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: Pueblo West
Preseason Rank: 6
2016 Record: 21-6
Conference: South Central
CHSAA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Dan Sanchez
Playoff Run: Lost to Valor Christian 9-6 in the 4A State Title Game
2016 Final Rank: 6
Returning Starters: 4 
Returning Pitchers: 1

TOP PLAYERS:
Ian Garcia, 2017 (Dodge City CC)
Alan Garcia, 2017 (Dodge City CC)
RJ Dabovich, No. 18 2017 (Central Arizona)

OTHER PLAYERS WHO MIGHT MAKE AN IMPACT:
Cameron Brinkley, 2017

KEY PLAYERS LOST:
Rocko Arguto
Dauson Tate
Zach Maize

Stat Rat:  The Cyclones were good on the mound, 166 K’s to only 66 walks and a team ERA of 2.20.  Much of this pitching talent returns for the 2017 season.

Bottom Line:  The Cyclones came close in 2016, in fact they have come close two of the last four years, losing in the State Championship game in 2013 and the State Semi-Finals in 2016.  Throw in two District Championship game loses in 2014 and 2015 and they have a pretty impressive 4-year post season resume.  In 2017, the Cyclones will be paced at the plate by, Ian Garcia, .359 with 33 hits, 14 RBI and 10 stolen bases and Alan Garcia, .405 32 hits, 20 RBI and 8 doubles.  Look for No. 18 2017, RJ Dabovich to anchor the pitching staff, he is coming off a 2016 season that saw him throw 25 innings with 27 K’s and end the year with a .27 ERA.  Step number one for Pueblo West this year will be getting out of a tough South Central league, but if they navigate the league season, they will be in great position to make another deep run in May for the 4A title.