By PBR Colorado 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: Grand Junction
Preseason Rank: 39
2016 Record: 13-7
Conference: Southwestern
CHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Justin Little
Playoff Run: Lost to Cherry Creek 11-0 in the 5A District
2015 Final Rank: 54
Returning Starters: 3
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS:
Jackson Nourse, 1B, 2017
Derek Shaver, (Wichita State) INF/RHP 2019
Andrew Hansen, INF, 2017  
Shawn Garcia, INF, 2017
Nick Arcieri, OF, 2017 

OTHER PLAYERS THAT COULD MAKE AN IMPACT:
Cole Spears, C, 2017

KEY PLAYERS LOST:
Tyson Zanski: South Mountain CC

STAT RAT:   The Tigers have 8.2 innings of varsity experience on the mound coming back for their 2017 roster.

BOTTOM LINE: Last year the Tigers finished runner up in the 4A/5A Southwestern Baseball League with an 8-2 record.  They split both of their series with rivals Fruita and Grand Junction Central.  They will rely on a a defense that returns their entire starting infield that will take the field behind a pitching staff that graduated 122.1 innings pitched last year.  The Tigers will rely on Derek Shaver (Wichita State) at the plate who finished the year with a .308 avg. with 20 hits as a Freshman and Senior Nick Arcieri's .407 batting average and 6 stolen bases to help set the table for Jackson Nourse who led the team with 16 RBI last year.  Andrew Hansen will also be called upon to help power the Tiger's offense. Hansen hit .304 last year with 8 extra base hits.  It is on the mound that the Tigers need to be tested since they only return 8.2 innings of experience.  Shawn Garcia with 4.2 innings of work is the experienced veteran on the staff, but look for Derek Shaver and Jackson Nourse to see significant time on the hill this season. The Tigers are always in the mix at the 5A level. If pitching comes through this year expect them to be in mix for a 5A Final 8 appearance.