The inaugural season of small-school baseball was a big success.
A dandy semifinal between Granada and Caliche followed the next day by a classic final between southeastern Colorado rivals Granada and Eads went the way of the Eagles 9-8.
Round II should be just as nice, and the aforementioned Caliche Buffs have a score to settle. The Buffs, with the likes of Derek Weingardt (INF), Cody Zink (C) and Craig Debus (OF-P), are as deep as any team in the 40-team classification. Weingardt, Zink and Debus are three of eight returning starters.
If the title game could be an all southeastern Colorado tilt last year, there is a seemingly good chance it could be an all northeastern Colorado endeavor in May. Haxtun, with all-state catcher Kendall Kroeger, brings back its entire lineup and starts ranked No. 2.
There are a wealth of good arms in 1A. The one returning Denver Post all-state selection is Sam Rotbart of Herzl/RMHA. He helped guide the Tigers to the state tournament’s field of eight and lost in the quarterfinal 4-1 to Caliche.
Other hurlers to keep an eye on are Idalia’s Sterling McDonald, Manzanola’s Josh Reyes and Community Christian’s Trent Smith.
CLASS 1A TOP 5
1. Caliche
2. Haxtun
3. Idalia
4. Eads
5. Granada
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austin Adamson, Eads, Jr., INF; Dustin Bohlander, Granada, Sr., C; Craig Debus, Caliche, Sr., OF-P; Justin Guynes, Dove Creek, Jr., INF; Richard Hernandez, Holly, So., INF; Kendall Kroeger, Haxtun, Sr., C; Tyler Marr, Community Christian, Sr., C; Sterling McDonald, Idalia, So., P; Tyndan Marquez, Granada, Sr., P; Matt Ramirez, Haxtun, Sr., OF; Taylor Reed, Eads, Jr., P; Josh Reyes, Manzanola, Jr., P; Jordan Rittenhouse, Idalia, Sr., INF; Sam Rotbart, Herzl/RMHA, Jr., P; Ramon Saenz, Holly, Sr., INF; Landon Shaffer, Idalia, So., OF; Spencer Schmidt, Stratton, Sr., INF; Rafe Schroder, South Baca County, Jr., INF; Trent Smith, Community Christian, So., P; Ty Spangler, Nucla, Sr., OF; Tyler Smith, Community Christian, Sr., INF; Tyson Thrall, Granada, Jr., 1B; Adam Watts, Eads, Jr., OF; Derek Weingart, Caliche, Sr., INF; Bo Wertz, Stratton, Sr., C; Cody Zink, Caliche, Sr., OF.
