The time is now for prep baseball teams in Class 3A, 2A and 1A with postseason aspirations to start playing like they are postseason worthy.

The spring season is heating up and here are some players who are shining in the spotlight and samples of games to digest that will help shape the all-important Selection and Seeding Index.

LAMAR GETTING HOT AT RIGHT TIME: The Lamar High School baseball team has had a storied history with seven state baseball titles on their resumé and former MLB alums like pitchers Doug Brocail, Scott Elarton and Mike Thompson.

Lamar last won the state baseball crown in 1999 and is making some waves this season in the 3A ranks. The Thunder is sporting a 9-3 overall record, winning six of their last seven games.

Lamar is led offensively by Cael Buxton who has a .542 batting average with 14 RBIs. Alex Aguilar is chipping in a .500 clip at the plate with four home runs and 21 RBIs. The Thunder will try and keep things rolling when it takes on Manitou Springs at 2:30 p.m. in a doubleheader.

SWINK LIONS KEEPING THEIR ROAR: The Swink Lions have had a steady roar this season in 2A. The Lions have a solid 8-5 record and are playing well as the season kicks into overdrive.

Offensively, Landon Mills (.571), Nate Cabrera (.512) and Nick Paolucci (.488). On the mound, Paolucci has a 3-1 record with a 2.96 ERA.

After losing three games in a row – two to Limon and one to Fowler – Swink bounced back to win four of its last five games.

The Lions will look to stay hot when they entertain Manzanola (2-8) on 4 p.m., Thursday.

DO NOT SLEEP ON OTIS: The Otis Bulldogs do not have a storied baseball history. Otis has won just one state championship in the sport and that was way, way back in 1966.

This season Otis is having a strong season posting an 11-3 record and is the Top 10 in the RPI rankings.

After getting swept in a doubleheader by Haxtun on April 5, Otis has tried to get back on the right track with a win over Weldon Valley (21-1), and McClave (19-8) in eight innings sandwiched between a loss to Merino.

Now, Otis will take on Wiley (3-10-1) in a 3 p.m., doubleheader on Thursday.

The Bulldogs have been fueled by Gavin Price (.472), Paxtun Davis (.450) and Mitchell Stivers (.385).

Class 3A

Florence (6-5) at Woodland Park (10-1), 11 a.m., (DH), Saturday

Florence has been reeling losing five of its last six games, including an 18-8 decision to Custer County on Wednesday.

The Huskies will try and rebound against a solid Woodland Park squad. Florence is paced offensively by Finn Phillips (.586), Elijah Plucinski (.571) and Shane Harvey (.524).

WP claimed a narrow 6-5 lead over SkyView Academy on Wednesday. Cody Becker had four hits in the win and Link Bryden knocked in two runs. Becker and Bryden are leading the team with .562 and .519 batting averages. Becker also is sporting a 4-0 record on the mound.

Class 2A

Front Range Christian (6-5) at Dayspring Christian Academy (10-2), 5 p.m., Thursday

Front Range Christian is trying to move up in the RPI rankings and what better way that upset top-seeded Dayspring Christian.

FRC has won four of its last five games and has scored 87 runs this season. Haedan Morton (.528) and Nate McInturff (.481) are leading the way offensively for FRC. Dayspring, after a 6-2 loss to Forge Christian on April 14, bounced back to beat Flatirons Academy (3-2). Josiah Rodriguez (.459) and Gage Davis (.400) are providing the offensive punch for Dayspring.

Class 1A

Flatirons Academy (9-3) at Simla (6-4), 11 a.m., Saturday

Flatirons Academy is in the Top 5 in the RPI rankings and will look to get its season straightened out after losing three of four games from April 8 to April 15. Flatirons, which does face Denver Academy (2-3) on Thursday before meeting Simla – will look to get an offense spark from Caleb Doughty (.486), Connor Odell (.478) and Dillon Sauer (.458).

Simla is fueled by Ethan Kissam (.429) and Wyatt Stanko (.393). Simla snapped a two-game losing streak with a 16-0 victory over Custer County on Tuesday.