A Season of Firsts and Upsets
As the Colorado high school baseball season approaches its climax, the state championship schedule is set to crown champions across three divisions within days of each other. The Final Four in Class 1A will be decided on May 14, while the 2A and 3A title games are slated for May 30, creating a rapid succession of finals that underscores the compressed timeline created by the RPI and MaxPreps rankings.
In Class 1A, the Final Four features Flatirons Academy, Nucla, Merino and Akron, each bringing distinct storylines. Flatirons Academy enters as the top seed with a 17‑3 record and is chasing its first ever boys baseball title, a milestone that would cap a remarkable season. Nucla, the fifth seed, has rattled off four straight wins, while Merino, seeded sixth, pulled off a rain‑delayed 18‑16 upset over No. 3 Haxtun. Akron, the seventh seed, arrives as the reigning champion, hoping to add another trophy to its résumé.
Flatirons Academy’s quest is particularly poignant because the school has never captured a boys state title in any sport, making the baseball final a historic opportunity. Coach Braxton Kelley’s squad has blended solid pitching with a potent lineup, and the team hopes to translate that momentum into a championship game on May 14.
Nucla’s recent surge adds another layer of intrigue. The team’s only previous state baseball championship came in 2017, and the current run has reignited community excitement. Players such as Caleb Doughty and Dillon Sauer have stepped up in key moments, and the squad’s defensive consistency has been a hallmark of their recent victories.
Merino, despite being the sixth seed, has shown it can compete with the best. After a nail‑biting win over Haxtun, the team added to its title pedigree, having captured championships in 2022 and 2024. The experience of players like Owen Tackett and Jax Kusel could prove decisive as they aim to extend their dynasty.
Akron, the defending champion, brings a calm confidence to the tournament. The team’s lone baseball title arrived last year, and the current roster, featuring standout hitters such as Bryce Love, will look to repeat history. Their path to the final will likely involve a showdown with either Flatirons or Merino.
The 2A and 3A brackets also promise drama. In 2A, Forge Christian sits atop the rankings at 21‑2, while the No. 9 seed Peyton will meet No. 24 Ignacio on May 16. Peyton’s top hitter, Bryce Love, boasts a .727 average, but Ignacio has never reached a state final, adding a potential upset narrative. In 3A, Alamosa, the No. 12 seed, will face No. 21 Kent Denver on the same day. Alamosa has a storied history with 28 boys state championships across sports, yet none have come in baseball, while Kent Denver, with 43 total boys titles and a 1993 baseball crown, seeks to add another chapter.
Both 2A and 3A state championship games are scheduled for May 30, completing a whirlwind week of finals that began with the 1A title game on May 14. The rapid succession of contests underscores the compressed timeline created by the RPI and MaxPreps rankings, which determined the 32‑team regional fields for each classification.
Beyond the on‑field action, the tournaments highlight the breadth of talent across Colorado’s high school baseball landscape. From the Front Range to the Western Slope, teams have navigated a season of challenges, including weather‑related delays and rigorous scheduling, to earn their places in the final stages.
Fans can expect a blend of tradition and novelty as the state looks to crown new champions while honoring past achievements. Whether it is Flatirons Academy’s first title, Nucla’s quest for a second crown, or a historic upset in the lower classifications, the upcoming games are poised to become part of Colorado baseball lore.