner at third and eventually earning the win.
Season Stats: 9.2 IP, 1-0, 1 SV, 2.90 ERA, 14 SO. Weekly Contributions: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K, Win.
Jack Harmon - 2026 - RHP/1B - Lincoln Memorial University
Harmon was a force at the plate this week, posting a massive 2.054 OPS with two home runs while providing six scoreless innings on the mound.
Season Stats: .409 AVG, 1.140 OPS, 3 HR, 16 RBI. Weekly Contributions: .571 AVG, 2 HR, 5 RBI; 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 7 K.
Kelley has forced his way into the starting lineup after beginning the season as a DH, capping off an incredible week with six hits in seven at-bats.
Season Stats: .500 AVG, 1.306 OPS, 5 RBI. Weekly Contributions: .857 AVG, 2.286 OPS, 2 2B, 3B, 2 RBI.
Kaleb Nixon - 2026 - RHP - Apprentice School *does not have a Prep Baseball profile*
Nixon was highly efficient in his outing against Grafton, needing only 75 pitches to navigate a complete-game one-hitter while striking out nine.
Season Stats: 25 IP, 1-0, 2 SV, 0.84 ERA, 36 SO. Weekly Contributions: 6 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 SO, CG Win.