🌊 Region 5A – The Tide Is Rising
Kellam is back and making noise. Last year’s Region 5A champions and Class 5 state runners-up (falling to Riverside) are once again in dominant form. With their semifinal win over First Colonial on Friday, the Knights have already punched their ticket to the 2025 state tournament. Their only loss this season? To Godwin — and if the brackets align, we might just get a thrilling rematch on the big stage.
All eyes now turn to the Saturday morning clash between Ocean Lakes and Great Bridge. These two met just under two weeks ago in a nail-biter, narrowly won by Ocean Lakes. The stakes couldn’t be higher: the winner clinches a spot in the state tournament. Expect fireworks.
Prediction: Kellam comes out on top with a comfortable win over Ocean Lakes.
🔁 Region 5B – Rivalries Renewed
In Region 5B, Kecoughtan and Granby are clearly the teams to beat.
Kecoughtan overcame some early-season setbacks but has surged since then, dominating the competitive Peninsula District. After a 17–5 run last year that ended in a state tournament appearance, the Warriors are once again a top contender.
Granby, the first Norfolk Public School to ever reach the state semifinals, is back with something to prove. They claimed last year’s Region 5B title — defeating none other than Kecoughtan — and are looking to push deeper this postseason.
Don’t count out Menchville, though — they’ll be a tough hurdle for Granby. We’re also watching the Bethel vs. Maury matchup closely; the winner faces Kecoughtan next. Expect some tight, high-stakes softball.
Prediction: Kecoughtan edges out Granby again in another close finish.
🦅 Region 5C – Godwin Leads, but It’s Anyone’s Game
Godwin has looked like the team to beat all season. With key wins over contenders like Kellam and Hickory, the Eagles have lived up to their Class 5 frontrunner status. But the biggest test is coming — and it’s Midlothian.
Midlothian features a dominant senior ace and an offense that can explode at any time. If they meet Matoaca — who brings a rising young star in the circle — we could be in for a true pitcher’s duel.
Franklin County, meanwhile, is flying under the radar. They’ve had a quietly strong season and could disrupt the bracket if they bring their best against Godwin.
Prediction: Godwin takes the region. Midlothian finishes second. Matoaca reloads for 2026.
⚔️ Region 5D – Clash of the Titans
Region 5D boasts some of the best matchups in the state, and it all starts with two powerhouses: Lightridge and Riverbend, both receiving first-round byes.
Opening Matchups
- Independence (12–6) travels to face Massaponax (2–19). While Massaponax is fresh off a win against Harrisonburg, Independence should be the clear favorite.
- Briar Woods (15–6) and Riverside (14–7) meet for the third time this season. The series is tied 1–1, and both games were one-run thrillers. Riverside — last year’s Class 5 state champs — might have the edge.
Semifinal Scenarios
- If Independence advances, they’ll face Lightridge (19–1) for the third time this year. Lightridge has won both previous meetings — but the second was a nail-biting comeback.
- Riverbend (21–3) will face the Briar Woods/Riverside winner. Riverbend fell to Riverside 4–3 earlier this season. If Briar Woods advances instead, their pitching could be the deciding factor.
Both semifinal winners will move on to the state tournament.
Prediction. If we get a Lightridge vs. Riverside rubber match, expect another thriller. Lightridge won a recent meeting 7–2, but Riverside responded later that week with a 2–1 victory. Lightridge has already swept Briar Woods this season and would likely do so again. Riverbend is a serious threat — with 23 home runs and a 2.50 ERA — but may face a tougher path. Independence, meanwhile, is a rising force in the Potomac District and could surprise. But the edge still goes to Lightridge. With a 1.02 team ERA and a track record of winning tight games, they look ready to go all the way.
Projected Final: Lightridge over Riverside — in a close one. Both advance to states.
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