The 2026 high school baseball season is right around the corner, and as always, excitement is building across the Bayou State. Programs from every corner of Louisiana have been hard at work this offseason—honing skills, building chemistry, and setting their sights on a return trip to Sulphur for the LHSAA State Championships. As is tradition, the state is once again loaded with talent, from seasoned veterans to rising underclassmen ready to make their mark.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll take an in-depth look at teams from every region as part of our comprehensive season preview series. These previews will lead right up to Opening Day, followed by the release of our Power 25 Rankings and the return of our always-popular Game of the Week feature.

Throughout the spring, Prep Baseball Louisiana will continue to be your one-stop source for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Be sure to check back weekly for our Player and Pitcher of the Week honors, updated Power 25 Rankings, and plenty of additional coverage highlighting the stories, performances, and programs that make Louisiana baseball special.

*Please note that all information is based on team preview questionnaires that were sent out and returned by the participating high school coaches.  If you have not received a questionnaire and would like to fill one out, please email State Director Alex Armand at [email protected]

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High School Name: Acadiana Renaissance Charter

Head Coach: Andrew Madden

Classification: Class 3A (Select Division II)

District: 5-3A

2025 Record: 25-10

2025 Playoff Finish: State Quarterfinalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 8

No. of Returning Pitchers: 4

Team Strengths: Strike Throwing, Defense, & Cohesiveness

Top Upperclassmen (2026 & 2027 Class): 2026 LHP/INF Beau Cormier, 2026 SS Keegan Handschin, 2026 OF Spencer Glaiser, 2026 UTL/C Micah Porche, 2027 LHP/OF Sebastian Rideaux, 2027 RHP/INF Jackson Kretzer, 2027 RHP/C/UTL Vance Laborde, 2027 RHP Cole Schexnaider, 2027 OF Carter Mackay, 2027 LHP Jude Norris 

Top Underclassmen (2028 & 2029 Class): 2028 OF Michael Batiste Jr, 2028 C/UTL Liam Branch, 2028 C/UTL Blayden Mitchell, 2028 RHP Jeff Daugereaux, 2029 LHP Eli Dustin, 2029 UTL Paxton Rideaux

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Team Preview

The Eagles enter 2026 coming off another strong postseason run and do so with a roster built on continuity, baseball IQ, and defensive reliability. While Head Coach Andrew Madden was a late hire, the foundation has been firmly established thanks to the work of former Head Coach Tyler Jensen. Now, the focus shifts to taking the next step as a program in what will be Acadiana Renaissance’s final season in Class 3A before moving up in classification.

Team Strengths

-Strike Throwing: Multiple arms capable of filling up the zone and working efficiently.

-Defense First Identity: Strong defenders across the diamond with a high collective baseball IQ.

-Continuity & Chemistry: A core group that has played together for several years and understands how to win games.

Team Weaknesses

-Velocity: The staff lacks a true power arm, placing an emphasis on command, pitchability, and execution.

Top Returning Players

-Junior LHP/OF Sebastian Rideaux

Plus defender and the staff’s top arm. Not a high-velocity guy, but a true four-pitch left-hander with an excellent changeup and advanced feel for pitching.

 

-Senior LHP/INF Beau Cormier

Reliable defender with a solid bat. Added strength this offseason has translated to gains on both sides of the ball.
Keegan Handschin (2026 SS, Switch-Hitter): One of the top infield defenders in the Acadiana area. Slated to lead off and positioned for a breakout senior season.

-Junior RHP/INF Jackson Kretzer

Strong defender with middle-of-the-order potential. Impact upside both at the plate and on the mound.

-Junior RHP/C/UTL Vance Laborde

Primary catcher who will also contribute on the mound. Extremely high baseball IQ, does the little things right, and serves as a tone-setter and leader.

 

-Senior OF Spencer Glaiser

Headsy, reliable defender who flashed some power last spring and looks to build on that production as a senior.

-Junior RHP Cole Schexnaider

Hardest thrower on the roster and a potential front-end arm. Health will be key, but the upside is significant if he can log innings.

 

-Sophomore OF Michael Batiste Jr.

High-upside guy who hit over .300 against quality competition last season as a freshman. Athletic profile points to future impact on the mound as well, with long-term power arm potential.

 

Underclassmen to Keep an Eye On

-Sophomore C/UTL Liam Branch

Big, strong backstop with a raw skill set and an elite throwing arm.

-Sophomore C/UTL Blayden Mitchell

Athletic left-handed hitter with defensive versatility across the field.

-Sophomore RHP Jeff Daugereaux

6-foot-8 right-hander with major projection. Still adjusting to a rapidly growing frame, but could earn varsity innings.
Eli Dustin (2029 LHP): Already throws three pitches for strikes with good control. Strong-bodied lefty with future velocity upside.

-Freshman UTL Paxton Rideaux

Catch-and-throw skills stand out, but can play multiple positions. Developing athlete with a high motor and an advanced bat for his age.

Outlook

Acadiana Renaissance is built to make noise in 2026. The program has grown rapidly—from its early beginnings to now fielding three teams with more than 40 players—and continues to trend upward. While there may be some growing pains, the overall skill level and maturity of the roster suggest a team ready to make a statement.

The Eagles will be tested early with a challenging schedule that includes matchups against quality programs like Rayne High School, Pineville High School, and Lafayette High School. Those early games should provide a clear barometer for where the program stands.

If Acadiana Renaissance continues to defend at a high level and pound the strike zone as it has in recent seasons, the offense—now older and more physically mature—has the potential to take a significant step forward. With the move to Class 4A and eventually 5A on the horizon, this season represents a pivotal moment for the Eagles as they aim to finish their 3A run with purpose and momentum.

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Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
Louisiana Top Prospect Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only)	6/16/26	University of New Orleans (New Orleans, LA)
Louisiana Top Prospect Games: Underclass (Invite-Only)	6/23/26	University of Louisiana-Lafayette (Lafayette, LA)
New Orleans Summer ID	6/30/26	Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)