Palisade High Baseball Eyes State Tournament Return

Veteran Bulldogs squad looks to build on last year's semifinal appearance

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:13am

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Palisade High School's baseball team is poised for another strong season, returning the majority of its offensive firepower from last year's semifinal run in the Class 4A state tournament. Led by a talented senior class, the Bulldogs are focused on team chemistry and leadership as they aim to make another deep postseason push.

Why it matters

Palisade has established itself as a consistent contender in Colorado high school baseball, and the community has high expectations for the Bulldogs to compete for a state championship this spring. The team's blend of veteran experience and emerging young talent makes them a team to watch in the Southwestern League and beyond.

The details

Palisade's senior-laden roster is headlined by standouts like Kian Kinslow, Dylon Larson, and Hunter Howard. Larson, the team's leading hitter last season with a .526 batting average, has already hit a home run this year, as have Kinslow and Will Seriani. On the mound, the Bulldogs will lean on Danyel Ishida-Farmer, who led the team in innings pitched and ERA as a junior. Coach Nate Porter emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and senior leadership as keys to the Bulldogs' success.

  • Palisade High School baseball team finished second in the Southwestern League and reached the semifinals of the Class 4A state tournament in 2025.
  • The Bulldogs have started the 2026 season with a 3-0 record.

The players

Palisade High School baseball team

A consistent contender in Colorado high school baseball, the Palisade Bulldogs are coming off a successful 2025 season and have high expectations for 2026.

Kian Kinslow

A senior leader for the Bulldogs, Kinslow led the team with six home runs as a junior and is expected to provide significant offensive contributions this season.

Dylon Larson

The Bulldogs' leading hitter in 2025 with a .526 batting average, Larson is one of Palisade's key returning seniors.

Hunter Howard

A senior who has seamlessly transitioned from basketball to baseball, Howard recently hit a three-run home run in a win over Ponderosa.

Danyel Ishida-Farmer

The Bulldogs' top pitcher in 2025, Ishida-Farmer is poised to take on an even larger role on the mound this season.

Nate Porter

The head coach of the Palisade High School baseball team, Porter emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and senior leadership.

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What they’re saying

“They're gonna play, they can all play, they're all good ballplayers, so the only two things I'm looking for are chemistry and leadership.”

— Nate Porter, Head Coach

“We've been playing together since freshman year…it's pretty cool to be with your boys the whole time.”

— Dylon Larson, Senior

“We do want to go out in a way that's going to be remembered…ending our senior year at state.”

— Hunter Howard, Senior

What’s next

The Bulldogs will look to continue their strong start to the season as they compete in the Southwestern League and work towards a return to the Class 4A state tournament.

The takeaway

Palisade High School's baseball team has the talent, experience, and team chemistry to make a deep postseason run this spring. The Bulldogs' blend of veteran leadership and emerging young stars makes them a team to watch in Colorado high school baseball.