🥎 Class 5 Outlook
As we head into the postseason, five teams stand out as serious contenders for the Class 5 state title: Midlothian, Lightridge, Godwin, Kellam, and Hickory.
Let’s start with some of the heavyweights: Midlothian and Lightridge. These two teams faced off in a memorable 2024 state quarterfinal, with Midlothian edging out the win in a true battle. Both squads return nearly their entire rosters, including their ace pitchers. With two of the top arms in Class 5, they’re poised to make another deep run. If they land on opposite sides of the bracket, don’t be surprised if they meet again—this time in the championship game.
Kellam is no stranger to the big stage. They reached the Class 6 quarterfinals in 2023 and then made it all the way to the Class 5 finals in 2024, where they fell to Riverside. This year, they’re back with another strong squad. Their only loss? A close one to Godwin.
Godwin, meanwhile, is on a mission. After an early exit in the Region 5C quarterfinals last year, the Eagles are on a dominant run this season. With just 12 players on the roster—and no JV team—this tight-knit group plays with grit and chemistry. Every one of those 12 can contribute, and they’ve got their eyes on the prize.
Finally, Hickory brings plenty of postseason experience. They lost in the quarterfinals to eventual state champs Riverside in 2024, and the year before, they played in the state championship game, falling to Woodgrove. This team knows what it takes to compete at the highest level.
🥎 Class 6 Outlook
As the postseason approaches, five teams have emerged as frontrunners for the Class 6 state title: Madison, Western Branch, Colgan, West Springfield, and McLean.
Let’s start with Madison—a program known for consistency and resilience. Despite graduating key seniors year after year, the Warhawks always reload with new impact players. They were state runners-up in 2023 and reached the quarterfinals in 2024. With a deep lineup and steady offense, Madison continues to be the team to beat.
Western Branch has tested itself against some of the toughest teams in Virginia this season—including Greenbrier Christian, Nansemond Suffolk, and Great Bridge. While those matchups ended in losses, they’ve won nearly every other game, including a key victory over Hickory. This is a team that’s been sharpening its edge all season.
Colgan stands out for its elite defense. Most of their games end with opponents scoring just one or two runs, if any. If they can get past a surging Hylton team in the Cardinal District, they’ll be in a strong position heading into regionals. Watch out for challenges from the Cedar Run contenders—Battlefield, Patriot, and Osbourn Park—but Colgan has the depth and discipline to go all the way.
West Springfield has had an up-and-down season, with a few head-scratching losses. Still, their offense is explosive, and when their defense is dialed in, they’re a threat to anyone in the bracket. If they put it all together at the right time, they could make a serious run.
McLean brings power at the plate—when they’re on. They’ve put up double-digit wins against most opponents this season but have stumbled in low-scoring, one-run games against the strong pitching at Colgan and Langley. The Highlanders were state champions in 2023 but exited in the 2024 region semifinals after a tough matchup with Madison. If their hitters catch fire, they have the talent to bring home another title.
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