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: Family Christian Academy

Head Coach: Jon Bolton

Classification: Class C

District: 7-C

2025 Record: 17-15

2025 Playoff Finish: State Semifinalist

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 7

No. of Returning Pitchers: 3

Team Strengths: Experienced Lineup & Pitching Depth

Top Upperclassmen (2026 & 2027 Class): 2026 RHP/UTL Sam Stewart, 2026 CF Brian Washington, 2027 SS Devyn Baker Jr, 2027 OF/RHP Parker Ruckman, 2027 RHP/DH Richard Pallotta, 2027 1B Terrance Kilbourne Jr.

Top Underclassmen (2028 & 2029 Class): 2029 C Tayden Wheeler, 2029 RHP/2B Ethan McDowell, 2029 RHP Cameron Griffin

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Team Preview

The Flames enter 2026 coming off a deep postseason run and return one of the more experienced rosters they’ve had in recent years. With a veteran lineup and quality pitching depth, Family Christian Academy is positioned to contend again in Class C, provided they can tighten things defensively and establish a reliable top-of-the-rotation presence.

Team Strengths

-Experienced Lineup: Multiple everyday starters with years of varsity reps, many dating back to middle school.

-Pitching Depth: Several arms capable of handling meaningful innings, giving FCA flexibility throughout the season.

Areas for Improvement

-Defensive Consistency: Limiting mistakes will be key in close games and postseason play.

-Top-End Pitching: Depth is solid, but identifying a true go-to arm in big moments will elevate the ceiling.

Top Returning Players

-Senior RHP/UTL Sam Stewart

A cornerstone of the roster and proven winner. Stewart went 10–3 with a 3.09 ERA over 63.1 IP, punching out 83 hitters. He’s just as impactful offensively, hitting .395 with a .582 OBP, 29 RBI, and 18 SB. A returning LBCA and LSWA All-State selection, Stewart sets the tone on both sides of the ball.

-Junior SS Devyn Baker Jr.

The engine of the offense and a dynamic presence up the middle. Baker Jr. hit .378 with a .553 OBP, added seven doubles, drove in 22 runs, and swiped 25 bags. The reigning LBCA Class C Hitter of the Year, he brings elite on-base skills, speed, and leadership.

-Junior OF/RHP Parker Ruckman

A true two-way contributor who impacts the game in multiple phases. Ruckman posted a .364 average with extra-base pop (3 2B, 2 3B), 37 RBI, and 18 SB, while also logging 27.1 IP with 23 K and two saves. A returning LBCA All-State pick with versatility and toughness.

Upperclassmen Ready to Make an Impact

-Junior 1B Terrance Kilbourne

Physical presence with run-producing upside in the middle of the order.

-Senior CF Brian Washington

Athletic defender with range in the outfield and speed that plays on the bases.

-Junior RHP/DH Richard Pallotta

Adds depth on the mound and provides a capable bat.

Underclassmen to Watch

-Freshman C Tayden Wheeler

Young backstop with tools and maturity beyond his years.

-Freshman RHP/2B Ethan McDowell

Two-way freshman with upside and competitive makeup.

-Freshman RHP Cameron Griffin

Developing arm to monitor as the season progresses.
 
Outlook

Family Christian Academy is built to take another step forward. With a core that includes multiple All-State performers, a lineup heavy on experience, and pitching depth to navigate a long season, the Flames have the pieces to make another deep postseason run. As the season unfolds—and with seven players also contributing on the basketball court—this group should continue to improve. If the defense sharpens and a frontline arm emerges, FCA will be a legitimate threat to challenge for a Class C state championship in 2026.

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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)