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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

Team No. 23: Valley

2018 Preseason Rank: 23
2017 Preseason Rank: N/A
2017 Record: 19-7
Conference: Patriot
CHSAA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Steve Kissler
2017 Playoff Run: Won 3A State Championship
2017 Final Rank: 12
Returning Offensive Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 2
Returning Innings on Mound: 115
RBI's returning: 73

 

STAT RAT: 142 strikeouts for this pitching staff. This takes pressure off your defense and shortens games.

X-FACTORS: Last years’ team scored in bunches and relied on great pitching to win games.  This year the Vikings have to find a way to replace 83 RBI’s that graduated in order to repeat.

BOTTOM LINE: The mission is obvious, “Repeat.” This group will have to come together and use the regular season as a way to be firing on all cylinders when the post season rolls around.  Graduation did leave a few holes to fill for the 2018 Vikings, but playing in the Patriot League against several other state contenders will get this new group up to speed and have them tested and ready for May.

Players to Watch

Jose Mercado OF / RHP / Valley, CO / 2018 Mercado looks to lead the Vikings on a repeat run from 2017.  Last year he was a huge reason for the Viking success.  He ended the year with a 458 avg. with 6 doubles and 2 triples.

 

 

Tyler Kissler C / Valley, CO / 2019 The 6-1 catcher had a monster sophomore season.  He batted .379 with 33 hits and 22 RBI.  Look for Kissler to lead the Vikings charge as they try to repeat in 3A.