By Nathan Rode and PBR Staff

If we’re sticking to just baseball—which we will—2016 was a fantastic year. We got to see a mid-major college program grind its way to a national title in the College World Series. High school prospects did their usual thing, showing off big-time upside on the national circuit and winning gold medals internationally. At the highest level, a dynamic group of young professionals ended a 108-year World Series drought and brought tears to the eyes of even the toughest men. As we turn the page to 2017, The Hotlist looks back on 2016 with the top story from states in Prep Baseball Report’s coverage area.

Editor’s Note: So The Hotlist doesn’t hijack countdowns from specific states, some are excluded. Be sure to follow the top stories from Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

CO: Cherokee Trail Claims First 5A Title
The Cougars who were seeded 13th going into the district tournament even though they were co-champions of the tough Centennial League—which had three final four teams. They ended up winning the 5A state championship by beating perennial powerhouse Rocky Mountain. Led by the likes of 2017 LHP/OF Connor Nantkes (Washington State) and 2016 1B Ryan Sullivan (Iowa Western CC), who was the PBR Colorado 5A Player of the Year, the Cougars beat opponents with power and pressure and didn't care if they had to bunt their 4 hole hitter to win.