The South Central League consists of 6 high schools that compete both at the 5A and 4A classification. Pueblo West is the lone 5A school while the rest of the high schools compete at the 4A levels. All schools are located in Southern Colorado in the Pueblo area.
5A Programs
Pueblo West HS
Cyclones (1394)
Coach: Dan Sanchez - 20th season
Returning starters: 2
2022 Record: 17-7
2022 Srs playing at the next level: Jeremiah Sanchez - CSU Pueblo, Dylon Neff - Paradise Valley JC, Devin Garbiso - Upper Iowa Univ.
Players to watch: Andrew Plutt (SR) P/INF - committed to Mesa JC, Davian Baca (SR) P/INF, Gage Martinez (SR) C/P, Donovan Robinson (JR) P/OF
2023 Outlook: Despite losing 7 starters and 10 seniors, the Cyclones will again be on the short list for South Central League Champ contenders led by COBSBL preseason MVP Andrew Plutt (SR). Coach Sanchez believes the 2023 team needs to be fundamentally sound both offensively and defensively to keep both their playoff and league championship streaks alive. They have won the South Central League championship 7 years in a row and have played post season baseball 10 years running. A. Plutt returns as a three-year starter to pilot both the offense and pitching staff but will need some help from Davian Baca (SR) and several other unproven returning players on the mound. Gage Martinez (SR) and Plutt will anchor the middle of the batting lineup on a team that led the league in batting a year ago but most of those players have graduated. Who fills those vacated spots won't be known till the season begins.
4A Programs
Pueblo Centennial HS
Bulldogs (994)
Coach: Joe Vigil - 6th season
Returning starters: 8
2022 Record: 6-17
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2022 Srs playing at the next level: None
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Players to watch: Joseph Cardinal (SR) SS - committed to Northeastern JC, Bryant Armijo-Martin (SR) DH, Jordon West (SR) P - committed to Trinidad State JC, Josh Lucero (JR) OF
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2023 Outlook: The Bulldogs return a veteran squad of 8 starters as Centennial has high expectations for 2023. The offense will have pop with players that can leave the yard at any given moment. Joseph Cardinal (SR) and Jordon West (SR) both hit over .400 in 2022 with power and speed. J. West also serves as the teams #1 arm but the biggest question is finding a legit #2 and who the battery mate will be behind the dish. The South Central League will be tough as usual and for the Bulldogs to be in the mix with the top dogs all returning 8 starters will need to contribute.
Pueblo Central HS
Wildcats (743)
Coach: Brad Ranson - 8th season
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Returning starters: 9
2022 Record: 18-6
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2022 Srs playing at the next level: None
Players to watch: None committed - Zach Mehess (JR) SS/3B/RHP, Jacob Arguello (JR) C/1B, Hugo Sanchez (JR) 3B/P, Ethan Ayala (JR) MIF/RHP, Beto Robles (JR) OF/P, Colton Calderon (SO) 3B/P, Anthony Trujillo (SO) 1B/P
2023 Outlook: The Wildcats took a major step forward in 2022, winning 18 games and advancing to the second round of the playoffs. With all 9 starters back not only could Central contend for their first league title in over 15 years but also make some noise in the playoffs. Coach Ranson likes his teams makeup and is excited to watch them grow into complete baseball players. Hugo Sanchez (JR) and Anthony Trujillo (SO) return to a pitching staff 5-6 deep if needed. All with varsity experience, good arms and command the zone. Offensively the Wildcats can attack in a combination of ways that includes driving baseballs, playing small ball and using their speed on the bases. Zach Mehess (JR), Jacob Arguello (JR) and Colton Calderon (SO) all hit over .400 in 2022 but with a team batting average of .331 their are plenty of weapons in the lineup that can do damage.
Pueblo County HS
Hornets (1109)
Coach: Matt Eades - 6th season
Returning starters: 4
2022 Record: 17-7
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2022 Srs playing at the next level: Jace Barger - Otero Junior Junior College
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Players to watch: Braxton Vail (SR) P/OF - committed to Trinidad State JC, Dax Davis (SR) P/3B, Colton Simpson (SR) C, Caulin Pighetti (JR) OF/1B/P, Roy Higinbotham (JR) P/1B
2023 Outlook: The Hornets have made the playoffs 5 straight seasons and expect to challenge for a playoff return in 2023. However, with the loss of 5 starters including a top arm and 2 big bats they will have their work cut out for them. The teams strength will be on the mound with ace Roy Higinbotham (JR), Brandon Vail (SR) and Dax Davis (SR) all returning. Pueblo County posted the leagues top ERA a year ago and return most of their staff. Unfortunately, County struggled at the plate last season and losing their 2 best hitters to graduation won't help. They look to speedy B. Vail (SR) and R. Higinbotham to fill the vacated holes offensively but both need to build on last season. Coach Eades believes with the teams strong pitching staff and if wild card Cohen Glenn (SO) and some first time varsity players develop they could be in the playoffs again this season.
Pueblo East HS
Eagles (986)
Coach: Nick Marfitano - 8th season
Returning starters: 5
2022 Record: 13-11
2022 Srs playing at the next level: RJ Roybal - Otero JC
Players to watch: Mike Casillas (SR) RHP/SS - committed to CSU Pueblo, Brady Cristelli (SR) 3B/OF, Chris Salas (SR) INF, Tanner Proud (SR) OF/C, David McAlpin (SR) INF/P - committed to Moberly Area JC
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2023 Outlook: The Eagles welcome back an experienced squad that is looking to take the next step after finishing 3rd in league and losing in the 2nd round of the playoffs. They will lean on Mike Casillas (SR), who they expect to contribute on the mound, at the plate, on the bases and defensively. With M. Casillas, brother Matt Casillas (JR) and Chris Salas (SR) all coming off big offensive seasons expect the Eagles to continue to roll at the plate in 2023. On the mound, younger brother Matt Casillas will fill the roll of the teams #2 arm. Coach Marfitano believes the talented and tight knit senior group will be the driving force that leads the team back to the playoffs for the 3rd straight year.
Pueblo South HS
Colts (943)
Coach: Kevin Ortiz - 1st season
Returning starters: 9
2022 Record: 8-14
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2022 Srs playing at the next level: None
Players to watch: Anthony Martinez (SR) 1B/P - committed to Central Christian College, Kaleb Ortiz - committed to Porterville JC, (SR) 3B/P, Keller Ausbun (SR) P/C - committed to Santa Rosa JC, Justin Arellano (SR) SS/P, Roman Mora (SR) OF, Nate Medina (SR) OF, Brandon Drury (SR) OF, Markus Morita (SR) 1B/P
2023 Outlook: New Head Coach Kevin Ortiz inherits a team that struggled in 2022 but also brings back all 9 starters for the upcoming season. Coach Ortiz, a Pueblo South alumni is excited about the opportunity and his first order of business is to bring back a positive culture and team first mentality. Speedy Roman More (SR) was impressive as a junior offensively and will team with both Kaleb Ortiz (SR) and Keller Ausbun (SR) to anchor the Colts batting lineup. On the bump, the Colts welcome back all 6 of the teams arms for 2023 and anticipate pitching and defense will be the teams strengths. With an experienced pitching staff and a solid defense the Colts have a solid foundation to build towards a bright future.
