Region 5A
This region produced two state semifinalists last year in Kellam and Great Bridge. Kellam finished the season 24–2 and advanced all the way to the state final before finishing as the runner-up. The Knights return a First Team All-State player and will once again be a major contender.
Great Bridge finished 17–8 and returns a strong pitching staff that should keep them firmly in the regional race.
Ocean Lakes (19–5) returns a Second Team All-State player, while Hickory (15–3), a 2024 state semifinalist, brings back two All-State players. These teams will again challenge for the top spots in this competitive southeastern Virginia region.
Region 5B
Kecoughtan and Granby represented this region in the 2025 state tournament, though both were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Kecoughtan (20–4) captured the regional championship, with Granby (17–5) finishing as runner-up. Granby also reached the state tournament in 2024 and returns a Second Team All-State player.
Menchville (15–7) is another team capable of making noise and should have a say in how this region ultimately shakes out.
Region 5C
Region 5C proved to be one of the strongest regions in the state last year and may be even tougher this season.
In 2025, both regional representatives advanced to the state final, where Midlothian completed a perfect 23–0 season with a hard-fought victory over Godwin (22–2). Godwin’s only other loss came against Midlothian in the regional final.
Midlothian returns two First Team All-State players, while Godwin brings back a Second Team All-State selection.
As if the region weren’t already competitive enough, Glen Allen (17–7) joins the field after a mid-cycle realignment moved them down from Class 6. Glen Allen enters the region as the defending Class 6 state champion and returns a First Team All-State pitcher.
Another top contender is Matoaca (17–4), which posted an extraordinary 2025 season that included 16 shutouts and just nine runs allowed all year. The Warriors return their ace pitcher, the Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year.
Franklin County (21–4) also returns a Second Team All-State player and should remain firmly in the regional mix.
Whoever emerges from this Richmond-area region will be one of the favorites in the state tournament—but the depth of talent means several outstanding teams will inevitably be left out.
Region 5D
In Northern Virginia, the regional race should center around Lightridge, Riverbend, and Riverside.
Lightridge (21–2) is the defending regional champion, with Riverbend (20–5) finishing as runner-up last season. Both teams were eliminated in the state quarterfinals.
Lightridge returns eight starters, including two First Team All-State players—one of whom anchors the pitching staff. The Lightning will be aiming for a third consecutive state tournament appearance.
Riverbend remains a battle-tested program, returning a Second Team All-State player along with an experienced pitcher.
After a rebuilding year, 2024 state champion Riverside (15–8) looks poised to return to contention. The Rams bring back two Second Team All-State players and a strong pitching staff.
Potomac Falls and new regional entrant Freedom could also factor into the race.
Way-Too-Early Prediction
State Tournament Participants
- Region 5A: Kellam, Hickory
- Region 5B: Kecoughtan, Granby
- Region 5C: Glen Allen, Matoaca
- Region 5D: Lightridge, Riverbend