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: Silver Creek
Preseason Rank: 18
2016 Record: 14-6
Conference: 4A Northern
CHSAA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Mike Apodaca
Playoff Run: Lost to Air Academy 8-7 in 4A District play
2016 Final Rank: 16
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS:
Cole Winn, RHP/SS, No 8 Overall and No. 1 CO 2018
Nick Gambirasi, 2B, 2017
George Ramirez, OF, 2017

OTHER PLAYERS WHO MIGHT MAKE AN IMPACT:
Sam Elting, OF, 2017
Travis Bicknell, 1B, 2018

KEY PLAYERS LOST:
Austin Wood
Nick Hartman

Stat Rat:  Silver Creek can pitch it, 163 K’s as a pitching staff last year, in 2017, 107 of those are coming back.

Bottom Line:  The Raptors made an appearance in the 4A District tournament in 2016 where they lost to Air academy 8-7.  This was a tough first round draw and one that will give them added experience going into the 2017 season.  Silver Creek will look to ride the shoulders of No. 8 overall and No. 1 CO 2018 Cole Winn.  His 2016 campaign saw him hit .333 with 23 hits and 10 doubles.  On the mound Winn was 6-1 with 79 K’s.  As Winn goes, so will Silver Creek.  Accompanying Winn at the plate will be, Nick Gambirasi, .391 and George Ramirez, .338 with 23 hits and 10 RBI.  Look also for Sam Elting to continue to put pressure on the opposing team having swiped 9 bases last year.  On the mound, Gambirasi will look to fill the shoes of 2016 graduate Austin Wood.  Gambirasi threw 27 inning sin 2016 with 16 K’s.  Silver Creek is one of the few teams that returns multiple starters on the mound this year, if they can kick start their offense to complement their pitching we look the Raptors to be a contender in May.