Mon March 7, 2016
By John Cackowski
State Director
Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage. The top 50 teams are picked from all classifications, and are not divided up by class level. To see the entire list click here
Team: Pueblo West
Preseason Rank: 43
2015 Record: 17-4
Conference: South Central
CHSAA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Dan Sanchez
Playoff Run: Lost in District Championship game to Windsor 2-0
2015 Final Rank: 14
Returning Starters: 4
Returning Pitchers: 4
TOP PLAYERS:
Dauson Tate C, 2016
Josh Drury, 1B, 2016
RJ Dabovich, RHP, No. 25 2017
Alan Garcia, OF, 2017
OTHER PLAYERS THAT COULD MAKE AN IMPACT:
Cameron Brinkley, RHP, 2017
X-FACTOR:
The Cyclones will have to find a way to replace 100 innings pitched of experience from 2015 that graduated.
KEY PLAYER LOST:
Tyler Evans and Javy Garcia
STAT RAT:
In 2015 the Cyclones had .377 team batting average and a 1.98 team E.R.A.
BOTTOM LINE:
The Cyclones bring 4 starters back in 2016 from team that came so close again to making a 4A Final 8 losing 2-0 to a solid Windsor team in the Class 4A District 1 championship game. In 2014 the Cyclones came three innings away from making a 4A final 8 appearance in 2014 as well. 2017 RJ Dabovich returns. Impressive on the mound with a high 3/4 arm slot and fastball that was consistently 85-86. Arm is loose back, works well with body, and throws from over the top arm slot. Good leg drive to the plate. Hand can get underneath the ball at times, but he still gets good down angle. Falls square, in-line to the plate. Mixes in a nice curveball with 11/5 shape. Has potential to be future 90 kid with his frame. 2016 C Dauson Tate led the team in RBI's and homeruns in 2015 while carrying a .377 batting average. 2016 1B Josh Drury was one of the top hitters in 4A carrying an impressive .566 Batting average with 8 doubles. 2017 OF Alan Garcia hit .365 and contributed some speed on the bases swiping 6. The Cyclones will reload with some other pitchers who could make an impact as well. The Cyclones will battle with the other Pueblo teams
CO 12.01.15
Preseason Countdown: No. 50 Bear Creek
Bears fall just short of 2015 playoffs, look to regroup in 2016...>>
CO 12.03.15
Preseason Countdown: No.49 Arapahoe
Look for Warriors to rebound and secure a 2016 playoff spot...>>
CO 12.09.15
Preseason Countdown: No. 48 Broomfield
Look for Broomfield to rebound in 2016 after first year at 5A...>>
CO 12.10.15
Preseason Countdown: No. 47 Hotchkiss
Look for Hotchkiss to compete for 2A State Championship Title...>>
CO 1.14.16
Preseason Countdown No. 43 Horizon
Hawks look to build on the playoff run from last year...>>
CO 1.19.16
Preseason Countdown: No. 42 Grand Junction
Look for Tigers to continue winning ways, need offensive production to go far...>>
CO 1.26.16
Preseason Countdown: No 40 Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch has a young but talented team to compete in 2016...>>
CO 2.05.16
Preseason Countdown: No. 39 Grand Junction Central
The Warriors always have talent..but have to replace 7 starters from 2015...>>
CO 2.10.16
Preseason Countdown: No. 38 Valor Christian
After first losing season in program history, look for the Eagles to rebound...>>
CO 2.18.16
Preseason Countdown: No. 37 Pueblo East
Eagles have a lot of talent returning in 2016, could be year they break through...>>
CO 2.19.16
Preseason Countdown: No. 36 Dakota Ridge
After dissapointing 2015, don't sleep on the Eagles...>>
CO 2.22.16
Preseason Countdown: No. 35 Columbine
Rebels bring talent back from dissapointing 2015 season...>>
CO 2.23.16
Preseason Countdown: No. 34 Lamar
Lamar reloads with some young talent to improve on solid 2015 season...>>
CO 2.29.16
Preseason Countdown: No. 33 ThunderRidge
Grizzlies need to find way to take pressure off talented pitching staff...>>
CO 3.01.16
Preseason Countdown: No.32 Longmont
Longmont returns 7 starters with expectations to make deep playoff run...>>
CO 3.02.16
Preseason Countdown: No.31 Douglas County
The Huskies have enough talent coming back to have success...>>
CO 3.03.16
Preseason Countdown: No. 30 Ralston Valley
The Mustangs could be primed for a long 5A playoff run...>>
