CHSAANow

Month: June 2015

  • 15 more locals picked on final day of MLB Draft, bringing this year’s total to 20

    (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    Monarch’s Logan Soole (27). (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Fifteen more local products were picked on Wednesday as the MLB Draft concluded on its final day.

    Though quiet for the first few rounds on Wednesday, things soon picked up. In consecutive picks in the 23rd round, locals were selected.

    Monarch’s Logan Soole went to the Arizona Diamondbacks with the first pick in the 23rd round (No. 676 overall). One selection later, Palmer Ridge alum Steven Leonard was taken by the Colorado Rockies at No. 677 overall.

    As it turned out, that was only the beginning of local selections on the final day of the draft, which started on Monday.

    Mullen alum Sam Haggerty went in the 24th round to Cleveland. Then, Douglas County graduate Tyler Servais was picked by the Detroit Tigers in the 27th round.

    Two more went in the 29th round: Mullen alum Seth Davis to the New York Mets at No. 869 overall, and then Ralston Valley graduate Ben Yokley at No. 881 to St. Louis.

    A round later, the 30th, Valor Christian alum Greg Popylisen was taken by Minnesota. In the 33rd round, Legacy’s Wyatt Cross was selected by the Rockies. In that same round, Eaglecrest alum Braxton Lorenzini was picked by San Diego.

    The Rockies also picked Fairview’s Ryan Madden in the 35th round. Later in that round, Chaparral alum Jordan Serena was selected by the Angels.

    In the 37th round, Mountain Vista’s Marc Mumper was selected by the Rockies. Later in the 37th, Regis Jesuit’s Matt Schmidt was picked by the New York Yankees. Two rounds after that, Schmidt’s teammate, Brent Schwarz, was selected by the Rockies.

    It brought the three-day draft total to 20 local selections, including five on Tuesday. Of those, six were picked by the Rockies.

    [divider]

    Local draft picks on Day 3 of 2015 MLB Draft

    See the full list in our tracker

    Logan Soole, Monarch (2015)

    Soole, the 2015 graduate who is committed to Southern Illinois, was picked as a center fielder. He hit .518 with 22 RBIs and two home runs last season. He helped lead Monarch to the Final 8.

    But Soole didn’t only star at the plate. He was also 6-1 with a 0.77 ERA in 45 2/3 innings, striking out 73 against just 12 walks.

    Soole is just the second Monarch player to be selected straight out of high school. John Ray was picked in the 41st round by the Braves in 2003.

    Steven Leonard, Palmer Ridge (2011)

    A pick after Soole, Leonard went to the Rockies. It was their second local selection of the draft — they also took Rocky Mountain center fielder Cole Anderson in the tenth round.

    Leonard, a 2011 Palmer Ridge grad, is now a redshirt sophomore at Campbell University in North Carolina. He spent 2012 and 2013 at Iowa Western Community College, where he helped the Reivers win a national championship.

    A catcher, Leonard hit .328 with two home runs and 22 RBIs at Campbell last season.

    Sam Haggerty, Mullen (2012)

    Haggerty, a second baseman now at New Mexico, went to Cleveland in the 24th round with the No. 724 overall selection.

    Haggerty graduated from Mullen in 2012, where he also played basketball.

    He just completed his junior season at New Mexico. He hit .311 with a home run and 13 RBI in 29 games, and also stole six bases.

    Tyler Servais, Douglas County (2011)

    Servais, the Douglas County product who graduated in 2011, was picked by the Tigers in the 27th round. He was also selected out of high school, going in the 36th round to the Rockies.

    A senior catcher at Princeton, he hit .200 with a home run and three RBIs this season. Behind the plate, Servais caught 10 of 45 runners attempting to steal.

    Seth Davis, Mullen (2011)

    Davis, the Mets’ 29th-round pick, graduated from Mullen in 2011. A left-handed pitcher, he is now a senior at Augustana (Ill.).

    Last season, he was 5-2 with a 3.70 ERA in 65 2/3 innings. Davis struck out 92 against 12 walks.

    Ben Yokley, Ralston Valley (2011)

    Yokley also went in the 29th round, to the St. Louis Cardinals. He is a 2011 graduate of Ralston Valley.

    The right-handed pitcher just finished his senior season at Air Force, where he was 2-0 with a 3.97 ERA in 34 innings spread out over 27 appearances. Yokley had 45 strikeouts to 25 walks.

    Greg Popylisen, Valor Christian (2013)

    Popylisen was a 30th-round pick of the Twins. He graduated from Valor Christian in 2013, and has been at El Paso Community College. The sophomore is committed to New Mexico State.

    He is the first graduate of Valor Christian to be selected in the MLB Draft.

    At Valor, Popylisen starred in both baseball and track. In fact, there was a day during the 4A baseball tournament where he had to hustle from the state track meet, which was going on at the same time a few blocks away, to one of Valor’s games.

    Popylisen hit .364 with and 16 RBIs at El Paso last season, and also had 23 steals along with 38 runs scored.

    Wyatt Cross, Legacy (2015)

    Cross, the Legacy catcher who graduate this spring, became the third local product to be selected by the Rockies in the 33rd round. He is a North Carolina commit.

    Though he played behind the plate, Cross didn’t hit at all last season due to a back injury. As a junior, he hit .302 with three home runs and 14 RBIs.

    Cross is the third Legacy product to be drafted straight out of high school, following Lucas Gilbreath last season (36th round to the Rockies), and Kevin Walter in 2010 (26th round to the Phillies).

    Braxton Lorenzini, Eaglecrest (2013)

    Lorenzini, the 2013 Eaglecrest graduate, went to the San Diego Padres in the 33rd round. He is a right-handed pitcher at West Hills (Calif.) who spent a medical redshirt year at Central Christian in Kansas in 2014.

    Lorenzini was 1-7 with a save and a 4.30 ERA at West Hills last season.

    Ryan Madden, Fairview (2015)

    Fairview Loveland baseball
    Ryan Madden, left. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    Madden, a 2015 graduate, added to the long line of draftees for Fairview when the Rockies took him in the 35th round. He became the fifth Knight to be selected straight out of high school.

    An Oklahoma commit, Madden starred this season. He was 7-2 with a 1.41 ERA and struck out 65 batters to 10 walks this season.

    But Madden also tied for the Class 5A lead with seven home runs at the plate, and hit .446 with 29 RBIs.

    Madden had his season end in the district rounds when he took a scary comebacker to his face. He has recovered well, and is pitching again in a summer league.

    Jordan Serena, Chaparral (2011)

    Serena, the 2011 Chaparral grad, also went in the 35th round. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim selected him.

    Last season, Serena, a senior center fielder, hit .319 with two home runs and 23 RBIs. He also stole 21 bases.

    Marc Mumper, Mountain Vista (2015)

    Mumper, a shortstop who is committed to Grand Canyon (Ariz.), led the Golden Eagles to the 5A Final 4 this season.

    The 2015 graduate hit .356 with two home runs and 22 RBIs this season, and was a key figure for Mountain Vista.

    Matt Schmidt, Regis Jesuit (2015)

    Schmidt graduated from Regis Jesuit this spring. A Texas commit, he was picked by the Yankees in the 37th round.

    The third baseman hit .257 with four home runs and 17 RBIs this season.

    He was the 13th Raider to be selected straight out of high school.

    Brent Schwarz, Regis Jesuit (2015)

    Schwarz, a right-handed pitcher, is also a 2015 graduate of Regis Jesuit.

    He is committed to Rice. Schwarz was 3-4 with a 1.48 ERA in 52 innings this season. He struck out 65 against 26 walks.

    On the heels of Schmidt’s selection, Schwarz became Regis Jesuit’s 14th selection straight from high school. It was the third consecutive draft that Regis has had two players selected.

  • Colorado Preps, NFHS Network to broadcast CHSCA all-state games this week

    The annual all-state games conducted by the Colorado High School Coaches Association are set for this week in Alamosa and Colorado Preps, in partnership with the NFHS Network, will provide live video streaming of almost every event.

    The broadcast schedule is below. Simply click on the game to watch live online.

    [divider]

    Wednesday
    2:00 p.m.: All-State Softball Game

    Friday
    2:00 p.m.: All-state Wrestling Dual
    7:00 p.m.: All-State Football Game

    Saturday
    9:00 a.m.: Volleyball Semifinal No. 1
    10:00 a.m.: Volleyball Semifinal No. 2
    1:00 p.m.: Volleyball 3rd Place game
    1:00 p.m.: Girls Basketball 3rd Place game
    2:30 p.m.: Volleyball Championship contest
    2:30 p.m.: Boys Basketball 3rd Place game
    4:00 p.m.: Girls Basketball Championship game
    5:30 p.m.: Boys Basketball Championship game

  • Akron’s Jordan Baer wins girls Steinmark Award

    Akron's Jordan Baer. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    Akron’s Jordan Baer. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    Shaking with excitement.

    That was the first thing Akron’s Jordan Baer felt when she received her call from the Colorado High School Coaches Association’s Tom Southall that she was the recipient of the 2015 CHSCA Steinmark High School Athlete of the Year Award for girls.

    “I am shaking with excitement right now,” Baer said. “I’m so honored. I know a couple of the other girls that were nominated. This is such a great accomplishment and I can’t seem to describe this thrill right now. Thank you so much.”

    Baer will be presented with the Steinmark Award at the Colorado High School Coaches All-State Games, June 12, in Alamosa where she will be playing in the CHSCA All-State basketball games. This is the 42nd year for the girls, but the 43rd trophy as there was one year, 1984, in which two girls were recognized. The first winner for the girls was Anne Vento of Pueblo Centennial in 1974.

    Vento was the first girl’s player to fashion an undefeated season playing tennis. She also was a standout in swimming and track. Dave Logan of Wheat Ridge, now the voice of the Denver Broncos, head football coach at Cherry Creek and KOA radio talk show host, was the winner of the first Steinmark in 1972.

    “The Fred Steinmark Award stands for faith, courage, heart and determination through academics, athleticism, and citizenship,” said Baer. “He set incredibly high goals for himself and worked diligently to achieve them. He battled life’s obstacles in a public manner and got the country educated about the disease and the possibilities of a cure. He kept looking to the future, despite the fact that it looked bleak medically.”

    Academically, Baer graduated as the valedictorian at Akron this school year with a 4.1188 grade point average. And, of course, she was just as outstanding on the athletic courts in basketball and volleyball.

    Baer started in 106 basketball games and averaged an outstanding 15.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists through her career. She has been a first-team All-State selection in basketball every year since she was a sophomore and was second-team All-State as a freshman. She was also named as CHSAANow.com’s Class 2A Player of the Year.

    She also came through to earn all-state first team honors in volleyball as a junior and senior. She spent the course of her career slamming the volleyball as she racked up 1,018 kills.

    And like all other Steinmark winners over the years, she was very involved in her school and community activities. She will be headed to Colorado Christian University in the fall.

    Indeed, Baer fits well into the Steinmark role of athletics and academics of those who have been honored before.

    Freddie Steinmark was a brilliant scholar, athlete and citizen that graduated from Wheat Ridge and earned All-State and All-American honors while competing for the Farmers in football, basketball and baseball. At the University of Texas, he helped the Longhorns win the national title in football in 1969. His life was cut short as Steinmark died of cancer in 1971.

    There are four requirements for a senior student athlete to receive a nomination for the CHSCA Steinmark Award that can be made by any coach or school. The rules for nomination require that two sports be played during an athlete’s high school career in which they must be All-State in one sport and at least All-Conference in another. They also need to have carried at least a 3.0 grade point average and be active in their school and community.

    Even though the Steinmark carries “Athlete of the Year” designation, it actually recognizes a high school career. It is an all-classification award and through the decades all classifications, boys and girls, have had winners. It has become recognized as the most prestigious athletic award a graduating high school senior athlete can receive in Colorado and is now sponsored by the Colorado High School Coaches Association.

    It is a difficult task to select the finalists for the award out of the many youngsters who have been nominated by coaches throughout the state each year. The winners are selected by a panel of high school coaches and administrators, but no coaches or administrators from the schools of the nominees are allowed to participate in the selection process.

    Winning the Steinmark is certainly another reason in which her father, Alan Baer, can be proud of his daughter. After all, he also coached her in basketball.

    “Jordan is my daughter but I have also had the privilege of being one of her basketball coaches since she started competing in the second grade,” he said. “She doesn’t desire individual attention, as the team goal is of the utmost importance to her. In fact, she struggled greatly fulfilling this application for this award and she is very uncomfortable being in the spotlight.”

    Throughout all four years of high school, Baer started in every varsity basketball and volleyball game. She was a top outside hitter in volleyball and could certainly hit her baskets from the outside in basketball.

    “Jordan is extremely dedicated at getting everyone involved in the game and her passion is contagious,” Alan continued. “She loves to win, is determined to win, but accepts a loss as a challenge to get better. Her relentless work ethic goes hand-in-hand with her success. Throughout, she has been an exceptional role model, not only for her teammates, but for the youth in our community.

    “She realizes that although her sports career has been full of shining moments, she grasps that these are not defining moments, but truly stepping stones to her future,” concluded her father.

    Akron teacher Britney Weers also speaks highly of Baer and her accomplishments.

    “Jordan’s character and integrity far exceeds any other student I have taught,” Weers said. “She will go above and beyond what is asked of her without batting an eye. This is shown through her success in both sports and academics. When students see her attention to detail, they begin to follow in the same direction.

    “Even beyond the classroom, Jordan can be seen as a leader,” said Weers. “She is one I know I can count on to get a job done, and done well. In my ten years of teaching, I have never met a student who is as much of perfectionist as me. She will not let any task go partly done.”

    Once again, the competition for the Steinmark Award made it extremely difficult for the committee of coaches and athletic directors to arrive at their final decision. Cori Aafedt of Valley, Courtney Clark of Lamar, Riley Cooney of Mountain View, and Jordyn Colter from Cherry Creek where very much in the hunt for the award as this year’s finalists.

    Other student athletes receiving nominations this year were: Alexandria Dufour of Frederick, Savannah Heebner of Castle View, Anna Schweke of Clear Creek, Payton Shahan of Pagosa Springs, and Jordan Williams of Norwood.

  • Lutheran’s James Willis wins boys Steinmark award

    Jefferson Academy Lutheran boys basketball
    Lutheran’s James Willis (22). (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    “Surprise” seems to be the one word that recipients of the Fred Steinmark High School Athlete of the Year Award spout once they have been notified of the award. And that was the reaction from James Willis of Lutheran when he took his phone call from Tom Southall of the Colorado High School Coaches Association.

    “I am so surprised to have won it,” Willis said. “I’m shocked. I didn’t know I would and it’s something that seems to come from out of the Avengers movies. It’s certainly an honor to be included among the many others who have been recognized with this award.”

    Willis is the 46th winner for the boys as there were two winners selected in 1976 and 1979. He will be presented with the Steinmark at the CHSCA All-State Games, June 12, in Alamosa. Not only that, but he will also be taking part in the CHSCA All-State basketball game.

    James is certainly pleased that he was even able to complete his high school career with such high achievements.  He is the valedictorian at Lutheran with a 4.3 grade point average and active in several school and community activities.

    “I am truly grateful for all of the acknowledgements I have received in academics and athletics,” said Willis. “As I appreciate them, I do not view those accomplishments as my most important endeavors in high school. I can honestly say that I’m happy for the struggle of recovering from a very serious injury during my senior year.

    “While going under anesthesia three times for back procedures, I had to face the real possibility that my athletic career would be over…I am so grateful to have regained the ability to play again,” Willis continued. “I cherish every moment. I have also been blessed to have a wonderful family, great role models, coaches and teammates that have served me in more way than I could have ever imagined.

    “My goal now is to serve others as much as possible, specifically in strengthening the faith in everyone I am around just as others have done for me,” Willis said.

    He certainly joins a great field of former winners of the Steinmark.

    Dave Logan of Wheat Ridge, now the voice of the Denver Broncos, head football coach at Cherry Creek and KOA radio talk show host, was the first winner of the Steinmark in 1972. Anne Vento of Pueblo Centennial was the first girls’ winner in 1974. She was the first high school girl player to fashion an undefeated season playing tennis. She also was a standout in swimming and track.

    Freddie Steinmark was a brilliant scholar, athlete, and citizen that graduated from Wheat Ridge High School and earned All-State and All-American honors while competing for the Farmers in football, basketball and baseball. At the University of Texas, he helped the Longhorns win the national title in football in 1969. His life was cut short as Steinmark died of cancer in 1971.

    There are four requirements for a senior student athlete to receive a nomination for the CHSCA Steinmark Award that can be made by any coach or school. The rules for nomination require that two sports be played during an athlete’s high school career in which they must be All-State in one sport and at least All-Conference in another. They also need to have carried at least a 3.0 grade point average and be active in their school and community.

    Even though the CHSCA Steinmark Award carries “Athlete of the Year” designation, it actually recognizes a high school career. It is an all-classification award and through the decades all classifications, boys and girls, have had winners. It has become recognized as the most prestigious athletic award a graduating high school senior athlete can receive in Colorado and is now sponsored by the Colorado High School Coaches Association.

    It is a difficult task to select the finalists for the award out of the many youngsters who have been nominated by coaches throughout the state each year. The winners are selected by a panel of high school coaches and administrators, but no coaches or administrators from the schools of the nominees are allowed to participate in the selection process.

    Former Lutheran basketball coach Ryan Bredow, who resigned just after the season, has also been extremely proud of the accomplishments of Willis.

    “I can absolutely assure you that Christopher James Willis is one of the most superior young men that I have ever been around,” Bredow wrote in letter of recommendation. “James has established himself in my eyes as one the most impressive, high character, high achieving, humble-spirited students I know. Few individuals have ever made such a significant impact in so many different ways on our campus in recent memory as James.

    “He has a natural gift and ability to encourage, inspire, challenge, empower, befriend, and ultimately make a positive impact on the people around him,” said Bredow. “More importantly, I trust him. He has excellent discernment, was raised in a home that reinforces positive values and high character, and understands and believes what it means to live a life of integrity.”

    Lutheran Dean of Women, Alicia Oates, also speaks very highly of Willis.

    “I have had the opportunity to teach James for the past three years,” Oates wrote. “He is an excellent student who is respectful of his teachers and peers. James is the type of student that makes teaching ‘easy’.  James is a natural leader who is self-disciplined and self-motivated. He takes the initiative, focuses, and accomplishes the task at hand. He does not complain about the hard work, but embraces the opportunity.”

    Lutheran Pastor Ken Murphy is also well pleased with what Willis has been able to accomplish over his years.

    “The most interesting thing about it all, is that James is one of the most humble young men I have ever met,” Murphy wrote. “He does so much of his influencing by his actions and not his words. He makes people want to be better and improve just by his steady example and humble attitude. Sports truly test the mettle of a young man when in deep competition. … He is calm when everything around him is coming undone. You cannot rattle him. He is poised, cool and collected.”

    The competition for the 2015 Steinmark Award made it very difficult for the committee to select its winner from the group of finalists that included: Daniel Book of Cherry Creek, Dave Louthan from Air Academy, James Reed from Paonia, and Kyle Rosenbrock of Brush.

    Other student athletes receiving nominations this year were: Brandon Barringer of Skyview, Brenden Fulton of Northridge, John Heaphey of Aspen, Austin Littlefield of Prairie, Mike Morean of Cherry Creek, Adam Munoz of Rocky Ford, Alec Petterson of Brush, Brandon Saunders of Wheat Ridge, and Jacob Smith of Strasburg

  • All-state girls lacrosse teams for 2015 season

    (Matt Daniels/MaxPreps)
    Bridget Sutter (0) of Colorado Academy is the girls lacrosse player of the year. (Matt Daniels/MaxPreps)

    The 2015 all-state girls lacrosse teams honor the best players in the sport as judged by the leagues and coaches. They are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues and coaches, and then a vote of coaches.

    Player and coach of the year was also selected by a vote of the coaches.

    [divider]

    Player of the year: Bridget Sutter, Colorado Academy

    Coach of the year: Steph Sanders, Colorado Academy

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Anna Gallagher Colorado Academy D Junior
    Kirsten Greenlaw ThunderRidge A Senior
    Maddy Jahelka Air Academy A Senior
    Andrea Kim Centaurus A Junior
    Kendra Lanuza Chatfield M Senior
    Sarah Nick Denver East M Senior
    Caroline Perry Cherry Creek M Senior
    Allie Popelar Rampart M/A Senior
    Eliza Radochonski Cherry Creek A Sophomore
    Kathleen Roe Regis Jesuit M Junior
    Bridget Sutter Colorado Academy G Sophomore
    Ali Vanek Mullen A Junior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Jesse Clark Chaparral G Senior
    Hannah Clauss Aspen G Junior
    Morgan Dasch Golden A Senior
    Lexi Davis Chaparral A Junior
    Leah Donnelly Wheat Ridge M Junior
    Marin Felsoci Ralston Valley A Junior
    Olivia Hayden Golden A Senior
    Frannie Krupp Mullen D Senior
    Jen Lanuza Chatfield M Junior
    Julia Lisella Columbine G Senior
    Erin O’Shaughnessy Kent Denver M Junior
    Alex Searles Denver East A Junior
    Quinn Trudel Centaurus D Senior
    Nicole Twardowski Fruita Monument M Senior
    Maddie Wells Denver East D Sophomore

  • Highlands Ranch alum Burr leads Colorado products taken early in 2015 MLB Draft

    Ryan Burr, a 2012 graduate of Highlands Ranch, became the first local player selected in this year’s MLB Draft on Tuesday.

    Burr, now a junior standout at Arizona State, was taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the first pick in the fifth round on Tuesday.

    “Couldn’t be happier!” Burr tweeted on Tuesday. “I am going to be a @Dbacks !!! Can’t wait to get after it!”

    He led five locals who were selected on Tuesday, the second day of the draft. Joining him were Highlands Ranch shortstop Nick Shumpert (seventh round), Legend outfield Greg Pickett (eighth round), Cheyenne Mountain alum Bret Helton (ninth round) and Rocky Mountain outfielder Cole Anderson (tenth round).

    Former Highlands Ranch star Ryan Burr, pictured during his senior season in 2012. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
    Former Highlands Ranch star Ryan Burr, pictured during his senior season in 2012. (Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)

    At ASU, Burr developed into a shutdown closer, and set the school record with 38 saves. It was a record that had stood since 1967.

    He was a first-team all-Pac-12 pick this season after going 8-2 with 14 saves to go along with a 2.91 ERA in 46 1/3 innings. He struck out 74 batters to just 25 walks, thanks in large part to a fastball which hits 97 mph, according to a scouting report on MLB.com.

    Burr was also selected out of high school, going in the 33rd round to the Texas Rangers. He opted not to sign then, and moved on to Arizona State.

    The first local 2015 graduate to go in this year’s draft was another Highlands Ranch product: Shumpert, a 6-foot, 180-pound shortstop, was picked by the Detroit Tigers in the seventh round, No. 220 overall.

    Shumpert, who is committed to Kentucky, is the son of former big-leaguer Terry Shumpert, who spent 14 seasons in the MLB, including 1998-2002 with the Colorado Rockies.

    During his senior season this spring, Shumpert hit .600 with five home runs and 14 RBIs. He also stole 33 bases. In addition, he drew 20 walks for an eye-popping .722 on-base percentage.

    Shumpert led Class 5A in batting average, steals and on-base percentage in 2015.

    “I want to thank the @tigers for giving me the opportunity to start my professional career,” Shumpert tweeted on Tuesday.

    A round after Shumpert, Legend’s Pickett went No. 234 overall to the Philadelphia Phillies.

    Pickett, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound outfield who is committed to Mississippi State, hit .420 with six home runs and 22 RBIs this spring.

    Pickett is the first player from Legend — which was established in 2008 — to be selected in the MLB Draft.

    Helton, the Cheyenne Mountain alum, was picked by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth round. He was taken No. 277 overall.

    Now a junior at Utah, Helton was 2-8 with a 5.72 ERA in 61 1/3 innings this season.

    In the tenth round, the Colorado Rockies picked Anderson, the outfielder from Rocky Mountain. He was the No. 287 pick in the draft.

    Anderson batted .405 with 25 RBIs this season, and led 5A with seven home runs. He also stole six bases.

    The MLB Draft started on Monday, but there were no local selections in the first 75 picks — which spanned the first round, compensation round, both competitive balance rounds, and the second round.

    It actually marked the first time since 2011 that no Colorado products were selected in the first round. Last season, Thomas Jefferson alum Kyle Freeland went No. 8 overall.

    The draft’s third-through-tenth rounds are Tuesday, and rounds 11-40 are Wednesday.

    Last season, 23 players who played high school baseball in Colorado were selected in the MLB Draft, including 12 who graduated in 2014.

    Follow all of the 2015 draftees in our tracker.

  • Handbook, directory cover contest winners announced

    The two winners of the contest to put art on the cover of next year’s membership directory and handbook were announced on Tuesday.

    Littleton High School’s Daniela Leon, who will be a senior next year, submitted a piece title “Untamed Beauty.” It will be on the cover of the Directory of Members Schools.

    “It is based on the beautiful purple-colored Pikes Peak,” she said of the piece. “I also included the Bighorn Sheep to further symbolize a natural and alluring Colorado.

    Here is Leon’s submission, which was made using colored pencils and watercolor:

    (Artist: Daniela Leon)
    (Artist: Daniela Leon)

    Meanwhile, David Ruiz of Wray High School, submitted his entry, “Going for the Gold.” It will be on the cover of the Handbook, which consists of CHSAA’s bylaws.

    Ruiz, who will be a senior next year, said his entry was “inspired by the nature of competition.”

    Here is Ruiz’s submission:

    (Artist: David Ruiz)
    (Artist: David Ruiz)

    Each student will be award $250 scholarships for their winning entry.

  • List of Colorado products selected in 2015 MLB Draft

    Grandview ThunderRidge baseball
    Coors Field, home of the MLB’s Colorado Rockies. (Kai Casey/CHSAANow.com)

    The 2015 MLB Draft was June 8-10. Below is a list of Colorado products selected this year.

    Last season, 23 players who played high school baseball in Colorado were taken.

    [divider]

    Draft picks

    Alumni
    RD OVR Team Name POS High School Grad College
    5 136 Arizona Ryan Burr RHP Highlands Ranch 2012 Arizona State
    9 277 Pittsburgh Bret Helton RHP Cheyenne Mountain 2012 Utah
    23 677 Colorado Steven Leonard C Palmer Ridge 2011 Campbell (N.C.)
    24 724 Cleveland Sam Haggerty 2B Mullen 2012 New Mexico
    27 820 Detroit Tyler Servais C Douglas County 2011 Princeton
    29 869 New York Mets Seth Davis LHP Mullen 2011 Augustana (Ill.)
    29 881 St. Louis Ben Yokley RHP Ralston Valley 2011 Air Force
    30 890 Minnesota Greg Popylisen CF Valor Christian 2013 El Paso CC
    33 987 San Diego Braxton Lorenzini RHP Eaglecrest 2013 West Hills (Calif.)
    35 1065 Angels Jordan Serena CF Chaparral 2011 Columbia
    2015 graduates
    RD OVR Team Name POS High School Commit
    7 220 Detroit Nick Shumpert SS Highlands Ranch Kentucky
    8 234 Philadelphia Greg Pickett OF Legend Mississippi State
    10 287 Colorado Cole Anderson CF Rocky Mountain New Mexico
    23 676 Arizona Logan Soole CF Monarch Southern Illinois
    33 977 Colorado Wyatt Cross C Legacy North Carolina
    35 1037 Colorado Ryan Madden RHP Fairview Oklahoma
    37 1097 Colorado Marc Mumper SS Mountain Vista Grand Canyon
    37 1113 New York Yankees Matt Schmidt 3B Regis Jesuit Texas
    39 1157 Colorado Brent Schwarz RHP Regis Jesuit Rice

  • All-state boys lacrosse teams for 2015 season

    Aspen's Tyler Tick, left, is the 4A player of the year. Castle View's Max Tuttle, right, is the 5A player of the year. (Photos by Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)
    Aspen’s Tyler Tick, left, is the 4A player of the year. Castle View’s Max Tuttle, right, is the 5A player of the year. (Photos by Matt Mathewes/MVPSportsPics.com)

    The 2015 all-state boys lacrosse teams honor the best players in the sport as judged by the leagues and coaches. They are presented by CHSAANow.com, ColoradoPreps.com and MaxPreps.

    These teams were created following a lengthy process which included nominations from leagues, and then a vote of coaches.

    Players and coaches of the year were also selected by a vote of the coaches.

    Go to: 5A | 4A

    [divider]

    Class 5A

    Player of the year: Max Tuttle, Castle View

    Coach of the year: Bryan Perry, Cherry Creek

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Ben Bechter Regis Jesuit A Senior
    Colton Jackson Rock Canyon M Senior
    Dylan Johnson Cherry Creek D Senior
    Michael Morean Cherry Creek M Senior
    Kyle Pless Mountain Vista LSM Senior
    Brett Quartuccio Regis Jesuit G Senior
    Joe Rassenfoss Kent Denver M Senior
    Matt Soran Regis Jesuit A Senior
    Maxwell Tennant Cherry Creek A Senior
    Max Tuttle Castle View M Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Christian Barker Mountain Vista A Senior
    Cody Bartusiak Wheat Ridge LSM/D Senior
    Caleb Espinoza Palmer G Junior
    Connor Fox Boulder A Junior
    Bryan Hancock Mountain Vista M Senior
    Keaton Komatz Heritage M Junior
    Chase Konkel Regis Jesuit M Senior
    Chad Kreuzer Monarch M Junior
    Jake Miller Columbine G Junior
    Joey Soran Regis Jesuit LSM Sophomore
    Brian Wilson Arapahoe A Senior
    Third Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Benton Adams Cherry Creek G Senior
    Zander Ellis Kent Denver A Senior
    Latrell Harris Mountain Vista D Junior
    Landon Kramer Columbine M Senior
    Lucas Leyba Columbine LSM Senior
    Alex Lippitt Kent Denver D Senior
    Colin Munro Mountain Vista A Sophomore
    Bay Sherbert Highlands Ranch M/A Senior
    Joe Timm Littleton M Senior
    Isaac Towner Eaglecrest A/M Junior


    [divider]

    Class 4A

    Player of the year: Tyler Tick, Aspen

    Coach of the year: Michael Goerne, Aspen

    First Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Chase Brown Dawson School A Senior
    Austin Bullock Ponderosa D Senior
    Ryan Fitzgerald Aspen A Senior
    Jack Griffin Ponderosa M Senior
    John Heaphey Aspen M Senior
    Arthur Kelso Aspen G/D Senior
    Steve Murray Thompson Valley D Senior
    Mitch Paige Cheyenne Mountain A Senior
    Don Provost Valor Christian A Senior
    Mitch Reddish Cheyenne Mountain LSM Senior
    Max Schram Battle Mountain G Senior
    Tyler Tick Aspen A Senior
    Second Team
    Name School Pos. Year
    Alex Aleu Dawson School M Senior
    Clayton Davis Battle Mountain A Senior
    Jackson Drapper Steamboat Springs A/M Junior
    Shawn Johnson Valor Christian G Senior
    Connor Peirce Aspen LSM/D Senior
    Gavyn Pure Dawson School A Freshman
    Jesse Rosenblatt Dawson School A Junior
    Ryan Russell Valor Christian A/M Senior
    Zachary Storm Aspen D Junior
    Kyle Sudol Dawson School M Sophomore
    Jake Thornally Air Academy A Junior
    Luke Verratti Vail Mountain A Sophomore

  • Offers continue to pile up for Fairview’s Carlo Kemp

    Fairview Monarch football
    Carlo Kemp (55) is drawing a lot of recruiting attention nationally. (Pam Wagner/CHSAANow.com)

    Fairview standout Carlo Kemp is shaping up to be the most sought-after prospect in Colorado’s Class of 2016 football players.

    On Tuesday, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Kemp added an offer from Notre Dame, according to Fairview coach Tom McCartney. It brings Kemp’s total to 13, with 10 of those from Power 5 conferences.

    Kemp, a defensive end/outside linebacker, is a consensus four-star prospect among every recruiting service, and Rivals lists him as the No. 187 prospect nationally.

    He had 61 tackles (19 for a loss) and a team-best eight sacks as a junior last season — along with causing five fumbles.

    “I’ve had athletes go Division I, but none of them have been like this,” said McCartney, who has been at Fairview for 22 years. “Craig Ochs, when he did it, he had some really intriguing ones — he had Georgia, Arizona, CU. So he had some across the country a little bit. But his were kind of late, though. They started the summer of his senior year.

    “For Carlo, sophomore year, he started getting (offers). And now, he’s got at least a dozen Power 5 type of schools interested.”

    Among Kemp’s offers: Arizona State, Boise State, Michigan, Nebraska, UCLA, Washington and Wisconsin. Colorado and Colorado State have also offered.

    Others remain interested, too. Ohio State, Oregon and Stanford have all been out to see him or been in contact “multiple times,” McCartney said, but have yet to offer.

    “He’s been intrigued by those three to see if it comes to fruition,” McCartney said.

    But Kemp isn’t only looking at out-of-state offers.

    “The local ones are awesome,” McCartney said, “because he loves close to home, too.”

    McCartney said Kemp is considering graduating a semester early to enroll in college in January 2016 so that he can participate in spring practice — wherever that may be.