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 III (Non-Select), where #1 Sterlington and #2 Erath are set to collide in a showdown with everything on the line. The Panthers and Bobcats 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 III (NON-SELECT) STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES PREVIEW

The Division III (Non-Select) State Championship series features two hungry, motivated teams aiming to bring a title home to their communities — it’s #1 Sterlington vs. #2 Erath. The Panthers are looking to reclaim the crown for the first time since 2021, while Erath is making its first-ever state championship appearance in school history. For both programs, and especially their senior classes, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Sterlington Panthers

The last time Sterlington won a state title, this year’s seniors were in eighth grade. Now, with one final opportunity, they’re determined to leave their mark. After falling just short in last year’s championship game against South Beauregard, Head Coach Mark Sims and the Panthers are back with unfinished business — and one of the most explosive offenses in Division III.

It all starts with their trio of stars: senior Travis Adams, junior Miller Sheets, and sophomore Devyn Downs. Adams, a Louisiana-Monroe signee, possesses some of the loudest power in the state, with 13 home runs to lead the team. Sheets — a former Future Gamer and Baylor commit — has been one of Louisiana’s most productive hitters all spring, posting a team-best 63 hits with 22 doubles, 4 homers, 2 triples, 52 RBIs, and 54 runs scored. He also anchors the defense at shortstop as the unquestioned leader of the team.

 

Downs, committed to LSU, adds another dynamic threat in the heart of the order. Hitting over .350, he’s delivered 4 home runs, 14 doubles, and 36 RBIs while scoring 55 runs. But the firepower doesn’t stop there. Seniors Brody Belanger (Northwestern State) and Dylan Downs (Arkansas-Monticello), along with juniors Tre Burch, Corbin Peacock, and Conner Justice, round out a deep, balanced lineup with no easy outs.

 

On the mound, Sterlington has been steady behind junior Landon Johnson and senior Dylan Downs. Johnson has been outstanding, with his only loss coming in the quarterfinals despite allowing zero earned runs over 7 innings. Downs, the veteran of the group, came up big once again in last weekend’s Game 3 semifinal against Westlake, tossing 5 strong innings with only 2 earned runs allowed. Sophomore J Rob Breen, who started Game 2 of that series, and Devyn Downs — whose fastball touches the low 90s — add even more depth to a battle-tested staff.

Erath Bobcats

For Head Coach Jeremy Picard, this senior class has been special from the start. And now, in their final season, they’ve led the Bobcats to uncharted territory — the school’s first-ever state title appearance. But don’t expect Erath to be content with just getting here. They’re locked in on finishing the job.

It starts on the mound, where senior ace Seth Leger has been the go-to arm in big moments for the last four years. The LSU-Alexandria commit doesn’t overpower hitters, but he beats them with elite command and the ability to throw three pitches for strikes in any count. He set the tone in the semifinals with a complete-game win over South Beauregard. Behind him, senior Hudson Guidry and junior Talan Landry have stepped up in key moments. Guidry threw 3.1 innings of solid relief in the semis, while Landry was lights-out in the quarterfinals with a complete-game shutout to close out Jena.

 

Offensively, Leger plays just as big a role at the plate, anchoring the middle of the order as the Bobcats' three-hole hitter. Senior Brennan Broussard, the team’s catcher, brings leadership and clutch hitting to the lineup. Junior Jack Landry has emerged as a dependable outfielder and offensive weapon after breaking into the lineup this year. Junior Landon Lemaire — back from injury — has lived up to Coach Picard’s expectations as a breakout performer.

 

Senior Braxton Richard also stepped up in a big way in the semifinals, hitting .400 across the two games. The Bobcats get a boost from their youth as well, with sophomores Landen Derouen and Carter Champagne holding down the middle infield. Derouen, who hit over .300 as a freshman, continues to contribute at the plate and in the field, while Champagne has evolved into a two-way threat and versatile defender.

 
This week’s matchup is more than just a battle between the top two seeds — it’s a clash of legacy and first-time opportunity. Sterlington’s senior class is chasing a title to bookend their high school journey, while Erath’s seniors are looking to bring home the school’s first championship trophy.

Will the Panthers finish the job they started last season and raise the trophy once again? Or will the Bobcats make history and complete a Cinderella run for the ages?

We’ll find out soon — first pitch is set for later this week at McMurry Park in Sulphur, LA. One thing’s for certain: this is a series Louisiana high school baseball fans won’t want to miss.

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DIVISION III (NON-SELECT) STATE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

-Game 1

Date: Thursday May 15, 2025

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

Time: 11 AM

Home Team: #1 Sterlington

Away Team: #2 Erath

-Game 2

Date: Friday May 16, 2025

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

Time: 11 AM

Home Team: #2 Erath

Away Team: #1 Sterlington

-Game 3 (if necessary)

Date: Saturday May 17, 2025

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

Time: 11 AM

Home Team: #1 Sterlington

Away Team: #2 Erath

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