Follow @pbr_co on Twitter, and pbrcolorado on Instagram

Interested in attending a PBR Colorado event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

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. 

Like any preseason ranking for any sport, last year our list created a lot of fun conversations, debate, and opinions among players, coaches, and families. To see what we got right, and what we got wrong in 2017 Click Here

What makes our list unique is it combines all classifications (1A through 5A), and 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.

Factors that are considered when creating the Top 50 List are the following:

- How many current players are returning that are in PBR Colorado rankings
- How many overall players committed or non-committed are returning
- How many starting pitchers are returning
- Success the previous season
- History of success in the program

* We expect the teams in the Top 50 Countdown will compete for at least a district playoff spot in 2018

2018 Preseason Rank: 22
2017 Preseason Rank: 22
2017 Record: 19-6
Conference: Pikes Peak
CHSAA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Doug Goldberg
2017 Playoff Run: Lost to Valor in the 4A state semi-finals
2017 Final Rank: 14
Returning Offensive Starters: 3
Returning Pitchers: 3
Returning Innings on Mound: 68
RBI's returning: 10

 

STAT RAT: Pitching and defense is the name of the game for the Kadets, last year they only gave up 70 runs last year.

X-FACTORS: How to replace 15 Seniors?

BOTTOM LINE: Rebuilding is not an option at Air Academy, this is a program that has a long history of making runs at the 4A state title.  We look for the Kadets to be strong in the Pike Peak league and to position themselves for a late run into May.  With all of the turnover for this lineup, some might see this ranking as to high, but we have learned over the years that when the formula is built around solid pitching and good defense, they find a way to win games.

Players to Watch

Grant Shandy RHP / Air Academy , CO / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 93 / POS: 23 On the mound he stands tall and gets balanced.  Strong lower leg drive to the plate and stays in-line on his delivery.  Arm speed stays consistent on the two pitches we saw during the TPG.  Delivery is from a  arm slot. Fastball was 76 mph with command down in the zone.  He added a 65-66 mph Curve with 11/5 break. Was 3-0 in 2017 with a 2.75 ERA and hit .314 for the Kadets.

Micah Bregard SS / RHP / AIR ACADEMY, CO / 2018 Bregard logged 48 innings for the Kadets in 2017 going 6-1 with a 2.04 ERA.  He collected 62 strikeouts on the year.  A big reason why we expect Air Academy to be in their familiar position in May.