CLASS 4A TOP 10

1 Cherokee Trail: The state runner-up returns nearly everyone, including flamethrower Bradshaw Perry.

2 Northridge: Pitcher-first baseman Rhett Morgan looks even more dangerous this season.

3 Broomfield: If the defending champion finds some pitching, look out.

4 Ralston Valley: Sky- scraping pitcher Matt Skipper moves into the role of ace.

5 Thomas Jefferson: The Spartans made it to the state tourney with eight sophomores last season.

6 Cañon City: Can Cameron Maldonado pitch the Tigers to another final four?

7 Liberty: The Lancers went 20-4 last year and return many standouts.

8 Golden: Pitcher Zach Cleveland is creating a buzz with his 90- mph-plus fastball.

9 Cheyenne Mountain: Matt Presley is one of the best in the state, regardless of classification.

10 Skyline: A surprise pick to many around the state, but not to those in the Northern League.

• Consensus league picks: Liberty (Colorado Springs Metro), Thomas Jefferson (Denver Prep), Ralston Valley (Jeffco), Northridge (Northern-East), Broomfield (Northern-West), Cherokee Trail (Skyline), Cañon City (South Central), Montrose (Southwestern), Moffat County (Western Slope).

CLASS 4A TOP PLAYERS BY POSITION

Player School Year

PITCHERS Zach Cleveland Golden Sr. Steven Falconi Liberty Sr. Cameron Maldonado Cañon City Sr. Rhett Morgan Northridge Sr. Bradshaw Perry Cherokee Trail Sr. Matt Skipper Ralston Valley Jr.

CATCHERS Travis Godec Pueblo Central Sr. Nate Goergen Golden Sr. Sloan Soulia Falcon Sr.

INFIELDERS 3B Ryan Barban Ralston Valley Jr. SS Brian Chritz Ralston Valley Sr. 3B Alek Diffendaffer Berthoud Jr. SS Josh Gesell D'Evelyn Sr. SS Chris Grandinetti Broomfield Sr. SS Jay Gromelski Woodland Park Sr. SS Brandon Keller Delta Sr. SS Wes Leverette Fossil Ridge Sr. 1B Dustin Noraker Cherokee Trail Sr. SS Matt Presley Cheyenne Mountain Sr. SS Jordan Smith Longmont Sr. SS Tyler Thornton Thomas Jefferson Jr.

OUTFIELDERS Jarod Berrgren Broomfield Sr. Mikel Huston Northridge Sr. Kyle Koch Liberty Sr. Adam Lozano Ftn.-Fort Carson Sr. Brett Nathan Thomas Jefferson Jr. Bryan Richards Moffat County Sr.