Richlands SS Bradley Strong named AA Player of the Year
by Wade Perry
Posted June 16, 2011 10:09 pm
AA Player of the Year, Bradley Strong, Richlands baseball, Western Carolina baseball
Photo courtesy of Andre Teague/Bristol Herald Courier
FinestPreps has yet to talk about any baseball prospects in America!
That changes today as we take a look at one of the best overall athletes in the state of Virginia.
Who’s the two-sport standout from Richlands, Va. that was named first team all-state in baseball and football?
Meet Richlands (Richlands, Va.) shortstop Bradley Strong, who has been busy racking up the sports hardware as of late.
A few weeks ago he was named the AA Athlete of the Year by the Virginia High School Coaches Association.
He’s an outstanding baseball player but you could make the argument he’s equally as impressive in football.
Strong put together a sparkling senior season in football for Richlands, leading them to the Div. III AA state championship game against Poquoson.
The gifted two-sport star erupted in his senior season for the Tornadoes–hauling in over 630 yards and 12 touchdowns as a receiver.
One of the more versatile threats in the state of Virginia–Strong found the end zone in numerous other ways as well–three interceptions, three kick returns, two punt returns.
After it was all said and done–he finished as the second all-time leading receiver in Richlands football history–racking up over 1,500 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns the last three seasons.
That’s not even mentioning his outstanding ability as a cover corner for Richlands–where he routinely locked up opposing receivers and stayed with them step for step downfield.
Let’s be honest, if Strong were a few inches taller and a little bit bigger, it’s hard to believe he wouldn’t have gotten some Division I-A offers for football.
He signed a letter-of-intent to play baseball with Western Carolina this fall.
Strong had a fitting end to his dazzling Richlands Blue Tornado baseball career this season–earning first team all-state honors.
Not only that, he was recently named AA Baseball Player of the Year in the state of Virginia.
He posted stellar numbers his senior year–batting .524 with 11 homeruns and 36 RBIs.
It gets better–he even swatted three homeruns in a SINGLE game against Carroll County.
Yes, you read that correctly.
After cementing his legacy as one of the best athletes in VHSL athletics history–it’s clear he’s ready to make a name for himself at the next level.
He’s certainly a name to watch out for on the baseball diamond at Western Carolina!
Bradley’s brother, Reece Strong, was named second team all-state in baseball for Richlands at the second base position.
Wade Peery is the senior writer for FinestPreps.com. He can be reached by e-mail at wadepeery@yahoo.com. All comments and feedback are welcome.
FinestPreps was there for Bradley’s three homerun performance against Carroll County and we got to catch up with Bradley to talk about his performance, among other topics.
Check out the interview below–courtesy of FinestPreps!
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AA Player of the Year, Bradley Strong, Richlands baseball, Western Carolina baseball