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: Lamar
Preseason Rank: 37
2014 Record: 19-6
Conference: Tri-Peaks (East League)
CHSAA Class: 3A
Head Coach: Dave Fassiato
Playoff Run: Lost to Holy Family in the 3A Semi-Finals
2014 Final Rank: 36
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Pitchers: 4

TOP PLAYERS:
Brent Crampton, RHP/1B, No. 19 2015
Jake Specht, OF/UTIL, 2015
Draven Adame, C, 2015
Kaleb Hansen, INF, 2015
Darin Cook, INF/P, 2015
Braden Forney, OF, 2016

X-FACTOR:
2 More Runs: Lamar has been an offensive force since the 2012 season, but in 2012, and 2014 they lost by two runs in the semi-final game against Eaton (2012) and Holy Family(2014). Both of those teams would go on to win the 3A State championship that year.

NEW PLAYER TO WATCH:
Braden Forney, OF, 2016: Brought up his freshman year, Forney solidifies outfield with good speed and a good bat.

KEY PLAYER LOST:
Jordan Jara and Peyton Brenaman: Graduated

STAT RAT: 
The Savages have outscored their opponents 787 to 313 since the 2012 season.

BOTTOM LINE:
Since May 23rd of 2014 the Savages have had to think of the 9-7 semifinal loss to eventual 3A Champion Holy Family. A lot of people probably don't remember the great run Lamar had in the late 80's through mid 90's. From 1989 to 1994 they won 5 state championships in 4A beating La Junta, Denver Christian, La Junta again, Sterling, then Windsor. Then at the 3A level they made it to the final game in 1998, 1999, and in 2008 beating Eaton in 1999. Lamar brings back a roster that returns 13 players with Varsity experience. Seniors Brent Crampton and Jake Specht return for their fourth year on varsity, and look to lead the Savages towards another deep run in May to try to get that first State Championship since 2008.

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