Preseason Countdown: No.26 Windsor

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: Windsor
Preseason Rank: 26
2014 Record: 15-8
Conference: Tri-Valley
CHSAA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Brad Deal
Playoff Run: Lost to D'Evelyn 2-0 in 4A Final Four
2015 Final Rank: 35
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 3

TOP PLAYERS:
Jake Greenwalt, RHP, No. 18 2016 (Colorado Mesa)
Tyler Schubert, C, 2016
Mitchell Watson, 1B, 2017
Cole Tapia, RHP/3B, 2017
Colton Vickers, RHP/2B, 2016

X-FACTOR:
Experience will help the Wizards. They have been close to a 4A state championship for the last two years. With the returning players they have coming back that experience could be the key to get them over the hump. Plus anytime Greenwalt is on the mound they have a chance to win.

KEY PLAYERS LOST:
Timmy Pribble and Cole Brandon: Graduated

STAT RAT:
The Wizards had a unique stat line in 2015. In 118 total innings pitched they gave up 142 hits which is a lot. However they also struck out 147 batters. They either gave up a hit or struck you out.

BOTTOM LINE:

The Wizards look to repeat another 4A Final Four run in 2016. To do this they are going to have to rely on the arms of 2016 RHP Jake Greenwalt, and 2017 RHP Cole Tapia. Recently committed to Colorado Mesa, Greenwalt returns for his senior year coming off a good junior year where he went 5-2 with a 2.22 E.R.A. In 41 innings pitched Greenwalt struck out 56 batters. Greenwalt brings a low 90's fastball to the mix. Tapia was 3-0 for thew Wizards last year as a sophomore in 17 innings pitched. Tapia also hit .327 in 2015 and led the team in homeruns. Also returning is 2016 catcher Tyler Schubert. Schubert hit a solid .340 in 2015 with some pop in his bat. 2017 1B Mitchel Watson led the team in hitting last year hitting .442. 2016 RHP/MIF Colton Vickers will be asked to toe the rubber as well. He will also provide leadership in the lineup. The Wizards should be on of the top 4A teams again in 2016. They have a legitimate No. 1 in Greenwalt, and enough experience to make a long 4A Playoff run again.
 

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