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 I (Non-Select), where #1 Live Oak and #11 Sam Houston are set to collide in a showdown with everything on the line. The Eagles and Broncos 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 I (NON-SELECT) STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES PREVIEW

This year’s Division I (Non-Select) State Championship has all the ingredients to be one of the most memorable title matchups Louisiana has ever seen — and for good reason. For the first time, the championship will be decided in a best-of-three series, bringing a new level of strategy and intensity to McMurry Park in Sulphur, LA. Add in two programs with contrasting paths — top-seeded Live Oak and red-hot #11 seed Sam Houston — and you’ve got the recipe for an instant classic.

Live Oak has held the No. 1 ranking for much of the spring and enters the final weekend with a 32-6 record. Meanwhile, Sam Houston endured a tough end to the regular season but has flipped the switch in the playoffs, catching fire at the perfect time. Another compelling storyline is the familiarity between the two head coaches. Live Oak’s Jesse Cassard and Sam Houston’s Chad Hebert share history, having coached together at both Barbe and Zachary. When the lights turn on Thursday night, expect a chess match between two respected baseball minds.

Live Oak Eagles

From start to finish, Live Oak has looked like one of the most dominant teams in Louisiana. Head Coach Jesse Cassard said before the season that this group could be one of the most athletic and talented rosters he’s ever coached — even comparing them to the 2006 Barbe team that won a state title when he was an assistant. That belief has held strong, especially after a fall filled with dedication in the weight room that’s translated to the field all spring.

The pitching staff has been outstanding, led by senior ace Sawyer Pruitt. The Louisiana-Lafayette signee has been dominant all year and was lights out in his semifinal start, tossing a complete-game shutout with 11 strikeouts against Benton. Pruitt gets into the low 90s with his fastball and pairs it with a sharp slider in the upper 70s and a solid low 80s changeup.

 

Behind him, junior left-hander Zant Gurney has stepped up in a big way during the playoffs, winning his last two starts with just one earned run allowed across 13.2 innings. Senior Jace Griffin, a Baton Rouge Community College signee, could take the ball in a potential Game 3 after a strong outing against Northshore in the quarterfinals. Senior Trevor Hodges, now the go-to bullpen arm after returning from a late-season injury, hasn’t allowed an earned run in 3.1 playoff innings and brings late-game stability.

Offensively, the Eagles are experienced and dangerous. Senior leadoff man Cooper Smith (Louisiana Tech) is one of the hottest hitters in the state and has delivered clutch moment after clutch moment — including walk-off home runs to win both the district title and the quarterfinal series. Senior Cam Washington sets the table from the two-hole with a contact-oriented approach and sneaky bunt ability, while senior Cal Cassard (BPCC) and senior Brock Davis (Northwestern State) provide timely hitting in the middle of the lineup.

 

Griffin and senior Brayden Allen have been productive in the bottom half of the order and key to flipping the lineup. Allen has also shined defensively at shortstop. Sophomore center fielder Dekohta Jones, one of the top 2027's in the state, adds game-changing speed and athleticism to an already potent group.

Sam Houston Broncos

Sam Houston’s last state title appearance came in 2019, and they’ve been knocking on the door ever since. This year, they've kicked that door wide open. Their playoff run has been nothing short of remarkable — sweeping defending state champion West Monroe on the road before taking down district rival Barbe in the semifinals.

Pitching has powered the Broncos through the postseason. Sophomore Owen Galley and senior Cole Flanagan form a lethal one-two punch. Galley, a former Jr. Future Gamer, has been stellar in high-leverage moments. Against Barbe in the semifinals, he fired a complete game, allowing just three hits and one earned run. He commands an 85-87 mph fastball that can reach 89-90 mph, along with a tight mid 70s slider and a fading upper 70s changeup.

 

Flanagan, a Louisiana-Lafayette signee and former Future Gamer, missed all of last season with injury but has come back stronger than ever. Over his last two playoff starts, he’s thrown 14 scoreless innings with just one walk and 13 strikeouts. He commands a 85-89 mph fastball and complements it with a big-breaking low 70s curveball and a swing-and-miss upper 70s changeup.

 

At the plate, the Broncos are anchored by senior catcher Connor Walker (McNeese State), one of the top defenders in the state who also hits out of the leadoff spot. Senior Ashton Bultron (Belhaven College) has added thunder to the lineup with eight homers this season, including a big one in Game 1 of the semifinals. Senior shortstop Haden Peshoff has been consistent on both sides of the ball, while juniors Carson Christ and Charlie Donaldson continue to be steady contributors. Christ grinds out quality at-bats, and Donaldson’s speed gives the Broncos a dynamic presence in center field.

Here’s another look at the solo home run from @BelhavenBSB recruit ‘25 Ashton Bultron (Sam Houston HS) in the top of the 1st that gave Sam Houston a 1-0 lead. #BeSeen@AlexArmandPBR https://t.co/BYVCbRA7KZ pic.twitter.com/l1nrfNvUHT

— Prep Baseball Louisiana (@PrepBaseballLA) May 9, 2025

A couple of freshmen have also stepped up for Coach Hebert’s squad, most notably third baseman Grant Oustalet. Since earning the everyday job, Oustalet has made key defensive plays and shown poise well beyond his years.

Final Thoughts

Everything has built to this — #1 Live Oak vs. #11 Sam Houston for the Division I (Non-Select) State Championship. Both teams are loaded with talent, led by experienced head coaches who know each other inside and out. Both have dominant arms on the mound, reliable backstops, and athletic offenses.

Will Coach Jesse Cassard ride off into the sunset with a title in his final season at the helm of Live Oak? Or will Coach Chad Hebert bring a championship back to his alma mater and deliver Sam Houston its first Division I (Non-Select) crown?

No matter the outcome, this series promises to deliver high drama, top-tier talent, and unforgettable moments. Louisiana high school baseball fans — get ready for a showdown you won’t want to miss.

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DIVISION I (NON-SELECT) STATE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

-Game 1

Date: Thursday May 15, 2025

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

Time: 5:30 PM

Home Team: #1 Live Oak

Away Team: #11 Sam Houston

-Game 2

Date: Friday May 16, 2025

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

Time: 5:30 PM

Home Team: #11 Sam Houston

Away Team: #1 Live Oak

-Game 3 (if necessary)

Date: Saturday May 17, 2025

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

Time: 5:30 PM

Home Team: #1 Live Oak

Away Team: #11 Sam Houston

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