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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. 19: Windsor Wizards

2018 Preseason Rank: 19
2017 Preseason Rank: 21
2017 Record: 18-3-1
Conference: 4A Tri-Valley
CHSAA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Brad Deal
2017 Playoff Run: Lost to Thomas Jefferson 1-0 in 4A Region 5 District Championship
2017 Final Rank: 22
Returning Offensive Starters: 4
Returning Pitchers: 4
Returning Innings on Mound: 77
RBI's returning: 88

 

STAT RAT: 
The Wizards had an impressive 2.02 Team ERA in 2017, and they bring most of their staff back for 2018

X-FACTORS: 
The Wizards lose some offensive talent to graduation that produced 37 RBI's, and 6 homeruns. That will need to be replaced to win 18 games again. 

BOTTOM LINE: 
Head Coach Brad Deal has run a successful program over the last few years, and the Wizards have been one fo the best teams at the 4A level under his regime, which has included players drafted,  a couple of 18 win seasons without making the Final 8, but also has included a couple of 4A Final Four appearances only to miss out on that elusive 4A state championship ring. Could this be the year they make it into the 4A State Championship? They have the talent to do it. 

Key Player Lost

Corte Tapia RHP / Windsor, CO / 2017 Rankings  StateRank: 83 / POS: 22 Tapia was one of the top pitchers in 4A, and had been an anchor for the Wizards as a 4-year varsity letter. Last year in 38 innings went 5-1 with a 2.03 ERA. Also hit .455 with 16 RBI's. Was 14-2 in his high school career as a starting pitcher.

 

Key Players Returning

 

Zach Watts / Windsor, CO / 2018 In 2017 hit .462 with 8 doubles and 15 RBI's hitting 2 homeruns. Also was the team's closer. In 11.1 innings only gave up 5 hits carrying a 1.24 ERA striking out 16 batters with 6 saves.

 

Braden Peninger / Windsor, CO / 2018 Hit .463 in 2017 leading the team in runs (25), triples (3), and stolen bases (11). Table setter for the Wizards with some pop in his bat.

 

Ryan Jares RHP / 1B / Windsor, CO / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 82 / POS: 25 6-foot-1, 180 pounds. Side step start, with slight crouch in balance point. Lands in line, square to plate. Throws off two feet. In stretch with fastball will fall off towards 1B. Hides ball well then comes from high 3/4 arm slot. Fastball lives 80-81 mph touching 82. Change thrown at same arm speed as fastball. Good variance on change. Comes in a 70-71 mph with some sink. Curve has 12/6 shape at 68-69 mph. Went 6-0 in 2017 with a 1.26 ERA striking out 40 batters in 39 innings giving up 29 hits walking 13

 

Alex Fietek RHP / 3B / Windsor, CO / 2018 Rankings  StateRank: 118 / POS: 33 6-foot-3, 170 pounds. Lanky wirey frame. Simple delivery on mound. Short on backside with arm then comes from 3/4 arm slot. Lands inline towards catcher. Could maybe get some more leg drive towards plate. Fastball sits at 80-81 mph. Curve has 11/5 shape with good break at 72 mph. Change is same arm speed as fastball at 73-74 mph. At the plate as a wider, balanced stance. Short stride. Level swing through zone with bottom hand finish. Shows some bat speed with line drive power. 88 mph exit velo off the tee. Showed good range at 3B. Good glove to hand transfer with quick short release. 77 mph arm velo from 3B. Ran a 4.47 home to first. Wen 3-0 in 2017 with a 0.95 ERA in 14 innings pitched.