Tools of the Trade: Best Defender
December 26, 2025
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Tools of the Trade is a new series that will highlight the best of the best from around Virginia/DC. These are the best ten players in a specific category, all grad classes included. Each category has it's different vantage points from the various members of our staff, but at the end of the day these players were voted on by five members of the Virginia/DC scouting staff. The majority of the weighting was carried by the certain tool category and how it played in game play, not just from a data standpoint alone. There is no "qualification" necessary for someone to be included in this, just simply being in front of our staff at some point and time, high school included, and showcasing a dominant tool.
Today's is the last day of Tools of the Trade and we cap it off with Best Defenders. These defensive specialists display a tremendous ability to defend at a high level. Without further ado, let's take a look at the list of ten that make up the Best Defenders in Virginia/DC.
Tools of the Trade: Best Defender
1.
Jack Woda
Class of 2026 / C
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: CSecondary Position: OF
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High School: Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High SchoolState: VA
- Summer Team: East Cobb Astros / SD Padres ST
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Height: 5-11Weight: 195.4lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
(8/17/25)
2.
Mandela Browman
Class of 2026 / OF
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: OF
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High School: Miller School of AlbemarleState: VA
- Summer Team: Canes Virginia 17u Wagner
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Height: 5-10Weight: 160lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
(8/17/25)
3.
Chase Dorsey
Class of 2026 / SS
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: SSSecondary Position: 2B
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High School: James Madison HSState: VA
- Summer Team: Stars Marucci
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Height: 6-2Weight: 188lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
(7/24/24)
4.
Camden Blank
Class of 2026 / SS
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: SSSecondary Position: 2B
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High School: SpotswoodState: VA
- Summer Team: Dirtbags 16U Platinum
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Height: 5-10Weight: 185lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
(7/24/24)
5.
Colin Whidbee
Class of 2026 / OF
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: OFSecondary Position: SS
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High School: Glen AllenState: VA
- Summer Team: RBA West 17u Phillips
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Height: 6-0Weight: 180lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
(6/17/25)
6.
Thomas Jewett
Class of 2026 / SS
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: SSSecondary Position: 2B
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High School: St Paul Vi Catholic High SchoolState: VA
- Summer Team: Stars
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Height: 5-7Weight: 180.6lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
(7/22/25)
7.
Matthew Hartsfield
Class of 2026 / SS
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2026
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Primary Position: SSSecondary Position: 2B
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High School: Mills E GodwinState: VA
- Summer Team: Va Seminoles- Phillips
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Height: 5-9Weight: 182.8lbs
- Bat/Throw: S/R
Videos
(8/17/25)
8.
Tyler Caperton
Class of 2028 / SS
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2028
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Primary Position: SSSecondary Position: OF
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High School: Easternview High SchoolState: VA
- Summer Team: Stars Marrucci 2028
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Height: 5-11Weight: 152lbs
- Bat/Throw:
Videos
(8/1/25)
9.
Graydon Ambrose
Class of 2027 / C
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2027
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Primary Position: CSecondary Position: 1B
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High School: First Colonial HighState: VA
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves 16u Platinum
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Height: 6-0Weight: 213.2lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Videos
(7/23/25)
10.
Casey Rector
Class of 2027 / SS
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2027
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Primary Position: SSSecondary Position: 2B
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High School: John S. BattleState: VA
- Summer Team: Richmond Braves Platinum 17u
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Height: 6-0Weight: 163.6lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R

