The Arkansas Valley corridor in southeastern Colorado, from Pueblo to Lamar, is a hotbed of baseball.
This year is no different, and heading up the charge in the small-school ranks is Las Animas. The Trojans, with Derek Wilson and Cole Miller, get the early nod as the team to beat in Class 2A. Rocky Ford (with pitcher Martin Valdez) should give the Trojans a run for their money.
Paonia lost three first team all-state selections, but like all good programs, the Eagles seem to reload instead of rebuild. Pitchers Brad Todd and Jonathan Smith look to keep Paonia ahead of Grand Valley in what could be a good league race out west.
Custer County won its only state baseball title in 2001 and it’s a feeling it would like to experience again. The Bobcats are primed with 15 players back from a team that lost to eventual champion Wray in the semifinals last year.
Wray lost two all-state pitchers (Dylan Hochevar and Michael Kerbs) to graduation, but like Paonia seem to reload instead of going south. Aaron Orr will have big shoes to fill on the mound.
Wray gets the early nod, based on past performances, on Sedgwick County in a strong District 7. The co-op Cougars might have what it takes to win it all.
A balanced District 3 could be led by Calhan. The Bulldogs, however, will have to wait for their basketball team to finish at state before they get a full complement of players back. Ben Doran is an arm to watch.
If Lucas Carls is anything like his brother Chris (routinely in the 90s in high school) was at Resurrection Christian, then go find a Jugs gun and watch. Lucas had 61 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched as a freshman.
Class 2A
Top teams
1. Las Animas
2. Paonia
3. Custer County
4. Wray
5. Sedgwick Co.
6. Limon
7. Rocky Ford
8. Akron
9. Calhan
10. Grand Valley
Players to watch
Trent Campbell, Sr., Akron, OF
Kyle Eck, Sr., Las Animas, OF
Andrew Hill, Jr., Dolores, OF
Kenny Joseph, Sr., Dolores, 1B
Joe McKay, Jr., Akron, C
Cole Miller, Sr., Las Animas, C
Aaron Orr, Sr., Wray, U
Ben Rynek, Jr., Wray, DH
Ty Spangler, Jr., Nucla, OF
Austin Tharp, Jr., Holyoke, C
Martin Valdez, Sr., Rocky Ford, Util.
T.J. VanBibber, Sr., Sargent, P
Jesse White, Sr., Nucla, P
Derek Wilson, Jr., Las Animas, INF
L. Woltemath, Sr., Sedgwick Co., INF
