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 (1408)
Coach: Dan Sanchez - 20th season
Returning starters: 8
2021 Record: 10-7
2021 Srs playing at the next level: David Lambert - Hesston College, Jayce Schlegel - Northeastern Colorado JC
Players to watch: Danny Spence (SR) SS, Devin Garbiso (SR) DH - committed to Upper Iowa Univ., Dylon Neff (SR) 3B, Jeremiah Sanchez (SR) OF/LHP - committed to CSU Pueblo Univ., Andrew Plutte (JR) UTIL/P, Gage Martinez (JR) C
2022 Outlook: Pueblo West was able to keep its playoff and league championship streaks alive in 2021 and look well-equipped to continue again this season. They have won the South Central League championship 7 years in a row and have played post season baseball 10 years running. Winning a state title in 2019 and finishing state runner-up twice over that stretch. The Cyclones return COBSBL preseason league MVP, Jeremiah Sanchez (SR) along with 8 starters to a team that was 10-7 last season but uncharacteristically lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Offensively the Cyclones return Danny Spence (SR) who finished with the 4th best average in 5A baseball last season, Dylon Neff (SR) who was 4th in league in slugging %, and J. Sanchez who led the league in both triples and HRs. Graduation did take a toll on the pitching staff and besides Dalston Stiner (SR) the staff is unproven at the varsity level. D. Stiner posted solid numbers in 2021 but will be asked to carry a heavier load on the mound this season. For 2022 Coach Sanchez likes the team athleticism and with their playoff experience feels it could be another good year.
4A Programs
Pueblo Centennial HS
Bulldogs (1194)
Coach: Joe Vigil - 6th season
Returning starters: 4
2021 Record: 3-9
2021 Srs playing at the next level: JJ Cardinal - Trinidad State JC, Trevor Niccoli - Otero JC
Players to watch: None committed - Donovan Soto (SR) UTIL, Bryant Armijo-Martin (JR) 1B/DH, Joey Cardinal (JR) 2B/OF/P, Jordan West (JR) UT/P
2022 Outlook: With only having one senior, the Bulldogs are young but that doesn't mean inexperienced. It was a very productive summer allowing returning guys to improve and build chemistry with the scrappy athletic incoming guys. Returning starter Jordan West (JR) will play a major role both offensively and on the mound and could be the teams top hitter and #1 pitcher for the upcoming season. He will look to Bryant Armijo-Martin (JR) and Joey Cardinal (JR) for help offensively but on the mound the team will need younger players to step up and assist. The 2022 season should be an interesting mix of veteran and young players working together to give Centennial a shot to compete in every game.
Pueblo Central HS
Wildcats (790)
Coach: Brad Ranson - 6th season
Returning starters: 5
2021 Record: 10-7
2021 Srs playing at the next level: None
Players to watch: None committed - Julian Volk (SR) LF, Ethan Martinez (SO) CF, Hugo Sanchez (SO) 3B/P, Ethan Ayala (SO) 2B, Jacob Arguello (SO) C, Zach Mehess (SO) SS, Colton Calderon (FR) 3B/P
2022 Outlook: The Wildcats were extremely young in 2021 often having 5 freshman on the field at once. With a young team there were a fair share of struggles but the team managed to put together a quality season. Now with a year of experience behind them and players being a year older the expectations are high. Coach Ranson believes Central has a lot of good young kids, lots of good arms to help on the mound and are solid at every position. The Wildcats offensive attack is a combination of driving baseballs and small ball at times. The guys that will execute that approach are Ethan Martinez (SO), Ethan Ayala (SO), Zach Mehess (SO), and Julian Volk (SR). Aggressive baserunning also factors into the Wildcat offense with Z. Mehess and E. Martinez stealing 10+ bases each a year ago with the team total at 53. The pitching staff is led by Hugo Sanchez-Algien (SO) and a staff that returns 3 of their 4 top pitchers that posted the 2nd best ERA in league. If the Wildcats get things running smoothly in 2022 they will be tough for anyone on their schedule.
Pueblo County HS
Hornets (980)
Coach: Matt Eades - 5th season
Returning starters: 4
2021 Record: 13-6
2021 Srs playing at the next level: Chase Hartman, Cole Martino - Washburn Univ., Ethan Mauger, Trevor Thomas - Otero JC
Players to watch: None committed - Derrick Domenico (SR) SS, Jace Barger (SR) CF/P, Braxton Vail (JR) OF/P, Colton Simpson (JR) C, Dax Davis (JR) 2B/OF
2022 Outlook: The Hornets put together their best season in over 15 years advancing to the Great 8 and State Tourney. A strong senior class that played a major role in that run has moved on and now a new group gets their shot. Derrick Domenico (SR), Peyton Miller (SR) and Jace Barger (SR) will be expected to provide the offensive punch in 2022. All 3 playing a role in the 2021 run to the Great 8 but now being expected to provide senior leadership as well. The unknown at this point will be who fills the big shoes of both Cole Martino and Chase Hartman on the mound. The 2 combined for 94 of the teams 125 IP a year ago. Braxton Vail (JR) will get a shot but will need support from a group that either threw minimal innings on varsity last season or were JV players. Coach Eades believes the team has a nice mix of varsity returners and young kids and is anxious to see what 2022 holds.
Pueblo East HS
Eagles (1087)
Coach: Nick Marfitano - 7th season
Returning starters: 5
2021 Record: 10-7
2021 Srs playing at the next level: Julian Fresquez - Otero JC, Kyler Miller - Colorado Mesa University
Players to watch: None committed - Brock Maes (SR) OF/RHP, CJ Lucero (SR) C/RHP, Delvin Ada (SR) 2B/C, RJ Roybal (SR) 1B/RHP, Shawn Duran (SR) 3B/RHP, Brady Cristelli (JR) INF/RHP, Mike Casillas (JR) MIF/RHP, Tanner Proud (JR) MIF, Matt Casillas (SO) 2B/RHP
2022 Outlook: The Eagles welcome back an experienced squad that is looking to take the next step after finishing 3rd in league and losing a 1st round playoff game a year ago. Coach Marfitano's goal for the team is to always compete for a league title and play postseason baseball. A team that is built less around power and more around pitching, defense and speed the Eagles return Michael Casillas (JR) and CJ Lucero (SR) who will both help on the mound and in the lineup. M. Casillas hitting .421 in 2021 while also leading the team in doubles and runs scored. Ruben Roybal (SR) will also be expected to make an impact offensively after a solid junior year. East lost their ace from 2021 to graduation but M. Casillas and C. Lucero are back after solid performances on the mound last season. Together picking up half the teams overall wins for the season. Coach Marfitano is very excited to be back on the field for the 2022 season with a group of young men that he believes can leave a positive mark on Pueblo East baseball.
Pueblo South HS
Colts (1071)
Coach: Pete Carillo - 3rd season
Returning starters: 6
2021 Record: 5-11
2021 Srs playing at the next level: None
Players to watch: None committed - Jordan Polito (SR) OF, Keller Ausbun (JR) C,RHP
2022 Outlook: The Colts stumbled to their worst record in over 15 years in 2021 but are optimistic about the upcoming season. With a strong junior class and now a year of varsity experience under their belt things should improve in 2022. The team struggled hitting with guys on base and two strikes a year ago but the expectation is that will change moving forward. Returning to the lineup are Justin Arellano (JR) and Jordan Polito (SR) who led the team in hitting last season. With both returning to the lineup and if last years sophomores contribute like expected the offense should be improved. Defensively the team will be solid and even though the Colt's lost their top 2 pitchers from last season to graduation, Keller Ausbun (JR), Kaleb Ortiz (JR) and Anthony Martinez (JR) have varsity experience and are very capable on the mound.
