Just like that, the 2025 Louisiana high school baseball season is down to its final chapter. What began back in January with dreams and determination has now led to the biggest stage in the Bayou State — the LHSAA State Tournament in Sulphur, LA. McMurry Park will be the epicenter of Louisiana baseball this week, as communities rally behind their teams in pursuit of championship glory.

All eyes will be on Division II (Non-Select), where #1 Brusly and #2 North DeSoto are set to collide in a showdown with everything on the line. The Panthers and Griffins have scratched and clawed their way through the postseason gauntlet, and now just one series — a best-of-three starting Thursday, May 15, 2025 — stands between them and the State Title. Strap in, because this one has all the makings of a classic. Make sure to follow us on all social platforms for nonstop coverage of the 2025 LHSAA State Tournament!

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DIVISION II (NON-SELECT) STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES PREVIEW

The Division II (Non-Select) playoffs were tough to project when the brackets were first released, but after a few wild weeks of action, the top two seeds have held their ground. #1 Brusly and #2 North DeSoto will square off this week in Sulphur with a state championship on the line. Both programs are filled with experienced upperclassmen, yet neither was part of last year’s LHSAA State Tournament — setting up an intriguing showdown to see who can best handle the pressure of the big stage at McMurry Park.

Brusly Panthers

After knocking on the door the last few years, Brusly has finally broken through in 2025. Head Coach Jason Lemoine’s squad returned seven starters from last season’s team and came into the spring with high expectations — expectations they’ve now fully lived up to.

On the mound, the Panthers are deep and battle-tested. Junior RHP Brayden Ray has gotten the ball in both Game 1s during Brusly’s playoff run and has delivered each time, throwing complete games against North Vermilion and West Ouachita while allowing just two earned runs across 14 innings. Fellow junior Aubrey St. Angelo, a Nicholls State commit, has also been sharp in the postseason, logging 11 innings and giving up only two earned runs with seven strikeouts over his two starts.

 

The Brusly offense erupted in the semifinals, piling up 26 runs in two games against West Ouachita. St. Angelo led the way at the plate, going 3-for-7 with two home runs — including a grand slam — and five RBIs. Senior leadoff man Aiden Washington (Mississippi College) also went 3-for-7 with a homer and three RBIs, while fellow senior Drew Daigle (Holmes CC) matched that production with a home run and five RBIs of his own.

 

Last year’s early exit in the second round served as fuel for this group, and it’s clear they’ve been on a mission ever since. Now, they’re just two wins away from capturing their first state title since in nearly 50 years.

North DeSoto Griffins

North DeSoto’s path to Sulphur has been far less straightforward, but perhaps more battle-hardened. The Griffins needed three games to get past both West Feliciana and defending champion Lutcher, with all six playoff games decided by three runs or fewer. If there’s one thing you can say about this North DeSoto squad — it’s that they’re tested and tough.

Junior Braden Jones has taken the ball in each Game 1 of the playoffs and will likely do so again against Brusly. An athletic right-hander with a fastball up to the upper 80s and a feel for spinning a mid-70s breaking ball, Jones brings both stuff and competitiveness. Behind him is junior Luke Delafield — also the team’s starting quarterback — who’s played a key two-way role throughout the spring. Should the series reach a decisive Game 3, senior Bryant Lacour gives the Griffins a strong option after tossing a complete game and allowing just one earned run to eliminate Lutcher in the semifinals.

 

At the plate, North DeSoto features a balanced, impactful lineup. Senior Reni Mason has been one of Louisiana’s premier power threats this spring, slugging 14 home runs and driving in over 50 runs. Jones, Delafield, and Lacour all contribute heavily on offense as well, while senior Brayden Toothman serves as the table-setter at the top of the order with veteran leadership and consistent at-bats.

 
It’s #1 Brusly vs. #2 North DeSoto in a can’t-miss clash for the Division II (Non-Select) State Championship. Will Brusly avenge last season’s early exit and complete their storybook run, or will North DeSoto bring home the program’s second state title and first since 2012?

We’ll find out starting Thursday afternoon at McMurry Park in Sulphur.

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DIVISION II (NON-SELECT) STATE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

-Game 1

Date: Thursday May 15, 2025

Location: McMurry Park - Sulphur, LA (Field 41)

Time: 2 PM

Home Team: #1 Brusly

Away Team: #2 North DeSoto

-Game 2

Date: Friday May 16, 2025

Location: McMurry Park - Sulphur, LA (Field 41)

Time: 2 PM

Home Team: #2 North DeSoto

Away Team: #1 Brusly

-Game 3 (if necessary)

Date: Saturday May 17, 2025

Location: McMurry Park - Sulphur, LA (Field 41)

Time: 2 PM

Home Team: #1 Brusly

Away Team: #3 Brother Martin

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