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: Brighton
Preseason Rank: 43
2016 Record: 11-8
Conference: Eastern Metro
CHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Ray Garza
Playoff Run: N/A
2016 Final Rank: 97
Returning Starters: 2
Returning Pitchers: 2

TOP PLAYERS:
Liam Eddy, RHP, No. 2 2017 (Wichita State)
Jose Treto, RHP, 2017

X-FACTOR:
Liam Eddy and Jose Treto have the ability to be as good of a 1-2 punch on the mound in the state but last year went a combined 4-6 on the mound and gave up 71 hits in 54 total innings combined. If they can show some consistency on the mound this spring they can put the team on their shoulders and lead them back to the 5A playoffs.

KEY PLAYER LOST:
Gavin Gifford: Dodge City

STAT RAT:
Last year the Bulldogs staff gave up 118 hits in 110 innings pitched, and also walked 81 batters. They will need to find a way to limit baserunners in 2017 to reach the 5A district playoffs.

BOTTOM LINE:
Last year was a disappointing year for the Bulldogs. With their entire team returning from the year before, they were preseason ranked by PBR No. 20, but just couldn't get it consistently going. A couple of late season losses to rival Prairie View, and Legend ended up sealing their fate. They still are a team that no one wants to meet if they get to Districts because of the 1-2  combination of senior pitchers Liam Eddy and Jose Treto. Eddy (Wichita State Commit) is armed with a fastball that can live betwee 89 and 92 mph. Last year Eddy had a hard time finding his rhythm at times in the 30 innings he ptiched, but if he is on he could be the best pitcher in the state. Eddy had a great offensive year hitting .463 leading the team in hits (25) and homeruns (3). Treto also has great stuff on the mound but also struggled with consistency last spring. However Treto was one of their best hitters as well batting .421 and led the team with 25 RBI's.