By PBR Staff

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: Cherry Creek
Preseason Rank: 9
2016 Record: 17-8
Conference: Centennial
CHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Marc Johnson
Playoff Run: Lost to Rocky Mountain 17-4 in the 5A State Semi Finals
2016 Final Rank: 10
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS:
Tanner O’Tremba, No. 150 overall and No. 2 CO 2018 (Texas Tech)
Cody Schultz, No. 37 2017
Jimmy Guckberger, No. 93 2017
Sam Colehower, No. 15 2017 (Northern Colorado)
Andrew Chavez, No. 43 2017

OTHER PLAYERS WHO MIGHT MAKE AN IMPACT:
Brett Benedetti, No. 65 2018
Andy Beyene, No. 133 2017 (Regis University)
Brennen Dorighi, No. 36 2018

KEY PLAYERS LOST:
Carter Van Gytenbeek
Alex Zhang
Javis Steward

Stat Rat:  17 homeruns and 64 stolen bases allowed the Bruins to putt offensive pressure on several teams in 2016.

Bottom Line:  The Bruins are good.  Looking at the 4-year post season trend of teams in our countdown, their resume is as good as any.  Four straight Final 8 appearances including two final four appearances in 2014 and 2016, not to mention the history of success that Cherry Creek has had under head coach Marc Johnson.  The 2017 team hopes to follow suit of all those who came before them and they return some serious talent for another run.  The Bruins return, No. 150 overall and No. 2 CO 2018, Tanner O’Tremba (Texas Tech) to lead their line up.  He is coming off a .493 season with 34 hits, 34 RBI and 6 homeruns. He will be joined by No. 37 2017 Cody Schultz, .466 with 41 hits and 11 RBI and Jimmy Guckenberger, .308 with 2 doubles and 3 triples.  The main returning pitcher to the mound from the 2016 squad is Sam Colehower, 32 innings with 35 K’s.  Cherry Creek and the post season seem to go hand in hand, the 2017 team seems poised to continue this tradition and challenge both for a Centennial League crown and state championship.