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: Chaparral
Preseason Rank: 30
2016 Record: 9-11
Conference: Continental
CHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Alan Digiosio
Playoff Run: Lost to Dakota Ridge 14-8 in 5A District play
2016 Final Rank: 37
Returning Starters: 5
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS:
Jonah Jenkins, RHP/C, No. 28 2017 (Dartmouth)
Bryce Matthews, OF, No. 30 overall and No. 2 CO. 2019 (Arkansas)
Alec Ackerman, 2B, 2017
Zach Berg, RHP, No.108 2017 (Western Nebraska CC)

OTHER PLAYERS WHO MIGHT MAKE AN IMPACT:
Ben Cole, OF, 2018
Luke Bailey, OF, 2018

KEY PLAYERS LOST:
Aaron Hammann
AJ Anderson
Brad Weems

Stat Rat:  .272 avg. and 83 total runs in 2016.  The Wolverines will need to pump these numbers up in 2017.

Bottom Line: The Wolverines made a return to the post season last year and have made the playoffs two of the last three years including a Final 8 appearance in 2014.  Looking at the roster, the Wolverines have a solid group of players coming back with strong experience.  Look for Bryce Matthews (Arkansas) who hit .300 last season with 13 RBI, Alec Ackerman, .316 with 18 hits including 7 doubles and Jonah Jenkins (Dartmouth), 13 hits and 11 RBI to try and jump start the Wolverine offense.  On the mound, Chaparral will turn to Jenkins and Zach Berg (Western Nebraska CC) who bring 27 innings of experience back with them from 2016.  The Wolverines played in 7 two-run or less ballgames in 2016, they will continue to rely on solid defense and pitching in 2017 and will look to add more offense this season to make a run in the Continental League.